08212006 - Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Floyd - Kent County

On August 21, 2006 the State of Michigan Attorney Discipline Board suspended Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Floyd for 30 days, for his assault and battery conviction [May 23, 2003 altercation with ex-wife].




ALSO SEE:


Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Floyd. May 23, 2007: Assault and battery; aggravated stalking charges.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2003/10/october-22-2003-assistant-prosecutor.html


Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Floyd. October 2003: Jailed for 7 days.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2003/10/assistant-prosecutor-kevin-floyd-kent.html


Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Floyd. February 27, 2004: Pretrial release revocation hearing for failure to pay electronic tether fees.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/02/assistant-prosecutor-kevin-floyd-kent.html


Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Floyd. July 12, 2005: Violation of probation.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2005/07/assistant-prosecutor-kevin-floyd-kent.html


Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Floyd. December 30, 2005: Criminal contempt in civil case / divorce case.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2005/12/assistant-prosecutor-kevin-floyd-kent.html


Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Floyd. May 31, 2007: Attempted to appeal May 10, 2007, parenting time ruling.

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/05/assistant-prosecutor-kevin-floyd-kent.html

08162006 - Detective Guy Picketts Jr - Calhoun County SD

Also See:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/12/officer-doug-graham-battle-creek-pd.html


An OIDV victim's horror story at the hands of Detective Guy Picketts Jr. [Calhoun SD]

-December 16, 2004: Dispatcher Sonte Rounda Everson [Battle Creek PD] was sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend, Officer Doug Graham [also of the Battle Creek PD]. However, Sonte was afraid to report the incident, and did not report it for almost a year and only at the urging of her counselor.

-September 2005: Dispatcher Everson reported the December assault to Detective Guy Picketts Jr. [Calhoun SD], who failed to properly investigate her complaint.

-August 16, 2006: Everson filed a complaint against Detective Picketts for his failure to properly investigate her complaint regarding the assault she endured at the hands of her ex-boyfriend Officer Doug Graham [Battle Creek PD] on December 16, 2004.

-August 22, 2006: Detective Picketts had Everson charged and arrested for filing a false police report [December 16, 2004 assault].

-May 2007: At a court hearing, the charges for filing a false police report against Everson were dropped.

-May 2007: As Everson was leaving the courthouse from having the charges dropped, Detective Pickett had her re-charged and re-arrested on new charges for filing a false police report.

-February 2008: Charges of filing a false police report were once again dismissed against Everson.

-August 12, 2012: Everson won a $1,000,000 lawsuit for the retaliation she was subjected to at the hands of Detective Guy Picketts.



"This has been a long ordeal. To survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, know that you have the right to stand up for your life, no matter who the perpetrator is. Justice will eventually prevail." Sonte Rolina Everson.

           







Linda Everson, Named As "Linda (Sonte) Everson," Aka Sonte v. Calhoun County, et al
http://www.law.com/jsp/decision_friendly.jsp?id=1202489051659
6th Cir.
01-24-2011
Cole, Circuit Judge.
09-2183
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FULL-TEXT PUBLICATION
File Name: 11a0053n.06
BEFORE: BOGGS, COLE, and CLAY, Circuit Judges.

OPINION

In this 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action for First Amendment retaliation, Defendant-Appellant Gary Picketts appeals on qualified immunity grounds the district court's order granting in part and denying in part his motion to dismiss and alternative motion for summary judgment.*fn1 For the following reasons, we AFFIRM the judgment of the district court.

I. BACKGROUND

A. Factual History

1. The Police Report & Initial Investigation of Graham In September 2005, Plaintiff-Appellee Linda Everson reported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office that, on December 16, 2004, her then-boyfriend Officer Doug Graham of the Battle Creek Police Department forcibly sodomized her during an otherwise-consensual sexual encounter. She stated that she had broken up with Graham and, unsure how to proceed, confided in friends, a counselor, and her physician about the sexual assault before finally deciding to file a police report.

Calhoun County Detective Guy Picketts handled the investigation into Graham's conduct. He interviewed Everson; several of Everson's friends and coworkers in the police department, all of whom confirmed that Everson reported being sexually assaulted by Graham; and Everson's doctor. He also interviewed Graham, who denied that the sodomy occurred and suggested that Everson filed the report out of spite when she found out that he was marrying another woman. Picketts interviewed Everson's friend Sheri Lemonious as well. Although Picketts reported in 2005 that Lemonious said Everson described the sodomy as consensual, Lemonious attested in 2009 that she told Picketts the opposite. Everson alleges that Picketts failed to interview several important witnesses during his investigation.

Picketts submitted a report of his investigation to the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office, which recused itself on conflict-of-interest grounds. In January 2006, the Branch County prosecutor reviewed Picketts's report and declined to prosecute Graham for sexual assault.

2. Everson's Speech

Upset by the decision not to prosecute, Everson publicly criticized Picketts loudly and repeatedly, accusing him of not doing his job and being "just part of the good ole boy system." She mentioned her complaints to colleagues in law enforcement, at least one of whom relayed her statements to Picketts. Everson also met with Picketts's boss on August 16, 2006, to initiate a formal complaint against Picketts and sent a letter to the Calhoun County prosecutor on August 31, 2006, asking him to take action about her concerns regarding Picketts's investigation of Graham.

3. Picketts's Investigation & Arrest of Everson

Picketts began documenting Everson's comments in a new investigative report-this time against Everson. On August 22, 2006, Picketts interviewed Ethel Fitzpatrick ("Mrs. Fitzpatrick"), Everson's former friend, who stated that Everson had told her that the sexual assault had never occurred. Picketts did not confront Everson about the allegations, and eight days later, he requested an arrest warrant for Everson for the felony of filing a false police report. Everson alleges that Picketts opened the investigation against her before he interviewed Mrs. Fitzpatrick. Everson also alleges that Picketts lied about the first time he met Mrs. Fitzpatrick. Keith Fitzpatrick ("Mr. Fitzpatrick"), Mrs. Fitzpatrick's husband, asserts that at some point Picketts came to their house, told them that he had a personal dispute with Everson, and spoke with Mrs. Fitzpatrick at length and in private. Mr. Fitzpatrick attested that he could not remember whether the in-home meeting took place before or after the August 22, 2006 interview. But he also stated that he had never seen Picketts before the in-home meeting, and both Fitzpatricks were present for the August 22, 2006 interview.

Calhoun County did not recuse itself from the case against Everson, but rather charged her with filing a false police report. After a preliminary hearing, the Michigan district court found probable cause that Everson had committed the crime and bound her over to the circuit court for trial. The circuit court quashed the bind-over and dismissed the case for lack of evidence. Everson was then rearrested on the same charges, and the case was transferred to Kalamazoo County. On February 1, 2008, the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor dismissed all charges against Everson "in the best interests of justice."

B. Procedural History
Everson filed a complaint against Calhoun County, the prosecutor, and Picketts (collectively, "Defendants") under § 1983, alleging that their actions (1) violated her equal protection rights; and (2) constituted illegal retaliation for the lawful exercise of her First Amendment rights. In response, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss and, in the alternative, a motion for summary judgment. After oral argument, the district court issued an order (1) dismissing the equal protection claim; (2) dismissing the retaliation claim against the prosecutor on absolute prosecutorial immunity grounds; (3) denying the motion in all other respects as to Picketts; and (4) denying the motion in all other respects as to Calhoun County without prejudice to renewal of the motion after the close of all discovery. Picketts filed this appeal, alleging that the district court erred in failing to dismiss all claims against him on qualified immunity grounds.

II. DISCUSSION

A. Standard of Review

This court reviews a district court's denial of summary judgment on qualified immunity grounds de novo. Gregory v. City of Louisville, 444 F.3d 725, 742 (6th Cir. 2006). "We may only review the denial of qualified immunity to the extent that the 'appeal involves the abstract or pure legal issue of whether the facts alleged by the plaintiff constitute a violation of clearly established law.'" Dorsey v. Barber, 517 F.3d 389, 394 (6th Cir. 2008) (quoting Gregory, 444 F.3d at 742). The defendant must "be willing to concede the most favorable view of the facts to the plaintiff for purposes of the appeal." Moldowan v. City of Warren, 578 F.3d 351, 370 (6th Cir. 2009).

B. Analysis

In determining whether qualified immunity applies, this court employs a two-step test, considering (1) whether, viewing the allegations in the light most favorable to the injured party, a constitutional right has been violated; and (2) whether that right was clearly established. Dorsey v. Barber, 517 F.3d 389, 394 (6th Cir. 2008). We have discretion to undertake the steps in either order. Pearson v. Callahan, 129 S. Ct. 808, 818 (2009).

It is clearly established that "the First Amendment prohibits government officials from subjecting an individual to retaliatory actions, including criminal prosecutions, for speaking out." Hartman v. Moore, 547 U.S. 250, 256 (2006). To state a prima facie First Amendment retaliation claim, Everson must establish (1) protected speech; (2) injury as a result of defendant's actions; and (3) causation. See Mt. Healthy City Sch. Dist. Bd. of Educ. v. Doyle, 429 U.S. 274, 287 (1977).

Picketts first argues that Everson's allegations do not constitute a prima facie retaliation claim because they fail to establish a lack of probable cause, an element of causation. He is correct that § 1983 claims for retaliatory prosecution and arrest fail as a matter of law if the defendant had probable cause. See Hartman, 547 U.S. at 261-62 (Bivens claim for retaliatory prosecution); Barnes v. Wright, 449 F.3d 709, 720 (6th Cir. 2006) (retaliatory arrest). Probable cause exists when an officer has reasonably trustworthy information sufficient to warrant a prudent person in believing that a suspect has committed a crime. Gardenhire v. Schubert, 205 F.3d 303, 315 (6th Cir. 2000). In determining whether probable cause existed in this case, we examine the totality of the circumstances from the perspective of the arresting officer at the time of the arrest. Parsons v. City of Pontiac, 533 F.3d 492, 501 (6th Cir. 2008). In § 1983 actions, the existence of probable cause is a jury question unless only one reasonable determination is possible. Id. (citing Fridley v. Horrighs, 291 F.3d 867, 872 (6th Cir. 2002)).

In this case, there are genuine disputes of material fact about whether Picketts intentionally changed Lemonious's statement in his report, spoke privately with Mrs. Fitzpatrick in her home at length before she gave her formal statement, and influenced the content of Mrs. Fitzpatrick's statement. Viewing the facts in the light most favorable to Everson, a reasonable jury could find that, at the time Picketts sought an arrest warrant for Everson, the information he had collected against her was not reasonably trustworthy. Because more than one reasonable determination as to probable cause is possible, it is therefore appropriate to allow the case to proceed to trial.

Picketts's argument that this court should accept the prosecutor's and state court's findings of probable cause as evidence that probable cause existed is inapposite. Because these probable cause determinations were based only on the evidence that Picketts included in his report-which did not describe the circumstances, as alleged by the plaintiff, surrounding Lemonious's and Mrs. Fitzpatrick's statements-we do not find them probative to the issue of whether Picketts had sufficient reasonably trustworthy information at the time of the arrest.

Picketts also contends that the district court's finding that genuine issues of material fact exist was erroneous because it relied on a series of unreasonable adverse inferences and omitted a number of relevant facts. But the "contention that the district court erred in finding a genuine issue of fact for trial is not the type of legal question which we may entertain on an interlocutory basis." Gregory, 444 F.3d at 743. Although this court has recognized an apparent exception "'where the trial court's determination that a fact is subject to reasonable dispute is blatantly and demonstrably false,'" Moldowan, 578 F.3d at 370 (quoting Wysong v. Heath, 260 F. App'x 848, 853 (6th Cir. 2008)) (internal quotation marks omitted), that exception does not apply here. The district court noted the following disputed facts, among others: (1) when Picketts opened his investigation into Everson; (2) whether Lemonious told Picketts that Everson said she had not been raped; and (3) when and how Mrs. Fitzpatrick surfaced as a witness. All of these facts are material to the existence of probable cause. These facts are also genuinely in dispute: each party answers these questions differently, each party's allegations of fact are supported by witness statements, and no objective evidence makes one party's allegations obviously false. Cf. Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 380-81 (2007) (finding no genuine dispute of material fact where video evidence blatantly contradicted the plaintiff's allegation that he was driving carefully). Because the district court's finding of genuine issues of material fact was not blatantly and demonstrably false, we lack jurisdiction to undertake further review in this regard.

III. CONCLUSION

For the reasons discussed above, we AFFIRM the judgment of the district court denying Picketts's motion for summary judgment.

Opinion Footnotes

*fn1 Defendant Calhoun County appealed the district court's determination that it was not entitled to sovereign immunity, but withdrew its appeal of this issue at oral argument.

08012006 - C.O. / Reserve Officer William Pattison - Milford PD

Also See:

Corrections Officer / Reserve Officer William Pattison charged with CSC

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/08/reserve-officer-william-pattison.html

Officer Sentenced for Pushing Daughter Into Prostitution
A former corrections officer is sentenced for sexually abusing his daughter and pushing her into prostitution.
Posted: 10:54 AM Feb 13, 2008
Reporter: AP
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/15585687.html

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) - A former corrections officer from Oakland County has been sentenced to 40 to 60 years in prison for sexually abusing his teenage daughter and encouraging her to advertise as an escort online.

An Oakland County jury on Tuesday found 48-year-old William Pattison of Milford guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and pandering.

The daughter, now 27, tells police the abuse started in the eighth grade. She says Pattison suggested she become a prostitute when she became old enough.

The Detroit News reports Pattison helped set up a Web site and would pick up the money she earned.

The Oakland Press reports Milford police began investigating Pattison in 2006, when another relative came forward with rape allegations.

Pattison's attorney said he plans to appeal.

07152006 - Firefighter Michael Boyd - Southgate FD

FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD:
JULY 15, 2006

FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FIRE DEPARTMENT. CHARGED WITH MINOR MISDEMEANOR DISORDERLY. [JULY 15, 2006]

JULY 15, 2006: CASE # CRB 0600975A. MINOR MISDEMEANOR DISORDERLY. PLED GUILTY. FINED $32. [DECEMBER 15. 2006].






Firefighter Michael Boyd [Southgate FD] : August 17, 2007 domestic violence assault.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html







Facing charges, firefighter suspended
By Jackie Harrison-Martin
The News-Herald
PUBLISHED: September 5, 2007
http://www.thenewsherald.com/stories/090507/loc_20070905002.shtml

SOUTHGATE. A 38-year-old firefighter has been suspended without pay since last week after city officials learned of felony and misdemeanor charges against him.

City administrators took the action against Michael Boyd of Southgate after learning of the firefighter being charged with one felony count of aggravated burglary, three misdemeanor counts of assault and a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest. Mayor Norma Wurmlinger said the information initially came through the Internet.

The mayor said Boyd is suspended without pay, as opposed to with pay, because of the felony charge. A decision on his employment is pending on the resolution of the case against him.

Wurmlinger said the suspension did not take place until officials had the complete police report on the incident.

The charges stem from an encounter Boyd had with an ex-girlfriend, her friend and the woman's father in Port Clinton, Ohio, on Aug. 16.

Wurmlinger said Fire Chief John Wlodkowski, along with the city and labor attorneys, were all in on the decision-making process to suspend the firefighter.

Wlodkowski has not returned calls for comment on the case.Boyd's attorney, Thomas DeBacco, was at a jury trial and initially could not be reached for comment.

He later told The News-Herald Newspapers: "I am honored to defend this young man who commits his young life to saving people and their property. I believe a jury is going to treat him quite favorably."

Boyd is accused of assaulting 25-year-old Melissa McCann, and her high school friend, Josh Large, 28, after driving to visit the woman and seeing the two together watching television.

According to a police report on the incident, McCann had noticeable bruises around both her eyes and upper left arm and Large, her friend and neighbor, also was attacked.

McCann ran to her father's house down the street and Boyd followed her, according to the police report. Police said Boyd kicked in 52-year-old Pat McCann's front door and when McCann tried to come between his daughter and Boyd the firefighter punched him in the lip, causing a bruise and a cut.

Police said Boyd left the house, but was spotted early the next day in a nearby trailer park.

Police officers found Boyd in a shed kissing a woman and said he refused to come out. He told officers they didn't have a warrant, a report said.

According to the police, Boyd was warned several times to come out of the shed and he became combative and attempted to push an officer in the chest when approached.

As they struggled, Boyd began using obscenities and informed police that he is a firefighter, the report says. After several more warnings, police said they sprayed Boyd with pepper spray and handcuffed him.

A pretrial hearing is set for 2 p.m. Oct. 29 before Judge Paul Moon of the Ottawa County Court of Common Pleas. A trial date is set for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 8.


ALSO SEE:
FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: JULY 01, 2006

Original charge: minor misdemeanor disorderly.
Sentence: Pled guilty. Fined $32.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/07/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fd.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: AUGUST 17, 2007
Original charges: first-degree felony aggravated burglary; three counts of first-degree misdemeanor assault; and second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest.
Sentence: Plea bargain. Pled guilty to one first-degree misdemeanor assault. In exchange, all other charges were dropped. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended on condition no similar offense and remain law abiding for one year. [08/24/2007].
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: DECEMBER 03, 2007.
Original charges: Speeding. 50 /35. Violation of the conditions of his August 2007 sentencing: 30 day jail term was suspended on the condition that Boyd remain law abiding for one year.
Sentence: Paid $32 fine.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/12/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: AUGUST 23, 2008
Original charges: Two counts of first degree misdemeanor assault.
Sentence: Plea agreement. Pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor assault and the other charges was dismissed. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended on the conditions that the law be abided by. [4/08/09]. NOTE: When Boyd accepted this plea [4/08/09] he was also facing charges for a March 30, 2009 drunk driving offense.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: MARCH 30, 2009
Original charges: First-degree misdemeanor carrying concealed weapon; first-degree misdemeanor operating vehicle under influence; first-degree misdemeanor driving with suspended / revoked license; no tail lights; and driving without seatbelt.
Sentence: Plea agreement. Pled guilty to first-degree misdemeanor operating vehicle under influence; all other charges dismissed. Sentenced to 10 days in jail, suspended on condition that the law be abided by for one year; driver's license suspended for 180 days; first offender program.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/03/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fd.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: MARCH 01, 2011.
Original charges: First-degree misdemeanor domestic violence.
CASE STILL PENDING.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/10/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fd.html

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

07122006 - Deputy Mayor Rick Csapo - Traverse City

Traverse City Deputy Mayor / Commissioner Rick Csapo [left] at his trial for domestic violence charges.


JULY 12, 2006: VIOLATION OF NO-CONTACT ORDER.

On July 05, 2006, Deputy Mayor Rick Caspo [Traverse City] was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence [June 23, 2006 incident]. The Court issued a no-contact order. On July 12th, Caspo violated that order and was jailed.

During a December 2006 trial, Csapo was found guilty of the domestic violence charge.

ALSO SEE:

June 23, 2006: Traverse City Deputy Mayor/Former Sheriff Deputy Ricky Csapo. Domestic violence charges. 

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/06/deputy-mayor-ricky-csapo-traverse-city.html

Conversation lands Csapo in jail
Chat with wife apparently violated court order
Traverse City Record Eagle, MI
07/13/2006
BY IAN C. STOREY
http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/jul/13csapo.htm

TRAVERSE CITY — A conversation between Ricky Csapo and the woman he is charged with assaulting landed the Traverse City mayor pro tem behind bars for violating a court order.

Csapo, 52, was led to the Grand Traverse County Jail in handcuffs Wednesday after 86th District Court Judge Thomas Phillips ruled Csapo violated a no-contact order with his wife, Cynthia Csapo, before he was scheduled to meet with special assistant state attorney general Erin House.

House requested a hearing Wednesday after several court employees alerted her to the contact between the Csapos, a violation of an order issued by Phillips last week.

Phillips ruled after an hour-long special hearing that there was enough evidence to revoke Ricky Csapo's bond and sent him to jail until Friday morning.

Cynthia Csapo testified under oath that she had no direct contact with her husband, that she was instead talking through a friend who accompanied her to the courthouse.

"The court had a hard time believing that today," Phillips said of her testimony.

Ricky Csapo was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence after he allegedly assaulted his wife during an argument June 23 on West Front Street in downtown Traverse City.

Witnesses told police Csapo and his wife argued along West Front Street and Csapo allegedly forced the back of her head into a large plate glass window.

House called several court employees, including herself, to testify during the hearing before Phillips.

"It appears clear to me that it was a blatant violation, chit-chatting with his wife in the hallway as if the order didn't apply to him," she told Phillips.

One of the witnesses, Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Lt. Bryan Marrow, said he was at the courthouse to post legal notices when he saw the couple talking.

"It was obvious they were speaking," he said.

Defense attorney Clarence Gomery argued during the hearing that the contact was "incidental" and said the Csapos maintain separate residences and haven't had any other contact since the original court order.

"We are here about the victim," said Gomery. "What (witnesses) saw and believe they saw isn't what happened."

Csapo is a retired Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy who was elected to the city commission in 2001. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and told the Record-Eagle the incident was a "misunderstanding of the facts."

Csapo wasn't arrested that evening nor required to submit to tests to determine whether he'd consumed alcohol, despite witness statements that he was inebriated.

Both Traverse City police Capt. Steve Morgan and another officer reported Csapo was profane and appeared "highly intoxicated."

But Morgan "concluded" there wasn't enough evidence at the scene to merit an arrest and allowed Csapo and his wife to walk home, according to his report.

House testified Wednesday that she saw the Csapos talking repeatedly in the district court lobby while she was conducting pre-trial hearings nearby.

"They were engaged in a conversation, which seemed to be light-hearted," she said.

Gomery asked House what exactly she had heard.

"You don't know who was saying what or what was being said?" Gomery asked House on cross-examination.

But Phillips said the testimony of the witnesses made it clear that the contact was not "incidental" and, though it did not appear threatening, was still a violation of his order.

"Occasionally, incidental contact we overlook," he said. "It happens. This was beyond incidental contact."













Csapo jailed after violating order
Traverse City Record Eagle, MI
Jul 12, 2006
07/12/2006
Breaking News: 12:32 p.m
BY IAN C. STOREY
http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/jul/12csapo.htm

TRAVERSE CITY — City commissioner Ricky Csapo was jailed Wednesday after a district judge ruled the mayor pro-tem violated a non-contact order with his wife, whom he is charged with assaulting.

Csapo, 52, was led to the Grand Traverse County Jail in handcuffs after 86th District Court Judge Thomas Phillips ruled Csapo violated a no-contact order with his wife, Cynthia Csapo, as he awaited a pre-trial hearing with assistant state attorney general Erin House.

"This was beyond incidental contact," ruled Phillips, who revoked Ricky Csapo's bond and sent him to jail until Friday morning.

Csapo was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence after he allegedly assaulted Cynthia Csapo during an argument June 23 on West Front Street in downtown Traverse City.

Witnesses told police Csapo and his wife argued along West Front Street and Csapo allegedly forced the back of her head into a large plate glass window.

House requested the hearing Wednesday after several court employees alerted her to the contact between the Csapos, which violated an order issued by Phillips last week.

"It appears clear to me that it was a blatant violation, chit-chatting with his wife in the hallway as if the order didn't apply to him," House told Phillips during the hearing.

House called several court employees, including herself, to testify during the hour-long hearing before Phillips.

One witness, Lt. Bryan Marrow of the Grand Traverse County sheriff's office, said he was at the courthouse to post legal notices in circuit court when he saw the couple talking.

"It was obvious they were speaking," he said.

Csapo is a retired Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy who was elected to the city commission in 2001. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which he told the Record-Eagle was a "misunderstanding of the facts."

Defense attorney Clarence Gomery argued during the hearing that the contact was "incidental" and said the couple hasn't had any other contact.

"It was a couple of words back and forth," he said.








 
 
 
 
 
 
Csapo pleads not guilty
No contact with wife ordered
Traverse City Record-Eagle
BY IAN C. STOREY
07/05/2006
Mid-Day Update: 12:15 p.m.
http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/jul/05csapo.htm

TRAVERSE CITY — City commissioner Ricky Csapo must submit to daily breath tests, not consume alcohol and have no contact with his wife after being charged with domestic violence.

Csapo, 52, pleaded not guilty today to a charge of misdemeanor domestic violence following a June 23 incident in downtown Traverse City.

Witnesses told police Csapo and his wife argued along West Front Street and Csapo allegedly forced the back of her head into a large plate glass window.

During Csapo's arraignment today defense attorney Clarence Gomery asked 86th District Court Judge Thomas Phillips to remove an order prohibiting Csapo from having contact with his wife.

After reviewing police reports, Phillips asked to hear from Csapo's wife.

"He never assaulted or hurt or hit me, ever," she told Phillips, but assistant state attorney general Erin House said a "number of witnesses" allege Csapo's wife attempted to run away and urged them to call 911.

But House told Phillips of the existence of past allegations against Csapo.

"There have been police interventions between him and a former spouse," House said.

Phillips denied Gomery's request to drop the no-contact requirement.

"We take this very seriously," Phillips said. "I will continue the no-contact provision until we have no fear for the safety of the alleged victim."

Csapo is a retired Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy. He was elected to the city commission in 2001, and last week said the alleged incident was a "misunderstanding of the facts."

Csapo wasn't arrested that evening, nor required to submit to tests to determine whether he'd consumed alcohol, despite witness statements that he was inebriated.

Both Traverse City police Capt. Steve Morgan and another officer reported Csapo appeared "highly intoxicated."

But Morgan "concluded" there wasn't enough evidence at the scene to merit an arrest and allowed Csapo and his wife to "continue their walk home," according to his report.

Police Chief Michael Warren said Csapo's political position didn't influence the decision. State police are now leading the investigation.

"There was a warrant issued for his arrest," Warren said. "If he had all kinds of influence, then maybe he wouldn't have been charged. We don't play the game that way."

"The only time we test is if there is a driver involved, underage drinking or to determine there is a medical issue because the person could be so highly intoxicated," said Warren.

Warren said he wouldn't review Morgan's decision not to arrest Csapo.

"I am very satisfied with the decision he made," he said.

07112006 - Officer Phillip Bal - Terminated - Iron Mountain PD

Also See:

1995 - Officer Phillip Bal - CSC allegation - Iron Mountain PD

04012004 - Officer Phillip Bal - Home invasion and CSC - Iron Mountain PD

04012005 - Officer Phillip Bal - CSC - Iron Mountain PD

04212006 - Officer Phillip Bal - CSC - Iron Mountain PD

04222006 - Officer Phillip Bal - Suspended - Iron Mountain PD

07112006 - Officer Phillip Bal - Terminated - Iron Mountain PD

07182007 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - Sentenced [April 01, 2004 CSC/Home Invasion Charges] - Iron Mountain PD

08152007 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - Appeal Filed - COA 280009 - Iron Mountain PD

09172007 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - Appeal Filed - COA 280601 - Iron Mountain PD

10182007 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - COA Appeal 280009 - Dismissed - Iron Mountain PD

11082007 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - LE license revoked - Iron Mountain PD

08282008 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - Charges dismissed [Aurora WI. April 2005 charges] - Iron Mountain PD

09232008 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - Appeal COA 280601 - OPINION - Conviction Affirmed - Iron Mountain PD

05242020 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - Released From Prison - Iron Mountain PD

05242020 - Former Officer Phillip Bal - Registered Sex Offender - Iron Mountain PD

Briefs from the Upper Peninsula
Associated Press
Duluth News Tribune, MN
Jul. 12, 2006
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/15023867.htm

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (AP) - A city police officer charged with criminal sexual conduct and other charges has been fired.

City Manager John Marquart announced Tuesday that Phillip Bal had lost his job.

Bal, 32, of Iron Mountain, is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of assault and battery and one county of being drunk and disorderly. He has been with the local police department for six years.

"Officer Phillip Bal vehemently denies the accusations against him," said his attorney, Frank Stupak. "Bal is surprised the city of Iron Mountain would terminate him in advance of proof of the accusations which come from a barroom while Bal was off duty."

A preliminary examination and a pretrial hearing are scheduled for Monday on the charges.

They involve an incident alleged to have taken place at Wally's Bar on April 21.

                   










Iron Mountain Officer Fired
Iron Mountain
WLUC TV6
July 11, 2006
http://www.wluctv6.com/Global/story.asp?S=5137526&nav=menu134_5_9

Iron Mountain city officials have fired police officer Phillip Bal over allegations arising from an off-duty bar fight. He was dismissed Tuesday following an internal investigation that lasted nearly three months.

Bal was arraigned last week on charges of criminal sexual conduct, assault, and drunken and disorderly conduct

City Manager John Marquart said the city had no other option except to terminate Bal.

"We did an investigation and this is what the results showed," he said. "We feel that for the best interest of the city, this is the correct step to follow."

Bal and his attorney Frank Stupak disagree. "Officer Bal is surprised that the presumption of 'innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt' apparently carries no weight with the police administration," Stupak told TV6.

Bal makes another court appearance on Monday for a pre-trial hearing.

07102006 - Firefighter Michael Boyd - Sentenced - Southgate FD

FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD:
JULY 01, 2006

JULY 01, 2006: CASE # CRB0600825A. MINOR MISDEMEANOR DISORDERLY. PLED GUILTY. PAID $32 FINE. [07/10/2006].

Firefighter Michael Boyd [Southgate FD] : August 17, 2007 domestic violence assault. http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html

07012006 - C.O. / Reserve Officer William Pattison - Count 3: CSC - Milford PD

Also See:

Corrections Officer / Reserve Officer William Pattison charged with CSC

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/08/reserve-officer-william-pattison.html

Officer Sentenced for Pushing Daughter Into Prostitution
A former corrections officer is sentenced for sexually abusing his daughter and pushing her into prostitution.
Posted: 10:54 AM Feb 13, 2008
Reporter: AP
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/15585687.html

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) - A former corrections officer from Oakland County has been sentenced to 40 to 60 years in prison for sexually abusing his teenage daughter and encouraging her to advertise as an escort online.

An Oakland County jury on Tuesday found 48-year-old William Pattison of Milford guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and pandering.

The daughter, now 27, tells police the abuse started in the eighth grade. She says Pattison suggested she become a prostitute when she became old enough.

The Detroit News reports Pattison helped set up a Web site and would pick up the money she earned.

The Oakland Press reports Milford police began investigating Pattison in 2006, when another relative came forward with rape allegations.

Pattison's attorney said he plans to appeal.

07012006 - C.O. / Reserve Officer William Pattison - Count 2: CSC - Milford PD

Also See:

Corrections Officer / Reserve Officer William Pattison charged with CSC

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/08/reserve-officer-william-pattison.html

Officer Sentenced for Pushing Daughter Into Prostitution
A former corrections officer is sentenced for sexually abusing his daughter and pushing her into prostitution.
Posted: 10:54 AM Feb 13, 2008
Reporter: AP
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/15585687.html

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) - A former corrections officer from Oakland County has been sentenced to 40 to 60 years in prison for sexually abusing his teenage daughter and encouraging her to advertise as an escort online.

An Oakland County jury on Tuesday found 48-year-old William Pattison of Milford guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and pandering.

The daughter, now 27, tells police the abuse started in the eighth grade. She says Pattison suggested she become a prostitute when she became old enough.

The Detroit News reports Pattison helped set up a Web site and would pick up the money she earned.

The Oakland Press reports Milford police began investigating Pattison in 2006, when another relative came forward with rape allegations.

Pattison's attorney said he plans to appeal.

07012006 - C.O. / Reserve Officer William Pattison - Count 1: CSC - Milford PD

Also See:

Corrections Officer / Reserve Officer William Pattison charged with CSC

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/08/reserve-officer-william-pattison.html

Officer Sentenced for Pushing Daughter Into Prostitution
A former corrections officer is sentenced for sexually abusing his daughter and pushing her into prostitution.
Posted: 10:54 AM Feb 13, 2008
Reporter: AP
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/15585687.html

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) - A former corrections officer from Oakland County has been sentenced to 40 to 60 years in prison for sexually abusing his teenage daughter and encouraging her to advertise as an escort online.

An Oakland County jury on Tuesday found 48-year-old William Pattison of Milford guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and pandering.

The daughter, now 27, tells police the abuse started in the eighth grade. She says Pattison suggested she become a prostitute when she became old enough.

The Detroit News reports Pattison helped set up a Web site and would pick up the money she earned.

The Oakland Press reports Milford police began investigating Pattison in 2006, when another relative came forward with rape allegations.

Pattison's attorney said he plans to appeal.

07012006 - Firefighter Michael Boyd - Southgate FD

FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD:
JULY 01, 2006

JULY 01, 2006: CASE # CRB0600825A. MINOR MISDEMEANOR DISORDERLY. PLED GUILTY. PAID $32 FINE. [07/10/2006].

Firefighter Michael Boyd [Southgate FD] : August 17, 2007 domestic violence assault. http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html

Facing charges, firefighter suspended
By Jackie Harrison-Martin
The News-Herald
PUBLISHED: September 5, 2007
http://www.thenewsherald.com/stories/090507/loc_20070905002.shtml

SOUTHGATE. A 38-year-old firefighter has been suspended without pay since last week after city officials learned of felony and misdemeanor charges against him.

City administrators took the action against Michael Boyd of Southgate after learning of the firefighter being charged with one felony count of aggravated burglary, three misdemeanor counts of assault and a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest. Mayor Norma Wurmlinger said the information initially came through the Internet.

The mayor said Boyd is suspended without pay, as opposed to with pay, because of the felony charge. A decision on his employment is pending on the resolution of the case against him.

Wurmlinger said the suspension did not take place until officials had the complete police report on the incident.

The charges stem from an encounter Boyd had with an ex-girlfriend, her friend and the woman's father in Port Clinton, Ohio, on Aug. 16.

Wurmlinger said Fire Chief John Wlodkowski, along with the city and labor attorneys, were all in on the decision-making process to suspend the firefighter.

Wlodkowski has not returned calls for comment on the case.Boyd's attorney, Thomas DeBacco, was at a jury trial and initially could not be reached for comment.

He later told The News-Herald Newspapers: "I am honored to defend this young man who commits his young life to saving people and their property. I believe a jury is going to treat him quite favorably."

Boyd is accused of assaulting 25-year-old Melissa McCann, and her high school friend, Josh Large, 28, after driving to visit the woman and seeing the two together watching television.

According to a police report on the incident, McCann had noticeable bruises around both her eyes and upper left arm and Large, her friend and neighbor, also was attacked.

McCann ran to her father's house down the street and Boyd followed her, according to the police report. Police said Boyd kicked in 52-year-old Pat McCann's front door and when McCann tried to come between his daughter and Boyd the firefighter punched him in the lip, causing a bruise and a cut.

Police said Boyd left the house, but was spotted early the next day in a nearby trailer park.

Police officers found Boyd in a shed kissing a woman and said he refused to come out. He told officers they didn't have a warrant, a report said.

According to the police, Boyd was warned several times to come out of the shed and he became combative and attempted to push an officer in the chest when approached.

As they struggled, Boyd began using obscenities and informed police that he is a firefighter, the report says. After several more warnings, police said they sprayed Boyd with pepper spray and handcuffed him.

A pretrial hearing is set for 2 p.m. Oct. 29 before Judge Paul Moon of the Ottawa County Court of Common Pleas. A trial date is set for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 8.

ALSO SEE:
FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: JUNE 18, 2004
Original charges: Fourth-degree misdemeanor disorderly person; first-degree misdemeanor assault; fourth-degree menacing.
Sentence: Plea bargain. Pled guilty to fourth-degree misdemeanor disorderly person. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended on condition no similar offense and remain law abiding for the next one year. All other charges dismissed.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/06/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fd.html

 
 
 
FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: JULY 15, 2006

Original charge: fourth-degree misdemeanor disorderly person.
Sentence: Pled guilty. Fined $32.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/07/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fd_15.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: AUGUST 17, 2007
Original charges: first-degree felony aggravated burglary; three counts of first-degree misdemeanor assault; and second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest.
Sentence: Plea bargain. Pled guilty to one first-degree misdemeanor assault. In exchange, all other charges were dropped. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended on condition no similar offense and remain law abiding for one year. [08/24/2007].
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: DECEMBER 03, 2007.
Original charges: Speeding. 50 /35. Violation of the conditions of his August 2007 sentencing: 30 day jail term was suspended on the condition that Boyd remain law abiding for one year.
Sentence: Paid $32 fine.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/12/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: AUGUST 23, 2008
Original charges: Two counts of first degree misdemeanor assault.
Sentence: Plea agreement. Pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor assault and the other charges was dismissed. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended on the conditions that the law be abided by. [4/08/09]. NOTE: When Boyd accepted this plea [4/08/09] he was also facing charges for a March 30, 2009 drunk driving offense.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: MARCH 30, 2009
Original charges: First-degree misdemeanor carrying concealed weapon; first-degree misdemeanor operating vehicle under influence; first-degree misdemeanor driving with suspended / revoked license; no tail lights; and driving without seatbelt.
Sentence: Plea agreement. Pled guilty to first-degree misdemeanor operating vehicle under influence; all other charges dismissed. Sentenced to 10 days in jail, suspended on condition that the law be abided by for one year; driver's license suspended for 180 days; first offender program.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/03/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fd.html




FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL BOYD, SOUTHGATE FD: MARCH 01, 2011.
Original charges: First-degree misdemeanor domestic violence.
CASE STILL PENDING.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/10/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fd.html