Thursday, March 13, 2008

03132008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Allegan County SD

DEPUTY KEVIN HAAN, ALLEGAN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT.



Former Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [Oct. 15, 2012]

Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [March 28, 2008]

Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for violating domestic violence bond [March 13, 2008]

Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for domestic violence [March 04, 2008]





From: Cloudwriter / Behind The Blue Wall:






Sheriff's deputy faces charges
by Advance Newspapers
Monday April 07, 2008, 10:53 AM
http://www.mlive.com/penaseeglobe/index.ssf/2008/04/sheriffs_deputy_faces_charges.html

An Allegan County Sheriff's Office Deputy was arrested three times in March and is currently on unpaid administrative leave.

Kevin Haan, 43, was arrested March 4 for making alleged threatening telephone calls to his estranged wife, then arrested again on March 13 for violation of the terms of his bond. According to bond conditions, Haan was under a court order to refrain from contacting his wife or consuming alcohol.

The third arrest, for alleged drunken driving, took place in Barry County on March 28.

A board of inquiry will recommend disciplinary action, which could result in Haan's termination






Deputy suspended for three arrests
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Holland Sentinel
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/040208/local_20080402016.shtml

An Allegan County road patrol deputy was placed on unpaid leave after being arrested for the third time last weekend.

Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said that Kevin Haan, 43, was first arrested by Allegan County deputies on March 4 for allegedly making threatening phone calls to his wife. Prosecutors charged him with malicious use of a phone.

He was initially placed on administrative leave with pay, Hull said.

Haan was arrested a second time for violating the conditions of a bond when he continued to contact his wife, Hull said.

On Friday, Haan was arrested by Barry County deputies on suspicion of drunken driving.

Hull said a board of inquiry, which includes two lieutenants and a sergeant of the Allegan County Sheriff's Office, met last week to determine whether Haan will be allowed to return to his position.

"They wanted some additional information and they are waiting on it right now," Hull said. "They will reconvene."

For the time being, Haan has been placed on unpaid leave.

Hull said Haan has no arrests prior to the March 4 incident. He called Haan a "great policeman" who has helped a lot of people in his 18 years with the sheriff's office.

Hull declined comment on any personal problems Haan may have been experiencing prior to his arrests.

"In any workplace, everyone knows about everyone's problems," he said. "I've been doing this for 34 years. Not much surprises me anymore."

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

03122008 - Firefighter Mike Risher - Detroit FD

Also See:
WXYZ / Channel 7, Detroit [reporter Scott Lewis] investigation of Firefighter Mike Risher's violence against women:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/10/firefighter-mike-risher-detroit-fd.html


2005: A woman said she and Risher were arguing in the back seat of a minivan when Risher head-butted her. When she fought back, she said that Risher pinned her down and choked her.

2006: Risher gets in a bar fight and assaults a woman. The assault is caught on the bar's video cam.

2006: When police respond to Risher's assault of the woman, Risher flashes his badge and claims to the responding police that he is the victim.The police arrest the woman that Risher is seen attacking on the bar's video. Risher filed a false police report. The victim of his attack was falsely arrested.

2006: Victim of Risher's attack in the bar filed a lawsuit against Risher. She is awarded $15,000. But Risher only pays a small portion of the suit.

March 12, 2008: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.

Unknown Date: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.

September 18, 2009: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.

March 08, 2011: Risher assaulted Jennifer Panduren at a bar, when she and her friend Samantha Strozynski turned down his advances. Assault was caught on a security cam. Police refuse to review secuirty cam tape. Police refuse to file charges against Risher.

March 08, 2011: Risher assaulted Samantha Strozynski.

March 08, 2011: Risher arrested for disorderly conduct for assaulting Panduren and Strozynski. Charges were later dismissed.

March 08, 2011: Panduren [assaulted by Risher] was arrested for disorderly conduct. Charges were later dismissed.

Summer 2011: Risher attacked a woman when he accused her of spilling his drink. Risher picked her up by her neck and slammed her onto a boat deck after he accused her of spilling his drink.

                     



Police reports from three incidents of domestic violence that Firefighter Mike Risher's now ex-wife filed with the Clinton Police Department. Risher was never arrested / charged, although Michigan has a mandatory domestic violence arrest policy. And, according to Michigan law, if police do not make an arrest during a domestic violence situation, they must file a report detailing their decision not to arrest.







New, disturbing information on off-duty firefighter Mike Risher who attacked two women

Posted: 11/15/2012
By: Scott Lewis
WXYZ News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/women-say-firefighter-used-badge-to-get-out-of-trouble7-action-news-investigation-turns-the-tide


(WXYZ) - The 7 Action News Investigators have uncovered new, disturbing information about the off-duty Detroit firefighter who attacked two women; this may not be his first offense of this kind.

Police are now looking into the case of off-duty firefighter Mike Risher attacking two women; Jennifer Panduren and Samantha Strozynski outside a bar in 2001. A high-profile attorney has also stepped in.

Meanwhile, two additional women told 7 Action News they were previously attacked by Risher.

It was Paczi Day 2011 when Panduren and Strozynski were arguing with Risher outside the Mars Bar in Hamtramck. Witnesses said Risher punched both in the face and knocked them to the pavement.

"I said to him, I was like, 'Oh, you're big, you're gonna punch a girl.’ And, yeah, I ate my words I guess you can say because he definitely did," Jennifer Panduren said.

Despite presenting security video to police, Strozynski says "Nobody would ever let us make a police report.”

Both women say they believe Risher received a free pass from police because he works as a firefighter.

An independent witness said police told him nothing much would come of the incident because Risher was a Detroit firefighter.

But everything changed after the 7 Action News Investigators exposed this incident three weeks ago.

After our investigation aired, Hamtramck Police brought in Panduren and Strozynski for interviews. They also took statements from two witnesses and are retrieving the women's medical records to document their injuries.

Hamtramck police Chief Maxwell Garbarino confirmed detectives are preparing a warrant request for the Wayne County prosecutor, seeking charges against the Risher. This comes a year and half after the incident happened.

High-powered attorney Ven Johnson has also offered to help Panduren and Strozynski. Johnson said although there is likely little or no money in it, he is preparing to file a civil lawsuit against Risher.

"No one's above the law. No one's above the law,” Johnson told Scott Lewis. “And it doesn't matter what you do for a living or who you work for, or how much money you make, you can't punch other people in the face and get away with it unprovoked. And that's exactly what we think Mr. Risher did."

Meanwhile, two additional women have come forward claiming Risher once attacked them as well.

One woman provided 7 Action News with pictures showing a scrape on her neck. She said the injury occurred last summer when Risher picked her up by her neck and slammed her onto a boat deck after he accused her of spilling his drink. An eyewitness backed up her story.

A second woman said Risher assaulted her in 2005. She said she and Risher were arguing in the back seat of a minivan when Risher head-butted her. When she fought back, she said that Risher pinned her down and choked her. That incident was also confirmed by a witness.

As we previously reported Risher and his then girlfriend were also sued over a bar fight in 2006 and ordered to pay the victims $15,000.

The lawsuit said that "Risher appears to be suffering from the effects of too many steroids. He has a larger than usual physic and a violent temper which he has trouble controlling".

Risher's ex-wife and a former girlfriend both confirm that he has taken steroids prescribed by a doctor.

Reports also show police were called to the Risher's Clinton Township home three times for domestic incidents. In one case, Risher's wife said he pushed her into a table, and knocked the wind out of her leaving a visible scrape. The report says she wanted to press charges but for some reason they were never filed.

Risher worked for a year in the Mount Clemens Fire Department but was terminated in 2003.

His six month performance evaluation gave him unsatisfactory ratings in "ability to get along with others," "carrying out instructions," and “work attitude.”

In all, Risher is accused of attacking five different women since 2005 with no significant repercussions.

Attorney Ven Johnson says it’s his motivation to push the Hamtramck case in civil court.

"My clients have the right to insist that [Risher] be held absolutely accountable for the last year going almost a year and a half,” said Johnson. “He was walking the streets smiling laughing about what he did to these ladies."

Hamtramck Police arrested Risher for disorderly conduct after the Mars Bar incident, but the ticket was later dismissed by a judge.

After Hamtramck Police submit their warrant request, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office will decide whether there is enough evidence to support a criminal charge.

Detroit Fire Commissioner Donald Austin released this statement to 7 Action News:

"The Detroit Fire Department learned of the allegations against Michael Risher when this story originally aired a few weeks ago. The Department has begun a thorough investigation of this incident.

"Regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, we need to determine whether Fire Fighter Risher violated the rules and regulations of the Detroit Fire Department. When our investigation is completed, we will take the appropriate disciplinary action, if any is warranted."

We also reached out to Mike Risher asking for comment on these latest developments.

So far, he has not responded.


Thursday, March 6, 2008

03062008 - Deputy Van Wert - Sentenced - Bay County SD

Also See:

Deputy Dale Van Wert charged with CSC

     












































Ex-deputy a sex offender
Friday, March 07, 2008
THE SAGINAW NEWS
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginawnews/index.ssf?/base/news25/1204903226111560.xml&coll=9

A former Bay County sheriff's deputy has received his punishment in a Saginaw court on charges he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in his care.

Dale P. Van Wert learned Thursday he will spend the next three years on probation.

Van Wert, 49, pleaded no contest to one count of attempted sexual assault.

Investigators said he sexually assaulted the teen at his Garfield Township home between Dec. 6, 2006, and Jan. 7, 2007.

Van Wert and his wife operated a foster care home for children from their home near Linwood.

As part of the probation, Saginaw County Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson ordered Van Wert to register as a sex offender, to undergo sexual abuse treatment, to not appear within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, arcades, playgrounds or anywhere else children gather, and not have contact with anyone younger than 17 unless an adult is present to supervise the visit.

Jackson handled the case because Bay County judges recused themselves. The crimes occurred in Bay County.

Jackson also ordered Van Wert to pay $840 in fees and fines and work a job at least 30 hours a week. He gave the former law man credit for the 413 days he already served in jail.

Van Wert's attorney, Matthew L. Reyes of Bay City, said his client was going to live with a brother in Bay County.

Van Wert didn't speak during the sentencing hearing.

''I'd like to know why you did this,'' the mother of the victim asked Van Wert in court. ''I need to know the reason. I don't understand why you threw your life away.''

Bay County Sheriff John Miller fired Van Wert in September 2006 amid allegations he used the Law Enforcement Information Network for his personal process-serving business and he did so while on duty for the sheriff's department.











Former sheriff's deputy gets three years probation
Friday, March 07, 2008
Bay City Times
http://www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news11/1204906518131170.xml&coll=4

A former Bay County sheriff's deputy has received his punishment in a Saginaw court on charges he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in his care.

Dale P. Van Wert learned Thursday he will spend the next three years on probation.

Van Wert, 49, pleaded no contest to one count of attempted sexual assault.

Investigators said he sexually assaulted the teen at his Garfield Township home between Dec. 6, 2006, and Jan. 7, 2007.

Van Wert and his wife operated a foster care home for children from their home near Linwood.

As part of the probation, Saginaw County Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson ordered Van Wert to register as a sex offender, to undergo sexual abuse treatment, to not appear within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, arcades, playgrounds or anywhere else children gather, and not have contact with anyone younger than 17 unless an adult is present to supervise the visit.

Jackson handled the case because Bay County judges recused themselves. The crimes occurred in Bay County.

Jackson also ordered Van Wert to pay $840 in fees and fines and work a job at least 30 hours a week. He gave the former law man credit for the 413 days he already served in jail.

Van Wert's attorney, Matthew L. Reyes of Bay City, said his client was going to live with a brother in Bay County.

Van Wert didn't speak during the sentencing hearing.

''I'd like to know why you did this,'' the mother of the victim asked Van Wert in court. ''I need to know the reason. I don't understand why you threw your life away.''

The woman said Van Wert's actions left her angry and confused.

Although she said she's having a difficult time coping with the ordeal and she's certain he committed the crime, the woman said she has forgiven Van Wert.

Bay County Sheriff John Miller fired Van Wert in September 2006 amid allegations he used the Law Enforcement Information Network for his personal process-serving business while on duty for the sheriff's department.














Ex-Deputy Learns Fate In Child Sex Assault
After Serving 14 Months, Van Wert Could Get Probation
WNEN- Channel 5 News
POSTED: 11:23 am EST March 6, 2008
UPDATED: 11:31 am EST March 6, 2008
http://www.wnem.com/news/15512728/detail.html

SAGINAW, Mich. -- A former Bay County sheriff’s deputy will be sentenced Thursday for a sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl.

Dale Van Wert’s first trial ended in a hung jury in December. He entered a no-contest plea last month.

Van Wert will register as a sex offender, and since he has been in custody for 14 months he could be released Thursday and placed on immediate probation.

The sentencing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Saginaw County court







Van Wert pleads no contest in assault case
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
By CRYSTAL McMORRIS
The Bay City Times

A former Bay County Sheriff's deputy has pleaded no contest to a charge of attempted sexual assault and guilty to three counts of unauthorized use of the Law Enforcement Information Network.

Dale P. Van Wert entered the pleas Monday afternoon in Saginaw County Circuit Court, where Judge Darnell Jackson is handling the case due to recusal of Bay County judges. The crimes to which Van Wert pleaded occurred in Bay County. He faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced March 6, but guidelines indicate a shorter sentence is likely.

Van Wert, who as a deputy was assigned to Bay County Court security, was accused of obtaining information through Central Dispatch for use in his own process-serving business while on duty in 2006

He also had been charged with several sex crimes alleging sexual assault of a 13-year-old at his Linwood-area home in 2006 and 2007. The more serious sex charges were dismissed as part of a plea bargain.

''You can lock a man up for 13 months with no bond, and eventually he's going to make decisions that are going to get him out of jail,'' said Matthew Reyes, Van Wert's defense attorney.

A jury in December was unable to reach a verdict after hearing several days of testimony about the alleged sexual assaults.

Bay County Prosecutor Kurt Asbury said he consulted with the victim and her mother and determined that it was ''in the best interest of the victim and the public to resolve this matter without another trial.''

Asbury said sentencing guidelines indicate that Van Wert may be released with time served, which will amount to about 14 months. Van Wert also will be required to register as a sex offender and will be placed on probation.

''Given all the circumstances of the case, and the fact that we tried to convict him previously, we're satisfied that he's been convicted of a very serious felony and will be a registered sex offender for life,'' Asbury said.

Reyes said Van Wert agreed to the plea bargain as a way of ''putting an end to the saga.''


Tuesday, March 4, 2008

03042008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Allegan County SD

DEPUTY KEVIN HAAN, ALLEGAN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT.

Arrested on March 04, 2008 for making threatening phone calls to his wife.

Original charges: Malicious use of a phone [misdemeanor].

Released on bond, with conditions that Deputy Haan have no contact with his wife and that he not consume alcohol.


Former Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [Oct. 15, 2012]

Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [March 28, 2008]

Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for violating domestic violence bond [March 13, 2008]

Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for domestic violence [March 04, 2008]





From: Cloudwriter / Behind The Blue Wall:






Allegan County deputy suspended after third arrest
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
By Nate Reens
The Grand Rapids Press
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/04/allegan_county_sheriffs_deputy.html



Deputy Kevin Haan [Allegan County Sheriff Department]


ALLEGAN COUNTY -- A veteran sheriff's deputy has been suspended without pay after he was arrested three times in the past month, twice by his co-workers, Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said.

Kevin Haan, a 43-year-old road patrol officer serving the county's northeastern townships, has not returned to work since a March 4 arrest by fellow deputies for allegedly placing a threatening phone call to his wife.

Haan, who was charged by Allegan prosecutors with a misdemeanor for malicious use of a phone, was subsequently arrested on accusations he violated bond conditions by contacting his spouse again, Hull said.

The deputy originally was placed on a paid leave, but that status was changed by department leaders Thursday to unpaid suspension after an internal hearing.

The next day, Hull said, Haan was arrested on suspicion of drunken-driving in Barry County. Details of that incident were not available.

"He's really going through a tough time in his personal life right now," Hull said. "He's a fabulous deputy, but he's got some things he has to deal with right now and he can't do that while working."

Hull said Haan threatened his wife, but there is no allegation that any violence occurred. Haan could not be reached for comment.

The criminal accusations are a stunning departure from two years ago, when Sheriff Blaine Koops presented Haan with the department's ALLCOPS award for excellence in community policing.

"The professionalism, dedication and teamwork displayed by these officers are a credit to our department," Koops said in April 2006 while honoring Haan and several other employees.

As the undersheriff, Hull holds Haan's fate in his hands. Hull is responsible for reviewing recommendations for discipline that he expects a board of two force sergeants and a lieutenant to hand him next week.

Haan could be fired or face other corrective measures.

Had heart surgery.
Haan has worked for the county for about 18 years, earning praise from the heads of Dorr, Salem and Leighton townships in 2000. Leaders in those governments fought for Haan to be returned to their area after he was transferred to a neighboring community.

The deputy underwent an unspecified heart surgery, and the move was explained as a less-strenuous way to help him recuperate.

Hull said Haan's arrest by his fellow deputies was difficult, but necessary.

"They've got a job that they have to do, regardless of who it is," Hull said.









Court documents reveal arrested deputy's state of mind
Posted: April 1, 2008 10:36 PM CST
Updated: April 1, 2008 11:13 PM CST
By Marc Thompson
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.aspS=8104181

ALLEGAN, Mich. (WOOD) -- Court documents reveal an Allegan County sheriff's deputy is potentially a danger to himself and others, after winding up on the wrong side of the law, not once, but three times.

It is a story 24 Hour News 8 broke Monday night.

As we dug deeper into court records, it appears Kevin Haan may have been on the verge of a breakdown.

Haan was first arrested March 4 for allegedly making threatening phone calls to his estranged wife. He was released on bond, but with conditions, including not consuming alcohol and having no further contact with his spouse.

But according to court documents obtained by 24 Hour News 8, Haan violated those conditions by calling his wife again on March 13. He also admitted to drinking a half pint of vodka and blowing a 0.18 alcohol level.

Haan told his wife he was considering checking himself into Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids.

His wife told police "he should not be on the streets." She feared Haan may "try and kill himself...have an accident...or hurt her."

Haan told deputies he "could not go on."

Officers in his own department arrested him for a second time for violating an unknown condition of the bond.

Then came arrest number three on March 24. This time Haan was apparently drunk behind the wheel of his car in Barry County, crossing the centerline on M-37, according to a police report. He was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Haan told the arresting officer he "was having marital problems." He again admitted to drinking a half pint of vodka.

Haan said he was on a cocktail of prescription medication for depression and bipolar disorder.

Haan is on unpaid administrative leave while a review board looks into his future with the department.

Sheriff's officials told 24 Hour News 8 all employees have access to mental health assistance through Help Net, a firm in Kalamazoo. Officials would not confirm for us, however, whether Haan sought that assistance.










Sheriff's deputy arrested a third time
Posted: March 31, 2008
By Tony Tagliavia
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8097623&nav=menu44_2

DORR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) -- An Allegan County sheriff's deputy is off the beat after being arrested a third time.

Kevin Haan is on unpaid administrative leave as a board of inquiry decides his fate after allegations of drunken driving, making a threatening phone call to his wife, and violating the terms of his bond.

Haan patrolled Dorr Township and a couple of neighboring communities for years. He even won an award for community policing from Salem Township.

"That doesn't sound like him as far as what I knew him for," said Dorr Township Supervisor Don Kaczanowski. "He was very good at communicating the people."

The threatening phone calls occurred about a month ago. Haan was released on bond but violated an unknown condition of that bond and was arrested again.

Then Haan was arrested sometime last week in Barry County for drunken driving - a crime in and of itself, but also another violation of that original bond.

Undersheriff Jim Hull says these events have been tough on the department, describing Haan as a longtime employee, and a good one.

An internal affairs investigation was done and reviewed by an outside department.

Now a board of inquiry has met, waiting for more information, and is expected to meet again next week. The board will make a recommendation on what will happen to Haan as far as his job is concerned.

24 Hour News 8 was unable to contact Haan.

03042008 - Detroit PD Officer Gary Steele - Facing Life In Prison For OIDV Assault Against Ex-Girlfriend



03042008 - Officer Gary Steele - Detroit PD - Facing Life In Prison For OIDV Assault Against Ex-Girlfriend [Torture; Assault w/intent to commit murder; Assault w/intent to do great bodily harm less than murder; 2 counts felonious assault w/a dangerous weapon; weapons / firearm discharge in or at a building; Felony firearm]


06232009 - Officer Gary Steele - Sentenced - Formerly Facing Possible Life Sentence For Domestic Violence Assault - Sentenced To 1 Year Probation [Misdemeanor reckless use of firearms] AND Then Put Back On Duty - Detroit PD


05312018 - Officer Gary Steele - Video Of Steele Breaking Arm of Elaine Murriel During Arrest - Detroit PD


01312019 - Officer Gary Steele - Detroit PD - Posted Racist Video On SnapChat Mocking Ariel Moore After Traffic Stop


02272019 - Officer Gary Steele - Fired For Posting Racial Video Of Traffic Stop - Detroit PD


04252019 - Officer Gary Steele - Lawsuit Filed Against Steele/Detroit PD - Racist SnapChat Video Of Ariel Moore During Traffic Stop


04252019 - Officer Gary Steele - Lawsuit Filed Against Steele/Detroit PD - Elaine Murriel's Arm Broken During Arrest






Detroit Police Officer Gary Steele - March 04, 2008


Original charges: Torture; assault w/intent to commit murder; assault w/intent to do great bodily harm less than murder; 2 counts felonious assault w/a dangerous weapon; weapons / firearm discharge in or at a building; felony firearm. 

Officer Gary Steele was looking at the possibility of life in prison.

Plea bargain: Pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless discharge of a firearm, and was placed on probation for one year.







Defendant Gary Steele talks with his attorney David Lee during a court hearing Monday.
Bill Bresler Observer staff photographer. 




Gary Steele reacts to seeing and hearing his ex-girlfriend in court on Monday.













Detroit cop charged with felony torture for breakup fracas
The Detroit News
March 6, 2008
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080306/METRO/803060493/1361

PLYMOUTH -- An off-duty Detroit police officer was charged today with six felony crimes including torture and intent to murder for a fight he had while moving his belongings out of his ex-girlfriend's house.

Bond was set at $5 million for Officer Gary Allen Steele, 42, after his arraignment by Judge Michael Gerou in 35th District Court on charges of torture, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, discharge inside a building, and use of a firearm during a felony crime. The charges carry punishments of up to life in prison.

Police were called about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to a Canton Township home Steele had shared with his girlfriend in the 300 block of Pinehurst. Investigators say the 37-year-old woman complained about receiving bumps and bruises during an assault, and Steele allegedly fired a handgun.

"The fight was over the breakup," said Canton Township Police Detective Sgt. Rick Pomorski. "He was moving stuff out. It's her house."

The woman, whom police declined to identify, was not hit by any bullets and did not require hospitalization for her injuries.

Steele was ordered on Thursday to be held in the Wayne County Jail until he is returned to the court for a March 17 preliminary examination. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf by Steele's attorney John Goldpaugh.












Detroit Officer On Other Side Of Bars
Click On Detroit
March 6, 2008
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/15515317/detail.html?rss=det&psp=news


CANTON, Mich. -- A 10-year Detroit police veteran accused of beating and torturing his girlfriend was arraigned on multiple charges in a Canton courthouse Thursday.

Gary Allen Steele was arraigned on seven charges including torture, assault with intent to commit murder and discharge of a firearm in a building.

Police said while Steele was off-duty, he attacked his girlfriend in Canton, beat her and fired off his gun.

He could face up to life in prison, if convicted.

Steele will be back in court on March 17.












Court hearing postponed for cop accused of torture
Detroit Free Press
March 17, 2008
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/C5/20080317/NEWS03/80317005/1110/CFP02

Gary Allen Steele’s preliminary examination has been postponed until April 11 at the request of his new attorney and the state.

Steele, 42, a Detroit police officer accused of torturing and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, was in court Monday for the exam when his attorney, David Lee, requested that the matter be adjourned.

Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Scott Ehlfeldt gave mutual consent.

When Steele, who had been called a model police officer by his previous attorney, entered the courtroom, his ex-girlfriend, Kimberly Ann Golematis, began crying and left with her supporters. Steele also cried and rested his head on his hand.

Steele was arrested March 4 after allegedly firing three shots from his revolver near Golematis at her Canton home. Ehlfeldt, who had pushed for Steele’s $5 million bond, said he struck the victim with a baseball bat and fired at least one of the shots near her head.

The couple, who had been dating for about six months, lived together briefly but were separating.

The charges against Steele include torture and assault with intent to murder, both felonies punishable up to life in prison; assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a 10-year felony; two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four-year felonies; weapon/firearm discharge in or at a building, a four-year felony and weapons-felony firearm, punishable up to two years.












PLYMOUTH: Cop's preliminary exam postponed
Detroit Free Press
March 18, 2008
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20080318/NEWS02/803180404/1004/NEWS

A preliminary examination was postponed Monday for a police officer accused of assaulting and torturing his ex-girlfriend at her Canton home.

The exam for Gary A. Steele was rescheduled for April 11 in 35th District Court in Plymouth.

Steele, 42, is being held in the Wayne County Jail after failing to post 10% of $5-million bond.

He was suspended with pay from the Detroit Police Department. The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners is to decide as early as Thursday whether to suspend Steele without pay.

Steele was arraigned March 6 on charges that include torture and assault with intent to commit murder. He faces life in prison if convicted of the most serious of the charges, police said.

He was arrested March 4 on suspicion of firing three shots during an argument.












Canton Township: Exam in cop's case delayed
Detroit News
March 18, 2008
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20080318/METRO01/803180321/1410/METRO01

A preliminary examination of evidence that a Detroit police officer beat and tortured his ex-girlfriend while packing to leave the Canton Township home they shared was postponed Monday in 35th District Court.

Gary Allen Steele, 42, remains in Wayne County Jail in lieu of $5 million bond since his March 6 arraignment on charges of torture, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, discharge of a handgun inside a building, and use of a firearm during a felony crime. The charges are punishable by life in prison.

His 37-year-old ex-girlfriend suffered bumps and bruises during the March 4 incident but wasn't hospitalized, said Canton Township Police. He is to return before Judge Ronald Lowe on April 11.












The meeting of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of the Regular Board of Police Commissioners Meeting
at Police Headquarters, 1300 Beaubien, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Thursday, March 20, 2008.

4. BOPC OFFICER’S REPORT
1. CHAIRPERSON
2. SECRETARY REPORT

SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY OF POLICE OFFICER GARY STEELE, BADGE 4279, ASSIGNED TO THE NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT

On March 4, 2008, Force Investigation was notified of an incident involving Police Officer Gary Steele, Badge 4279.

Prior to March 4, 2008, the Complainant stated that during the six months that she had been dating Police Officer Steele, she noticed that he had a violent temper and sudden outbursts of anger, which scared her. Therefore, she chose to terminate the relationship.

On March 4, 2008, the Complainant returned home and found Officer Steele moving his belongings from her basement and garage. While moving his belongings, Officer Steele placed her house key and garage door opener on the kitchen counter and began swearing.

When the Complainant told him to leave, he proceeded into the garage and grabbed a bat from the garage and started swinging. The Complainant then moved towards the interior door of the house after repeatedly telling Officer Steele to leave.

Officer Steele walked toward his car in the driveway and the Complainant closed the automatic garage door behind him and closed the interior door.

Officer Steele re-entered the garage using the keypad, grabbed the bat, and hit the Complainant on her right thigh bringing her to her knees.

Officer Steele then picked up the Complainant by her throat, dragged her toward the interior door, and smashed her head through the garage wall. He then choked her and pushed her through the door onto her back.

Officer Steele then got on top of her, held her by her throat, and repeatedly pushed her head into the floor.

Officer Steele drew his revolver and fired three shots into the floor next to the Complainant’s head. He placed the gun to her head and stated, “I will kill you. Do you hear me Kim? I will kill you.”
Officer Steele then told the Complainant to open her mouth so that he could blow her “fucking brains out.” Officer Steele threw his gun across the room and gave her $200.00 for a new cell phone. Officer Steele then got off of her, retrieved his gun, and left the scene.

On that same day, the Canton Police Department dispatched a shots fired police run to the Complainant’s address. The dispatcher also broadcasted that the suspect was an off-duty Detroit police officer and was driving a black Pontiac Grand Prix.

Members of the Canton Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the Grand Prix. Officer Steele was ordered out of his car and onto the ground. He was placed in custody and escorted to the scout car.

A .38 caliber revolver was found in a holster on Officer Steele’s right hip. When Officer Steele was asked if he had fired any shots at the house, he responded by saying, “Yes, it was a stupid thing to do.”

The Canton Police Department recovered the following firearms from the trunk of Officer Steele’s vehicle and placed them on hold “Safe Keeping:”
One 7mm rifle
One .22 caliber rifle
One Marlin rifle
One 12-gauge shotgun

On March 5, 2008, Lieutenant Lynda Hicks, badge L-12, and Sergeant Diaz Graves, badge S-28, both assigned to the Northwestern District, responded to the Canton Police Department and suspended Officer Steele.

On March 5, 2008, Detective Michael Wells, of the Canton Police Department, obtained a seven count felony warrant against Officer Steele charging him with the following:
Count 1. Torture
Count 2. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder
Count 3. Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm less than Murder
Count 4. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)
Count 5. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)
Count 6. Weapons-Firearms-Discharge in or at a building
Count 7. Weapons-Felony Firearm

On March 6, 2008, Officer Steele was arraigned on the aforementioned charges before Judge Michael Gerou, of the 35th District Court. Officer Steele was given a bond of $5,000,000.00 / 10%. His exam was scheduled for March 17, 2008 and adjourned to April 11, 2008.

Based on the above circumstances, it is recommended that Police Officer Steele be charged with, but not limited to, the following violation of the Detroit Police Department Rules and Regulations:

CHARGE: 
CONDUCT UNBECOMING AN OFFICER, CONTRARY TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS; THIS BEING IN VIOLATION OF THE 2003 DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT MANUAL SERIES 100, DIRECTIVE 102.3 – 7.9, CONDUCT UNPROFESSIONAL, COMMAND 1.

Due to the seriousness of the conduct, I am requesting your concurrence with the suspension of Officer Steele without pay, effective March 20, 2008.

Unless contravened by this Board the suspension without pay shall stand.

There were no contraventions.












DETROIT: No pay for officer in assault case
Detroit Free Press
March 21, 2008
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080321/NEWS02/803210438/1004

A Detroit police officer charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend was suspended Thursday without pay.

The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners suspended Gary A. Steele, 42, of Canton. He was charged earlier this month with torture and assault with intent to commit murder.

Steele was initially suspended with pay following his March 4 arrest for allegedly firing three shots during an argument in a subdivision near Canton Center and Cherry Hill roads. He was off duty at the time.

Steele is being held in the Wayne County Jail after failing to post 10% of $5-million bond. He pleaded not guilty in 35th District Court in Plymouth and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary exam April 11.












Detroit cop accused of torture loses pay
Detroit Free Press
March 23, 2008
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/C5/20080323/NEWS03/803230465/1110/CFP02
Gary Steele, the Detroit police officer charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend in Canton, was suspended Thursday without pay.

The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners suspended Steele, 42, who was charged earlier this month with torture and assault with intent to commit murder.

Steele was initially suspended with pay following his March 4 arrest for allegedly firing three shots from his revolver during an argument at the woman's home in the Glengary subdivision. He was off duty at the time.

Steele is being held in the Wayne County Jail after failing to post 10 percent of his $5 million bond. He pleaded not guilty in 35th District Court in Plymouth and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary exam on April 11.












Judge refuses to drop charges in torture case
Hometown Life
April 13, 2008
http://hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/NEWS03/804130510/1020/NEWS03
As his ex-girlfriend testified about the day he allegedly assaulted her with a baseball bat and fired a gun near her head, Gary Allen Steele sat with his arms crossed and shook his head.

"Pow. Pow. Pow," Kimberly Ann Golematis said from the witness stand Friday morning at 35th District Court when describing the moment Steele pulled out his revolver and fired the weapon.

Looking directly at Steele, a suspended Detroit police officer, Golematis held her right hand like a gun and testified that he told her, "I will (expletive) kill you."

Steele, 42, has been bound over on seven charges stemming from the March 4 incident. In addition to rejecting the defense's claim that the charges of torture, assault with intent to murder and assault with intent to do great bodily harm were inappropriate, Judge Ronald W. Lowe denied the request to lower Steele's $5 million bond.

"Until this shakes out, (Golematis) is entitled to walk the Earth in no fear of him," he said, adding that he fears for the Canton woman's safety because she's the main thing standing between Steele and his freedom.

Lowe said Steele's occupation provided an additional element to his refusal to lower bond.

"Lawyers, judges and cops (should be) held to a higher standard," he said. "She has testified that he crossed the line."

Golematis testified that she and Steele had ended their six-month relationship when he stopped by her Glengarry subdivision home March 4 to retrieve the last of his items.

"I was not an angel by any means," she said. "I wasn't gift wrapping his stuff."

With their interaction already tense, Golematis said Steele became violent when he was preparing to leave and she mentioned his Santa Claus statue that was in her garage.

"I said don't forget Santa," she said, adding that he then told her to keep it.

Upon saying that she didn't want it, Golematis kicked the item and said Steele responded by "freaking out."

He supposedly hit her left leg with a baseball bat and then began choking her. When she fell to the ground, Golematis said she landed on the steps in the garage that led to her kitchen.

"Gary Steele got on top of me and straddled me with his weight," she said, adding that he began choking her again and made several references to his former police partner, Brian Vieau, who committed suicide after killing his estranged wife, Tracy Vieau, in February 2007. "He said 'Now I know why Brian did what he did.'"

Golematis said Steele fired three shots into the garage steps near the left side of her head. After placing the gun inside her mouth and to her head, Golematis said Steele appeared to "snap" back to reality when she told him that he was hurting her.

"He said 'I love you. I just love you so much. I would do anything for us.'" Golematis testified, adding that Steele began stroking her hair and saying he should go into the home's basement to see if anything was damaged by the gunshots.

Golematis said she asked Steele to leave and then she called Canton Police.

Upon questioning Golematis, Steele's attorney, David Lee, questioned her reluctance to stay in her township home due to the gunshot holes and suggested that a gun had previously been fired in her home. Golematis denied owning a gun and said there were no other gunshot holes at her residence.

At one point during the cross examination, Lowe scolded Golematis for offering Lee a flippant answer.

Julie Cook, Golematis' friend of 10 years, testified that the alleged attack is "pretty much all that (Golematis) talks about." Cook said Golematis is afraid of retaliation from other police officers and lives in a state of paranoia.

After Cook's testimony, Lee argued that the charges be reduced and that Steele's bond be reduced to $100,000. He said Steele, who has been in custody for more than 40 days, has no evidence of past abuse and has had sufficient "cooling time" and isn't a danger to anyone.

Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Scott Ehlfeldt defended all the charges as relevant and balked at the bond suggested by the defense.

In keeping the bond at its current amount, Lowe said he has "no doubt in my mind" that Golematis is afraid of Steele.

"He's a good person who made a really bad choice," Golematis said.

Steele is scheduled to be arraigned in Third Circuit Court on April 25.

The charges against Gary Steele
  • Torture, a felony punishable up to life in prison.
  • Assault with intent to murder, a felony punishable up to life in prison.
  • Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a 10-year felony.
  • Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four-year felonies.
  • Weapon/firearm discharge in or at a building, a four-year felony Weapons-felony firearm, punishable up to two years.












Trial set for cop charged with torturing ex-girlfriend
Detroit Free Press
July 16, 2008
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C5/20080716/NEWS03/80716006/1110/CFP02
The jury trial for the suspended Detroit police officer accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend has been set for Aug. 13.

Gary Allen Steele, 42, has been detained on a $5 million bond since the March 4 incident. Steele allegedly hit Kimberly Ann Golematis with a baseball bat before firing a gun near her head.

The incident occurred at Golematis’ Canton home in the Glengarry subdivision.

The couple had ended their six-month relationship and Steele was at the residence to retrieve the last of his items when the two began arguing.

Golematis, who called the suspended officer a “good person who made a really bad choice,” testified in April that Steele became violent when she kicked his Santa Claus statue and he allegedly hit her leg with the bat. Upon falling to the ground, Golematis said Steele straddled her and made several references to his former police partner, Brian Vieau, who committed suicide after killing his estranged wife, Tracy Vieau, in February 2007.

Steele then allegedly fired three gun shots near the left side of Golematis’ head.

The township woman said Steele later told her that he loved her and left her home.

The charges against Steele include torture and assault with intent to murder, both felonies punishable up to life in prison, and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a 10-year felony.

The trial will take place before Judge Ulysses W. Boykin in Wayne County Circuit Court.












Trial pushed back for cop accused of torturing girlfriend
Hometown Life
August 21, 2008
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080821/NEWS03/80821007
The jury trial for a suspended Detroit police officer accused of torturing his ex-girlfriend has been pushed back to December.

The state’s case against Gary Allen Steele, 43, was scheduled to begin Aug. 13 but has been moved to Dec. 15.

The trial will take place before Judge Ulysses W. Boykin in Wayne County Circuit Court. Boykin’s clerk was unavailable for comment on the date change.

Steele, who has been detained on a $5 million bond since the March 4 incident, allegedly hit his former girlfriend, Kimberly Ann Golematis, with a baseball bat before firing a gun near her head.

The incident took place at Golematis’ Canton home after the couple ended their six-month relationship. Golematis testified at Steele’s preliminary exam that he was at her residence to get the last of his items when the two began arguing.

Steele allegedly made Golematis fall after striking her leg with a bat. Golematis said Steele then straddled her and fired three gunshots near the left side of her head. During the incident, Steele allegedly made several references to his former police partner, Brian Vieau, who committed suicide after killing his estranged wife, Tracy Vieau, in February 2007. The incident ended soon after Golematis said she told Steele that he was hurting her.

The charges against Steele include torture and assault with intent to murder, both felonies punishable up to life in prison, and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a 10-year felony.












Detroit cop pleads in assault on girlfriend
Hometown Life
JUNE 14, 2009
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090614/NEWS03/906140417
A suspended Detroit police officer accused of trying to kill his estranged Canton girlfriend pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless use of a firearm.

Gary Steele, 42, could face 90 days in jail and fines when he is sentenced June 23 by Wayne County Circuit Judge Ulysses Boykin.

Numerous felony charges including torture, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, felonious assault and felony firearm are expected to be dismissed at sentencing, Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Maria Miller said Friday.

Steele could have faced penalties ranging up to life in prison if he had gone to trial and been convicted as charged.

Steele remains suspended and still could face other disciplinary actions after the case has been resolved in court, according to the Detroit Police Department.

Steele was accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend, Kimberly Ann Golematis, when he went to her home in Canton's Glengarry subdivision in March. He was jailed until he posted bond in May, but Boykin had then ordered him to wear a tether.

Golematis testified during a preliminary hearing in April in 35th District Court that Steele choked her, straddled her when she fell to the ground and fired three shots near the left side of her head.

She testified that Steele told her, “I will (expletive) kill you.”

The couple had ended a six-month relationship when Steele went to Golematis' home to get the last of his belongings. The two argued, and Steele was accused of hitting her leg with a baseball bat before the dispute became even more violent.

Golematis testified during the hearing that Steele placed the gun inside her mouth and to her head before he appeared to “snap” back to reality, after she told him that he was hurting her. “He said, ‘I love you. I just love you so much. I would do anything for us.'”

Golematis described Steele as “a good person who made a really bad choice.












MDOC NUMBER: 732399
CURRENT STATUS: PROBATIONER
LOCATION: WAYNE/DETROIT LAHSER/PROBATION
SECURITY LEVEL:
SUPERVISION BEGIN DATE:
 06/23/2009
SUPERVISION DISCHARGE DATE: 06/23/2010
OFFENSE: WEAPONS-FIREARMS-RECKLESS USE
MCL #: 752.863A
COURT FILE # : 08005229-01
COUNTY: WAYNE
CONVICTION TYPE: PLEA
MINIMUM SENTENCE:
MAXIMUM SENTENCE:
 1 YEAR 0 MONTHS
DATE OF OFFENSE: 03/04/2008
DATE OF SENTENCE: 06/23/2009

SUERVISION CONDITIONS:
01-
NO VIOLATIONS OF ANY CRIMINAL LAW
02-NOT LEAVE STATE W/O PERMISSION
03-MONTHLY REPORTING
03.4-MUST ATTEND PROGRAMS REQUIRED
04-NOTIFY OF CHANGE OF RESIDENCE
04.6-NO CONTACT WITH [NAME]
04.18-BEHAVIOR
08.2-PAY A CRIME VICTIM’S ASSESSMENT
08.3-PAY SUPERVISION FEE PURSUANT TO PA 185 OF 1993
08.4-COURT COST
08.18-STATE COSTS













Probation deal angers women's advocate group
Hometown Life
A suspended Detroit police officer who had been charged with firing shots and trying to kill his ex-girlfriend inside her Canton home has been placed on probation for one year — a move that has angered at least one women's advocacy group.

Gary Allen Steele, 42, was sentenced Tuesday by Wayne County Circuit Judge Ulysses Boykin after earlier pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless discharge of a firearm.

Steele, off duty when he was accused of attacking Kimberly Ann Golematis in March 2008, could have faced penalties ranging up to life in prison if he had been convicted of original charges including torture, assault with intent to murder and other felony counts.

Golematis didn't appear for Tuesday's sentencing, Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Maria Miller said, but the victim had said during an earlier preliminary hearing that Steele was “a good person who made a really bad choice.”

Nonetheless, a network calling itself the Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence Corp. has criticized what it considers a two-tiered system that favors law-enforcement officers charged with such crimes.

“It is an outrage,” the group's director, Renee Harrington, said. “I can't believe this man was looking at charges carrying life in prison and got probation. What is the message that this has given other victims and police officers?”

Harrington said the advocacy group had contacted state legislators and other officials to try to intervene before Tuesday's sentencing — but she said no response was received.

Steele, who earlier spent months in jail before he was able to post bond, could have faced 90 days in jail when he was sentenced Tuesday. He was ordered by Boykin not to contact the victim.
Miller said Boykin accepted the no contest plea because there's still potential for civil action against Steele.

“The plea was offered by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office in the best interests of justice,” Miller said.

Steele remains suspended and still could face other disciplinary actions, according to the Detroit Police Department.

Golematis testified during an earlier preliminary hearing that Steele choked her, straddled her when she fell to the ground and fired shots near the left side of her head. The incident happened when Steele went to her home to get the last of his belongings after their relationship dissolved.

Golematis earlier testified that Steele appeared to “snap” back to reality after she told him that he was hurting her. She said he told her that he loved her and “would do anything for us.”