Friday, December 18, 2009

12172009 - Deputy Richard Zych - Benzie County SD





Former Benzie Deputy Sentenced
Date: December 14, 2010
By Eric VanDussen
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/11358






A former Benzie County court officer has been sentenced to a year in jail.

Richard Zych pleaded guilty last month to one count of aggravated assault, under a plea deal. He was originally charged with three counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.

District Judge John Foresman admonished Zych and handed down the maximum one-year sentence allowed under the plea agreement.

"You used your position as deputy sheriff to put her in a position which made her vulnerable. And that kind of conduct cannot be tolerated," Foresman told Zych in court Monday.

The prosecutor alleged that Zych used force and coercion while sexually assaulting a female victim on at least three occasions in 2009, manipulating his position over her.

Zych had worked in the Benzie County Sheriff's Department since 1997. The department terminated earlier this year.










Former deputy pleads guilty to aggravated assault
Posted: 11.29.2010 at 3:27 PM
Up North Live
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=547396




A former Benzie County Corrections Deputy, accused of sexually assaulting a woman, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault Monday.


BEULAH -- A former Benzie County Corrections Deputy, accused of sexually assaulting a woman, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault Monday.

Rick Zych was accused of groping a woman three times after he pulled her over in a Sheriff's vehicle earlier this year.

As a part of the plea bargain Zych had to admit to at least one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct fourth degree.

Zych faces up to one year in jail when he is sentenced on December 20.











Deputy Accused of Pulling Woman Over, Groping Her
Posted: 06.24.2010 at 11:40 PM
Up North Live
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=474777

BENZIE CO. -- An update on the Benzie County Corrections Deputy accused of sexually assaulting a woman.

On Friday a judge ordered Deputy Rick Zych to stand trial, after that the sheriff fired him.

The sheriff says Zych violated the department's code of conduct.

A woman claims Zych sexually assaulted her three times last year. She says he pulled her over with a sheriff's vehicle and forcefull groped her.

Zych's preliminary examination continues this week.











Deputy Charged With Sexual Assault
Posted: 04.22.2010 at 12:13 PM
Up North Live
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=447140




Deputy Rick Zych was in court Thursday, officially charged with two counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.


A Benzie County Deputy is charged with two counts of sexual assault.

Deputy Rick Zych was in court Thursday, officially charged with two counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.

The Sheriff says the incident was brought to the attention of law enforcement in December of 2009. The case was referred to the Michigan State Police for investigation.

“You must be fair and impartial and be sure a good investigation is done. That is why we handed it over to State Police. It would not have been proper for us to investigate our own person,” said Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman.

Zych was placed on administrative leave without pay or benefits effective last week. He was released on a $50,000/PR bond.

Zych will be back in court for a preliminary exam within fourteen days. If found guilty the misdemeanor charges could be punishable for 2 years and/or $500.00 fine.














Benzie deputy suspended amid CSC charges
Court bailiff accused of sexually assaulting woman

By ALEX PIAZZA
The Record Eagle
Fri Apr 16, 2010, 07:55 AM EDT

BEULAH -- Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman suspended one of his deputies without pay after police said he twice sexually assaulted a woman.

Authorities this week charged Richard "Rick" Lee Zych, 52, of Honor, with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The high-court misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to two years in prison and/or $500.

He "engaged in non-consensual sexual contact" with a woman "by using force and coercion" on two occasions last year, court records show. The woman was an acquaintance, but they weren't in a relationship, Heckman said.

Zych, a court bailiff who's worked for the department since 1997, was suspended on Wednesday without pay or benefits. His arraignment is scheduled for April 22 in 85th District Court.

A union representing Zych filed a grievance on Thursday, contending the sheriff's department wrongfully suspended him without pay.

"He obviously hasn't been afforded his due process rights to defend himself," said Pat Spidell, a Police Officers Association of Michigan representative.
Heckman said he'll respond to the grievance soon.

The sheriff's department in December suspended Zych with pay pending a Michigan State Police investigation. Zych was required to call the department twice a day while on paid suspension, but because Heckman on Wednesday stripped him of his pay and benefits, he no longer has to check in. He did not return a call for comment.

Zych is the most recent Benzie County sheriff's deputy charged with sexual assault.

The sheriff's department two years ago fired Craig Baker, a corrections sergeant, after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a girl, then 14, in 2005. A judge dismissed the case because the alleged victim said she lied about the incident, but Heckman refused to reinstate Baker.

At least two other Benzie officers this decade were convicted on sexual assault charges.

Heckman said the department must continue to conduct thorough background checks to ensure similar incidents don't occur. The sheriff's department requires its deputies, both for corrections and road patrol, to undergo a psychological examination before they're hired.

"Those weren't always done in the past," Heckman said. "It's a necessary piece of the puzzle. The more eyes you have looking at it, it's going to help you."











Deputy Charged With Sexual Assault
Posted: 04.15.2010 at 11:19 AM
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=444224




BENZIE COUNTY -- A Benzie County Deputy is charged with two counts of sexual assault.

Deputy Rick Zych was arrested Wednesday on the fourth degree criminal sexual assault charges. The Sheriff says the incident was brought to the attention of law enforcement in December of 2009. The case was referred to the Michigan State Police for investigation.

“You must be fair and impartial and be sure a good investigation is done. That is why we handed it over to State Police. It would not have been proper for us to investigate our own person,” said Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman.

Zych was placed on administrative leave without pay or benefits effective Wednesday afternoon. He was released on a $50,000/PR bond.

Zych will be back in court for arraignment on the charges April 22. If found guilty the misdemeanor charges could be punishable for 2 years and/or $500.00 fine.













Bailiff investigated for off-duty assault
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Record Eagle
Thu Dec 17, 2009, 07:22 AM EST
http://record-eagle.com/benzie/x546327681/Bailiff-investigated-for-off-duty-assault

BEULAH -- A Benzie County sheriff's deputy is suspended with pay pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Rick Zych, who serves as a court bailiff, was suspended Monday pending a Michigan State Police investigation. Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman said the investigation involves an alleged off-duty assault of an acquaintance.

Zych, 52, has worked for the department since 1997.




Tuesday, December 15, 2009

12152009 - C.O. Richard Pierce - Ionia Prison





Correction Officer Richard Pierce was arrested at work [at the Ionia Prison] on December 15, 2009, for domestic violence. During Pierce's arrest the Michigan State Police discovered marijuana on him.

On June 29, 2010, Pierce pled guilty to bringing contraband into a prison. He was placed on probation for three years.




ALSO SEE:
Richard Pierce: 1977 second-degree murder conviction






Ionia Maximum Correctional Facility employee suspended for assault allegations
Published: Friday, December 18, 2009, 6:33 AM
Updated: Friday, December 18, 2009, 6:35 AM
By Brian McVicar
The Grand Rapids Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/12/ionia_maximum_correctional_fac.html

IONIA -- An Ionia Maximum Correctional Facility employee is suspended on allegations he assaulted his wife, according to Michigan State Police. Richard Pierce, 60, was arrested Tuesday at the prison, 1576 W. Bluewater Highway, state Trooper Raymond Sowa said Thursday.

Pierce is accused of assaulting his wife Tuesday at his Evergreen Township home in Montcalm County, according to state police at the Lakeview post. When he was searched by police, they allegedly found a marijuana joint.

Sowa said a third party alerted police to the alleged abuse. He is free on bond from the Montcalm County Jail.










Correction officer Richard Pierce
Uploaded by WOODTV8 on Dec 17, 2009

An employee at the Ionia Maximum Correctional Facility is suspended and barred from the grounds Thursday night, as he is now the subject of a criminal investigation.

Sgt. Richard Pierce was arrested at work Tuesday for alleged domestic assault, according to the Michigan State Police. He was arraigned Wednesday.


Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

12022009 - Officer David Essad - The Disappearing Probation Violations - Shelby Township PD




[MI] Shelby Township Officer David Essad [2008]





UNFORTUNATELY, ESSAD HAS NOT BEEN CHARGED WITH THE CRIMES HE COMMITTED WHILE ON PROBATION. HE IS SIMPLY FACING A REVOCATION HEARING TO DECIDE WHETHER HIS PROBATION WILL BE REVOKED. IF REVOKED, ESSAD WILL ONLY FACE 4 DAYS IN JAIL FOR HIS VICIOUS ATTACK ON HIS EX-WIFE [APRIL 2008], WHICH LEFT HER HOSPITALIZED.

Hi Renee,

Please contact all of your associates and remind them that David Essads Probation Violation Hearing is scheduled on December 2, 2009 at 1:30 PM in Oakland County Circuit Court Courtroom 1c, before Judge Shalina D. Kumar.

Remember the standard for a probation violation hearing is simple Preponderance. That is just a hair over 50%.

Should Judge Kumar opt to violate his probation his special status under law, allowing his criminal record to be wiped clear, will evaporate and he will be forever barred from "serving" us as a Police Officer or owning a firearm. Given the severe injuries that Julie Essad endured ( he almost killed her) at the hands of this heavy handed "super" cop ( Use of Force Instructor etc.) who should have known better, I think Judge Kumar owes us one and should violate his probation and ensure that he spends Christmas in the Oakland County Jail.

I certainly hope that everyone will pick up a phone and contact Judge Kumar at 248-858-5280 so that she will understand not only what occurred, but the violent offender who uses extremely poor judgment that David Essad really is. Society needs to be protected, and he needs to be punished, and jailed as an example to others that no one is above the law


http://www.oakgov.com/circuit/judges/kumar-shalina-pro.html


Check out the register of actions in this case in the link below.

http://www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/courtexplorer/index.html


More about David Essad’s History

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/04/officer-david-essad-shelby-township-pd.html


http://davidessadisanidiot.com/


http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2008/05/mi-julie-is-suing-her-husband-officer.html


http://www.essadsmartialarts.com/about_us.htm

(note his lies about being still being a Police Officer)

http://www.citizendefensetraining.com/


Note how the above website has changed dropping the names of all Law Enforcement officers over time

Below: An indication of his failure as the Principle use of Force Instructor for Shelby Township PD below. Some might say just another example of one Heavy Handed cop training other officers.

http://www.justicenewsflash.com/2009/01/13/shelby-township-police-settle-195-million-taser-death-lawsuit_20090113584.html


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What was Essad's orignal jail sentence? Did the prosecutor just file a revocation hearing, or did they also file criminal charges against Essad for the crimes he committed when he violated his probation?

Renee'

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Renee',
According to Circuit Court Records David Essad received a sentence of only 2 days per each of the two counts of Aggravated Domestic Violence.

The assumption being that Essad was credited with "time served".

No new criminal charges were filed to the best of my knowledge.

However in speaking with a reporter from the Oakland Press about the most recent incident according to their sources, resulted in no new charges or arrests by Sheriffs Deputies.

The Oakland County Circuit Court Case Lookup under David Essads Criminal Case only indicates that a revocation hearing will to be held.

The Prosecutor who brokered the deal was Ian Simons. A 2006/2007 Oakland County governement directory phone book indicates that Lisa Ortleib Gorcyca heads the Domestic Violence unit with their phone number being (248) 452-4177.

It is unknown if Assistant Prosecutor SImons is still assigned the case.

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Hi Cloud and Renee',

Would you believe that David Essad Violation of Probation Hearing re-scheduled Decemeber 2, at 1:30 PM was once again re-scheduled to March 2, 2010 at 10:30 AM.
Clearly a double standard exists. Who is protectinng the integrity of the Justice System? Is anyone left who is willing to defend the best interests of Public Saftey?

Another bright shining example of the Double Standard.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/12/01/news/cops_and_courts
/doc4b14f28828c89543129938.txt




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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "OFFICER DAVID ESSAD, SHELBY TOWNSHIP PD":

David Essads Probation Violation has once again been rescheduled to March 2, 2010 at 10:30 A.M.

I cannot believe the Oakland County Prosecutors Office and Judge Kumar are allowing this as Justice Delayed is Justice Deinied.

Should Essad successfully complete probation his criminal record will be wiped clear ( see his Felony Oakand County Circuit Court file and associated Register of Actions. If this happens and he may be allowed to return to duty as a Police Officer and own, carry and possess firearms.

David Essad has demonstrated poor judgement and is a violent individual who the public should be protected against.

Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence. MIOIDV. Renee Harrington


[MI POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED PERPETRATED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW ENFORCEMENT MURDER SUICIDE]
MIOIDV, Renee’ Harrington, Michigan officer involved domestic violence, Pam Aukerman Brainard
Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence