07312011 - Officer Steven Luthy - Kalamazoo PD

'Disorderly' officer back on duty
Steven Luthy originally charged with hitting wife
Updated: Monday, 27 Feb 2012, 7:49 PM EST
Published : Monday, 27 Feb 2012, 5:47 PM EST
By Leon Hendrix
WOOD TV News
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/steven-luthy-back-on-duty-022712

Officer Steven Luthy

Ellen Luthy [Feb. 27, 2012]

Officer Steven Valiant Luthy [July 31, 2011].

Injuries Ellen Luthy suffered in the July 2011 attack.

Injuries Ellen Luthy suffered in the July 2011 attack.

After pleading guilty to charges related to the July 2011 domestic violence attack, Officer Steven Luthy was placed back on duty [Kalamazoo PD] in February 2012.


KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo Public Safety officer charged with domestic violence in 2011 has had the charges against him lowered and is now back on duty.

Sheriff's officials released the case details at the request of 24 Hour News 8 now that the case is closed.

Officer Steven Luthy was arrested in July 2011 after Van Buren County Sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call at his home. The deputies found that Luthy's wife Ellen had visible injuries.
Ellen Luthy said she feared for her life the night of the attack.

"It was a pummeling far beyond anything I have ever experienced in my life," she said.

Luthy claimed that Ellen started the fight by throwing something at him, investigation documents show.

He was originally charged with domestic violence and placed on administrative leave. But in January, prosecutors changed the charge to misdemeanor disorderly persons and Luthy pleaded guilty.

Ellen, who filed for a personal protection order against her husband in August 2011, told 24 Hour News 8 that prosecutors contacted her about lowering the charges.

"I adamantly said that I felt very, very uncomfortable with that," said Ellen. "I felt it was up to the judge to decide what his fate should be."

Had the original charge of domestic violence stuck, Luthy would likely no longer be a police officer. Now, after a five-day suspension and a fine of less than $300, Luthy is back to work.

Ellen said she thinks that Luthy's charge was lowered, in part, because he is a police officer.

"There are certain positions, I believe, that there is a moral and ethical standard that's higher," she said.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Jeffrey Hadley told 24 Hour News 8 that the discipline from the department was appropriate.

Officer Luthy has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The Luthys are now in the process of divorcing.








Kalamazoo Public Safety officer gets 5-day suspension following guilty plea in domestic violence case
Published: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 5:38 PM
Updated: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 5:52 PM
The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rex Hall Jr.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html

Officer Steven Luthy [Kalamazoo PD]

KALAMAZOO — A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in a domestic violence case was given a five-day suspension Tuesday by Chief Jeff Hadley.

Steven V. Luthy, 37, of Bloomingdale, was charged with domestic violence following his arrest July 31 for an incident involving his wife at the couple's home. On Jan. 19, Luthy, a 10-year veteran of KDPS, pleaded guilty in Van Buren County District Court to a lesser charge of disturbing the peace.

After he entered his plea, a judge ordered Luthy to pay fines and costs in the case.

In addition to his suspension, Hadley said Luthy was removed from his assignment with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and is to be reassigned to the agency's operations division.

Hadley said he expects Luthy to return to duty within a week to 10 days. He said Luthy, who has been on paid administrative leave since July, will lose five days worth of pay with the suspension.

Hadley said he reached the decision on Luthy's suspension after discussions with the city's labor attorney, human resources department and a review of past department practices.

“Looking at the case in its totality ... led us to the conclusion of the discipline that was rendered,” the chief said.

Luthy's wife, Ellen Luthy, told a Van Buren County circuit judge in a petition for a personal-protection order that during the July incident, her husband came home drunk, followed her around their house, hit her in the face and pushed her down some stairs.

The petition also alleged two other previous incidents of domestic violence going back two years.














Kalamazoo Public Safety officer pleads guilty to lesser charge in domestic violence case
Published: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 1:20 PM
Updated: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 6:53 PM
The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rex Hall Jr.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html

SOUTH HAVEN — A Kalamazoo Public Safety officer scheduled to stand trial Thursday for misdemeanor domestic violence instead pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, authorities said.

Steven V. Luthy, 37, of Bloomingdale, appeared in Van Buren County District Court in South Haven and entered a guilty plea to one count of disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a court official said.

A judge ordered Luthy to pay fines and costs in the case after he entered his plea. Luthy, a 10-year veteran of KDPS, was originally charged with domestic violence, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, in connection with a July 31 incident involving his wife at their home.

Luthy's wife, Ellen Luthy, petitioned a Van Buren County circuit judge for a personal-protection order following the incident in July. She wrote to the judge that during the incident her husband had come home drunk, followed her around their house, hit her in the face and pushed her down some stairs.

The petition also alleged two other previous incidents of domestic violence going back two years.

Luthy has been on paid administrative leave at KDPS since his arrest in July.

“We will, in short fashion, complete the internal investigation and have a decision relative to discipline in the near future,” KDPS Chief Jeff Hadley said Thursday of Luthy's status with the department.









Trial date scheduled for Kalamazoo public safety officer accused of domestic violence; court filing details allegations
Published: Monday, August 08, 2011, 6:09 PM
Updated: Monday, August 08, 2011, 6:12 PM
Kalamazoo Gazette The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rex Hall Jr.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html


Officer Steven Luthy [Kalmazoo PD]

PAW PAW — A Kalamazoo Public Safety officer is scheduled to stand trial in October on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in connection with an incident involving his wife last month at their Van Buren County home.

Attorneys in the case of Steven V. Luthy, 37, met behind closed doors Monday during a pretrial hearing in Van Buren County District Court in South Haven. Luthy is scheduled to appear for a second pretrial hearing Sept. 28 and is to stand trial Oct. 6, a district court official said.

He was arrested July 31 at his home in Bloomingdale and later released on a personal-recognizance bond following his arraignment in district court last week.

Luthy's wife, Ellen Luthy, petitioned Van Buren Circuit Judge Paul E. Hamre for a personal-protection order against her husband on Aug. 1, a day after the incident at their home. Hamre authorized the request the same day. The filing alleges two other incidents of domestic violence going back two years. Court documents indicate the couple has been together five years and that there are three children in the home.

In the filing, Ellen Luthy wrote that her husband has punched her in the face, spat on her and, in one incident several months ago, he told her: "Everyone in our family would be better off if you were dead, I get excited thinking of coming home and seeing your brains splattered everywhere."

Luthy, a 10-year veteran of KDPS, is currently on paid administrative leave with the agency.

In the July 31 incident, Ellen Luthy wrote that "he came home drunk, I asked if he had fun, he started following me, I called my sister. He hit the phone out of my hand, smashed the side of my face, pushed me down the stairs then we fought — he punched me in the face — my sister called the police — he smashed my phone which was actually his."

"Your honor, I am requesting a PPO against my husband, Steve," she wrote to Hamre.

"He was arrested yesterday for physically assaulting me. I am truly in fear for my life with the severity of this situation and numerous prior assaults and threats on my life.

"I am even more so concerned, considering his position and knowledge and access to firearms and weapons. I feel that if his job is in jeopardy that it will displease him to a point of an emotional breakdown. He has shown many times his inability to control his emotions and my family and myself have a great concern of what he is capable of doing."

Included with the PPO petition were photos taken by authorities that show injuries to Ellen Luthy's forehead, knee, chin, leg, arm, ankle, elbow, foot, eye, and back. It's unclear when the photos were taken.

The Gazette was unable to reach Steven Luthy's attorney, David Butler, of Parchment, for this report.







Personal protection order issued against Kalamazoo public safety officer facing domestic violence charge
Published: Friday, August 05, 2011, 5:39 PM
Updated: Friday, August 05, 2011, 5:42 PM
Kalamazoo Gazette The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rosemary Parker
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html

Officer Steven Luthy [Kalamazoo PD]

PAW PAW — A personal protection order has been authorized against a Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer at the request of his wife.

Steven Valient Luthy, 37, a 10-year veteran of the public safety department, is currently on paid administrative leave following an alleged altercation with his wife last Sunday at their home in Bloomingdale.

The couple has been together five years; they have three children.

Van Buren County Circuit Judge Paul Hamre authorized the personal protection order against Luthy, who was arraigned Monday on one count of misdemeanor domestic violence and released on a personal recognizance bond, court records indicated.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Monday in Van Buren County District Court.

The Gazette was unable to reach Luthy's attorney, David Butler of Parchment, for comment.


















Wife files PPO against arrested cop
Steven Luthy accused of domestic violence
Updated: Friday, 05 Aug 2011, 12:44 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 05 Aug 2011, 12:10 PM EDT
By Ryan Takeo
WOOD TV News
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Wife-files-PPO-against-arrested-cop

Ellen Luthy's Personal Protective Order Request.

Ellen Luthy's Personal Protective Order Request.

Ellen Luthy's Personal Protective Order Request.

PAW PAW, Mich. (WOOD) - After a Kalamazoo public safety officer was arrested for allegedly beating his wife, she filed for a personal protection order that details what happened.

Steven Luthy was arrested Sunday when police responded to his home on 40th Street in Bloomingdale, and Van Buren County sheriff's deputies found Luthy's wife had visible injuries.

He was taken to the Van Buren County Jail and later charged with domestic violence -- a misdemeanor -- Monday, police records show.

In the PPO, signed by Judge Paul Hamre Monday, Luthy's wife explains what happened.
He came home drunk, she wrote. "I asked if he had fun, he started following me, I called my sister. He hit the phone out of my hand, smashed the side of my face, pushed me down the stairs and we fought. He punched me in the face."

When asked if Luthy had ever threatened her specifically, and what his exact words were, she wrote: "Everyone in our family would be better off if you were dead. I get excited thinking of coming home and seeing your brains splattered anywhere."

And when asked how she would describe her emotions, she wrote, "Thank God they took the guns because if he loses his job because he was arrested, he'll hunt me down and kill me."

Luthy was released from custody and placed on administrative leave, as a KDPS internal investigation continues.












From the comments: KPS officer's arrest prompts discussion of everything from equal treatment to violence
Published: Friday, August 05, 2011, 8:33 AM
Updated: Friday, August 05, 2011, 8:33 AM
The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rosemary Parker
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/from_the_comments_kps_officers.htm

Stories yesterday about the arrest of Kalamazoo Public Safety officer Steve Luthy over the weekend after his wife called 911 to report domestic violence spurred plenty of comments, on a range of topics, including:

Are police treated differently, by law enforcement and in the media?

landingteam2 said:
Follow this should be watched to see he gets the same treatment the average citizen gets,
To which nwallen responded:
Its already gone beyond what the average citizen gets with him being placed on leave. But yeah as far as the criminal charges portion of it goes, I agree.

And landow said:
The average person does not have a photo and news article written about him/her prior to charges from the Prosecutor's office. Few people are a news item when a misdemeanor is involved.

Is paid administrative leave the proper response by the city?


landingteam2 again said:
how is paid leave different then a vacation?

Other readers worry about domestic violence, in general and among police officers.

voyeur asks:
If this fool can beat his unarmed wife. What does that say about his ablitly to protect and serve other citizen sheep?? Can you say lack of anger managment skills boys and girls !!

DISAMBIGUATION says:
This is a great big problem within our police departments that is rarely brought to light, cops are drunks,they beat their wifes, and they are suicide prone....and they are armed and dangerous.

What do you think?









Kalamazoo officer's pretrial set for Monday in alleged domestic assault matter
Published: Thursday, August 04, 2011, 3:10 PM
Updated: Friday, August 05, 2011, 7:41 AM
Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rosemary Parker
http://www.blogger.com/www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html

Officer Steven Luthy [Kalamazoo PD]

A 37-year-old Kalamazoo police officer arrested in Van Buren County after his wife placed a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday, is scheduled to be back in court Monday.

Court records show that Steve Luthy is scheduled for a pretrial hearing Aug 8.

He was was arraigned Aug. 1 in Van Buren County District Court on one count of misdemeanor domestic violence in front of District Judge Robert T. Hentchel.

Hentchel released Luthy on a personal-recognizance bond, the records show.

Van Buren County Undersheriff Gabrielle Rought said this morning that "probable cause existed, so an arrest was made" by sheriff's deputies upon their arrival at the Bloomingdale home of Luthy, a 10-year veteran of Kalamazoo Public Safety.

Rought said she would not release further details about the case, which is at the Van Buren County Prosecutor's Office for review.

Luthy's wife declined to seek medical treatment, which "was offered," Rought said.

Luthy was placed on administrative leave, according to the statement issued by the public safety department.

That statement reads, in part:

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was notified immediately of the incident.

Upon his release from the Van Buren County Jail, PSO Luthy was placed on administrative leave by the Office of Professional Standards and they then began an internal investigation into the incident.

PSO Luthy is a 10-year veteran of Public Safety currently assigned to KVET as an investigator. Until such time that this investigation is complete, no further information will be released.












Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer arrested, placed on leave pending probe of domestic violence allegation
Published: Thursday, August 04, 2011, 8:46 AM
Updated: Thursday, August 04, 2011, 1:26 PM
Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rosemary Parker
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html


KALAMAZOO — A Kalamazoo police officer was arrested in Van Buren County after his wife placed a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety confirmed today.

Van Buren County Undersheriff Gabrielle Rought said "probable cause existed, so an arrest was made" by sheriff's deputies upon their arrival at the home of Officer Steve Luthy, a 10-year veteran of Kalamazoo Public Safety.

Rought said she would not release further details about the case, which is at the Van Buren County Prosecutor's Office for review. Luthy's wife declined to seek medical treatment, which "was offered," Rought said.

Luthy was taken to the Van Buren County Jail and, following his release, was placed on administrative leave, according to the statement issued by the public safety department.

That statement reads, in part:
"The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was notified immediately of the incident. Upon his release from the Van Buren County Jail, PSO Luthy was placed on administrative leave by the Office of Professional Standards and they then began an internal investigation into the incident.

PSO Luthy is a 10-year veteran of Public Safety currently assigned to KVET as an investigator. Until such time that this investigation is complete, no further information will be released. "

Luthy was awarded the department's Professional Excellence Award in 2003 for his work on a hit-and-run accident in which a pedestrian was critically injured.










Kalamazoo officer arrested, suspended
Steven V. Luthy accused of domestic violence
Updated: Thursday, 04 Aug 2011, 7:34 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 03 Aug 2011, 10:52 PM EDT
By Leon Hendrix
WOOD TV News
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/kzoo-officer-arrested-suspended

BLOOMINGDALE, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer is on administrative leave after police said he got into a fight with his spouse and assaulted her.

Steven V. Luthy was arrested July 31 when police responded to his home on 40th Street in Bloomingdale after receiving a 911 call. Van Buren County sheriff's deputies found that Luthy's spouse had visible injuries. Luthy was then taken to the Van Buren County Jail.

Luthy was charged with domestic violence -- a misdemeanor -- the next day, police records show. He was released from custody and placed on administrative leave, as a KDPS internal investigation continues.

"It's certainly troubling for all parties," KDPS Chief Jeff Hadley said. "It's an unfortunate incident, not only for Mr. Luthy, but for his wife and family and for the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety."

Hadley told 24 Hour News 8 that Luthy has been with the department for 10 years and worked as an investigator on the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team.

Luthy was recognized in 2003 by the department with a Professional Excellence Award, according to the department's website. He recieved the award after working diligently to track down a suspect after a car hit a pedestrian and the driver fled the scene








Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

07252011 - Former Wyoming PD Officer Mark Charles Armstrong - Convicted Of Felonious Assault And Felony Firearms - Pointed Gun At Responding Officers After DV Incident

 

Former Officer Mark Charles Armstrong

February 2011 - Officer Armstrong was terminated from the Wyoming PD for "violation of rules and regulations." FOIA requests confirmed that Armstrong had been fired "for allegedly uttering racial slurs."

July 25, 2013 - Armstrong made threats to his ex-girlfriend. Holland police officers responded and Armstrong fled. Officers chased Armstrong who turned and pointed a handgun at the officers. Armstrong surrendered and was arrested.

July 26, 2013 - Armstrong was charged with two counts of felonious assault and a charge of felony firearms.

November 20, 2013 - Armstrong trial.  Armstrong found guilty of two counts of felonious assault and a charge of felony firearms

January 2014 - Armstrong sentenced. 13-48 months in prison on assault charges; 24 months for the firearms charge.

Former Wyoming cop arrested for pointing gun at Holland police during foot chase

Mlive

Jul. 26, 2013

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2013/07/man_who_pointed_gun_at_holland.html

HOLLAND, MI -- A 55-year-old man who allegedly pointed a handgun at officers late Thursday in downtown Holland is a former Wyoming police officer, authorities confirmed.

Mark Charles Armstrong was arraigned Friday, July 26, in Holland District Court on two counts of felonious assault and a charge of felony firearms.

Armstrong allegedly pointed a gun at Holland officers who wanted to talk to him about alleged threats made to his ex-girlfriend in Wyoming, as well as other acquaintances.

The incident happened after police got a tip that his vehicle was in a parking lot at Ninth Street and College Avenue. As police were investigating, he approached officers and then began fleeing while flashing a handgun.

Police said that during the pursuit, he turned and pointed a .380 handgun at two officers.

"They dove for cover," Holland police Capt. Bob Buursma said. "There was all kinds of people out and pedestrians around."

Officers cornered him after a brief pursuit and, after 20 minutes of negotiation, he surrendered. Police blocked off some downtown Holland streets during the 9:45 p.m. trouble and kept people inside the few businesses still open.

Armstrong worked 26 years for the Wyoming Police Department before he was released in February 2011 for "violation of rules and regulations."

Wyoming police today would not divulge further details about his dismissal.

A judge set a $30,000 bond for Armstrong today.

Suspect in custody after allegedly brandishing gun at police near New Holland Brewing

MLive

Jul. 26, 2013

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2013/07/post_400.html

HOLLAND, MI -- One person is in custody and no one was injured after a suspect allegedly flashed a handgun at police in Holland.

Scanner dispatch traffic indicated a person brandished a handgun at an officer about 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, behind New Holland Brewing on East 8th Street.

Holland Department of Public Safety Capt. Jack Dykstra late Thursday said the suspect was taken into custody and no one was hurt.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately clear.

Holland man who allegedly flashed gun at officers faces felony assault charges

MLive

Jul. 26, 2013

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2013/07/holland_man_allegedly_flashes.html

HOLLAND, MI — A 55-year-old Holland man currently being held after he allegedly brandished a handgun at an officer late Thursday, police said.

Holland Police were tipped to the suspect's vehicle in a parking lot near the intersection of East 9th Street and College Avenue by a family member, authorities said. When the suspect approached officers, he apparently flashed a handgun and began running.

Police said he pointed the gun directly at officers during the pursuit.

The suspect ultimately was cornered in the chase, and police said he surrendered after about 20 minutes.

The suspect called his ex-girlfriend and other former acquaintances earlier in the day and threatened them, police said. His family became concerned for his well-being as he also made some suicidal comments.

Roads at East Eighth and Ninth streets, in addition to College Avenue, were shut down for about 45 minutes while police dealt with the situation.

The suspect faces felonious assault charges for threatening officers with a handgun, authorities said.

Former Wyoming officer arrested for pointing gun at Holland police during foot chase

Grand Rapids Press, The (MI)

July 28, 2013  

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/07/man_who_pointed_gun_at_holland.html

HOLLAND, MI -- A 55-year-old man who allegedly pointed a handgun at officers late Thursday in downtown Holland is a former Wyoming police officer, authorities confirmed.

Mark Charles Armstrong was arraigned Friday, July 26, in Holland District Court on two counts of felonious assault and a charge of felony firearms.

Armstrong allegedly pointed a gun at Holland officers who wanted to talk to him about alleged threats made to his ex-girlfriend in Wyoming, as well as other acquaintances.

The incident happened after police got a tip that his vehicle was in a parking lot at Ninth Street and College Avenue. As police were investigating, he approached officers and then began fleeing while flashing a handgun.

Police said that during the pursuit, he turned and pointed a .380 handgun at two officers.

"They dove for cover," Holland police Capt. Bob Buursma said. "There was all kinds of people out and pedestrians around."

Officers cornered him after a brief pursuit and, after 20 minutes of negotiation, he surrendered. Police blocked off some downtown Holland streets during the 9:45 p.m. trouble and kept people inside the few businesses still open.

Armstrong worked 26 years for the Wyoming Police Department before he was released in February 2011 for "violation of rules and regulations."

Wyoming police today would not divulge further details about his dismissal.

A judge set a $30,000 bond for Armstrong today.

Before Thursday's encounter with Holland officers, Armstrong's family had called police to voice concerns about suicidal comments he had made.

Witnesses say tragedy averted after man allegedly aimed gun at Holland officers

Holland Sentinel, The (MI)

July 28, 2013 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/

A former Wyoming police officer has been charged with three felonies after a gun-related incident Thursday that caused Holland police to lock down part of Holland's busy downtown for about an hour.

Mark Charles Armstrong, 55, appeared at his video arraignment Friday afternoon before 58th District Judge Craig Bunce in Holland, wearing the same tan sports shirt and blue shorts as when he was arrested Thursday evening. The Holland resident looked toward the judge and answered each question clearly and succinctly, but bowed his head briefly as Bunce read the charges: two counts of felonious assault, for allegedly pointing a pistol at two Holland police officers, as well as one count of felony firearms — the use of a gun during the commission of a felony.

Armstrong was arrested Thursday evening after family members and his ex-girlfriend called police. Armstrong's son said his dad had talked of suicide and might be carrying a .380 Ruger. The ex-girlfriend, a Wyoming resident, told police he had threatened her and others, according to police and court records. Armstrong's son found his dad's empty car parked just east of New Holland Brewing. Police joined him.

Moments later, Armstrong appeared and indicated he was upset that police were called. When the Holland man ran off, two police officers gave chase, according to the probable cause statement. Armstrong allegedly flashed a handgun, pointing it at the two officers, who took cover, according to court records. After a 20-minute negotiation with police, Armstrong surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured.

A not-guilty plea was entered on Armstrong's behalf by Bunce, who said that would allow the jailed man time to hire an attorney. Armstrong will remain in jail unless he can post the $30,000 cash bond. Bunce also ordered that if Armstrong could post bond, he would have to pass a community mental health screening. If released from jail before future court dates, Armstrong would have to surrender any weapons he owns and would be barred from using drugs or alcohol as well, Bunce told him.

Armstrong told Bunce he has no criminal record and that he planned to hire a lawyer.

Police officers said privately that, given the amount of people in that area Thursday night, the incident could have ended in tragedy, had Armstrong or any of the officers fired their weapons. Police ordered shops in the area into lockdown mode about 9:30 p.m. and swarmed the area.

“They definitely came out in full force,” said 84 East owner Jim Diesing. He could see K-9 officers outside the window of his Eighth Street restaurant. “Right before they called, I had employees who had just gone out the back door.”

A line cook on his way to the dumpster was intercepted by a police officer and told to go back inside and keep everyone else inside as well.

At the Curragh, patrons enjoying a drink on the patio had to go inside for a while. A couple protested not being able to leave, but “everybody else was just grateful that we were concerned for their safety,” dining room manager Pam Kimber said.

The Knickerbocker Theatre, crowded for a free screening of the family movie “The Goonies,” let out a few minutes before 9:30 p.m. Moviegoers left before the lockdown, but a few employees were told they had to stay inside.

About 15 minutes later, police were negotiating with Armstrong in the Ninth Street parking lot behind the theater.

Wyoming Police did not respond to The Sentinel's request for comment or details of Armstrong's career as a police officer. WOOD-TV News 8 reported on Friday that Armstrong, a 26-year veteran of Wyoming's force, was fired in 2011 for violating rules and regulations.

Cited for three felonies - Former cop charged in downtown gun incident 

Witnesses say tragedy averted after man allegedly aimed gun at Holland officers

Holland Sentinel, The (MI)

July 28, 2013 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/

A former Wyoming police officer has been charged with three felonies after a gun-related incident Thursday that caused Holland police to lock down part of Holland's busy downtown for about an hour.

Mark Charles Armstrong, 55, appeared at his video arraignment Friday afternoon before 58th District Judge Craig Bunce in Holland, wearing the same tan sports shirt and blue shorts as when he was arrested Thursday evening. The Holland resident looked toward the judge and answered each question clearly and succinctly, but bowed his head briefly as Bunce read the charges: two counts of felonious assault, for allegedly pointing a pistol at two Holland police officers, as well as one count of felony firearms — the use of a gun during the commission of a felony.

Armstrong was arrested Thursday evening after family members and his ex-girlfriend called police. Armstrong's son said his dad had talked of suicide and might be carrying a .380 Ruger. The ex-girlfriend, a Wyoming resident, told police he had threatened her and others, according to police and court records. Armstrong's son found his dad's empty car parked just east of New Holland Brewing. Police joined him.

Moments later, Armstrong appeared and indicated he was upset that police were called. When the Holland man ran off, two police officers gave chase, according to the probable cause statement. Armstrong allegedly flashed a handgun, pointing it at the two officers, who took cover, according to court records. After a 20-minute negotiation with police, Armstrong surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured.

A not-guilty plea was entered on Armstrong's behalf by Bunce, who said that would allow the jailed man time to hire an attorney. Armstrong will remain in jail unless he can post the $30,000 cash bond. Bunce also ordered that if Armstrong could post bond, he would have to pass a community mental health screening. If released from jail before future court dates, Armstrong would have to surrender any weapons he owns and would be barred from using drugs or alcohol as well, Bunce told him.

Armstrong told Bunce he has no criminal record and that he planned to hire a lawyer.

Police officers said privately that, given the amount of people in that area Thursday night, the incident could have ended in tragedy, had Armstrong or any of the officers fired their weapons. Police ordered shops in the area into lockdown mode about 9:30 p.m. and swarmed the area.

“They definitely came out in full force,” said 84 East owner Jim Diesing. He could see K-9 officers outside the window of his Eighth Street restaurant. “Right before they called, I had employees who had just gone out the back door.”

A line cook on his way to the dumpster was intercepted by a police officer and told to go back inside and keep everyone else inside as well.

At the Curragh, patrons enjoying a drink on the patio had to go inside for a while. A couple protested not being able to leave, but “everybody else was just grateful that we were concerned for their safety,” dining room manager Pam Kimber said.

The Knickerbocker Theatre, crowded for a free screening of the family movie “The Goonies,” let out a few minutes before 9:30 p.m. Moviegoers left before the lockdown, but a few employees were told they had to stay inside.

About 15 minutes later, police were negotiating with Armstrong in the Ninth Street parking lot behind the theater.

Wyoming Police did not respond to The Sentinel's request for comment or details of Armstrong's career as a police officer. WOOD-TV News 8 reported on Friday that Armstrong, a 26-year veteran of Wyoming's force, was fired in 2011 for violating rules and regulations.

Former Wyoming cop accused of pointing gun at officers was fired in 2011 for racial slurs, documents show

Grand Rapids Press, The: Web Edition Articles (MI)

July 31, 2013 

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/07/former_wyoming_cop_accused_of.html

HOLLAND, MI -- Mark Charles Armstrong, the former Wyoming police officer arrested Thursday for pointing a gun at Holland police, was fired in 2011 for allegedly uttering racial slurs.

Information about Armstrong's discharge from the Wyoming Police Department was released today following a Freedom of Information Act request.

A Jan. 31, 2011 letter from Wyoming police Chief James Carmody accused Armstrong of using two derogatory terms in reference to African Americans. Armstrong was with other officers in a report writing room when he allegedly uttered the comments.

On Feb. 3, Armstrong was fired for violations of the city's harassment police and using offensive language toward the public or city employees while on or off duty.

Armstrong was arrested Thursday night after police say he pointed a gun at Holland officers who wanted to speak with him about alleged threats made against his ex-girlfriend.

Related: Former Wyoming cop arrested for pointing gun at Holland police during foot chase

Armstrong, 55, was in a brief standoff with police before he was arrested in the area of Eighth Street and College Avenue in downtown Holland. He is charged with felonious assault and felony firearms.

In the hours before Thursday's incident, relatives of Armstrong had called police about possibly suicidal comments he made.

Ex-officer found guilty of gun charges

Holland Sentinel, The (MI)

November 24, 2013 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/

A jury found a former Wyoming police officer guilty of three felonies for a gun-related incident in July that caused Holland police to lock down part of downtown for about an hour.

Mark Charles Armstrong, 56, of Holland, was found guilty Nov. 20 after a two-day trial of two counts of felonious assault and one count of felony firearms, according to court records.

A felonious assault charge can be punished by up to four years in prison and/or up to a $2,000 fine. Felony firearms can be punishable by two years in prison.

Armstrong will be sentenced at 1 p.m. Jan. 6 in Ottawa County Circuit Court by Judge Edward Post.

Armstrong was arrested July 25 after family members and his ex-girlfriend called police. Armstrong’s son said his dad had talked of suicide and might be carrying a .380 Ruger handgun. The former girlfriend told police he had threatened her and others, according to police and court records.

Armstrong’s son found his dad’s empty car parked near New Holland Brewing, 66 E. Eighth St. Police confronted Armstrong, who indicated he was upset by their presence. He ran off and two police officers chased him.

Armstrong allegedly flashed the handgun, pointing it at the two officers, who took cover, according to court records.

After a 20-minute negotiation with police, Armstrong surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured.

Ex-officer in prison for gun incident

Holland Sentinel, The (MI)

January 19, 2014 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/

A former Wyoming police officer is spending several years in prison for a gun-related incident in July that caused Holland police to lock down part of downtown for about an hour.

Mark Charles Armstrong, 56, of Holland, was found guilty Nov. 20 after a two-day trial of two counts of felonious assault and one count of felony firearms.

Armstrong was sentenced Monday in Ottawa County Circuit Court to 13 to 48 months in state prison on the assault charges and 24 months for the firearms charge. The first two charges will be served concurrently, meaning at the same time. The firearms charge will be served consecutively, meaning 24 months after the first two counts are served.

His earliest release date is Dec. 25, 2016, and his maximum discharge date is Nov. 25, 2019, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.

He is lodged in the Charles Egeler Reception & Guidance Center in Jackson.

Armstrong was arrested July 25 after family members and his ex-girlfriend called police. Armstrong’s son said his dad had talked of suicide and that the elder Armstrong could be carrying a .380 Ruger handgun. The former girlfriend told police he had threatened her and others, according to police and court records.

Armstrong’s son found his dad’s empty car parked near New Holland Brewing, 66 E. Eighth St. Police confronted Armstrong, who indicated he was upset by their presence. He ran off and two police officers chased him.

Armstrong flashed the handgun, pointing it at the two officers, who took cover, according to court records.

After a 20-minute negotiation with police, Armstrong surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured.

07022011 - Deputy Rebecca Wilder - Alger SD

Original charges: assault with a dangerous weapon, weapons felony firearm, and domestic violence and possession of a firearm while under the influence.





Former Alger County sheriff's deputy sentenced
Jennifer Perez
Posted: 12.18.2012 at 7:25 AM
Upper Michigan Source
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=838369

VIDEO: [MI] Alger Deputy Rebecca Wilder DV conviction

MUNISING -- A former Alger County sheriff's deputy convicted of possessing of a firearm while under the influence was sentenced Monday.

Rebecca Wilder was ordered to serve nine months probation. Wilder was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served. She'll be forced to serve sixty days in jail if she violates her parole.

Wilder faced multiple charges including assault with a dangerous weapon, felony firearm, domestic violence and possession of a firearm while under the influence. She was acquitted of all the charges except possession of a firearm under the influence.

As part of her probation, Wilder is required to stay away from alcohol and any firearms. She will also have to pay $683 in court costs, serve 240 hours of community service, and write a letter of apology to the Alger County Sheriff's Department.












Former sheriff's deputy in court
Posted: 10.19.2012 at 1:19 PM
Upper Michigan Source
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=815110

ALGER COUNTY -- A former Alger County sheriff's deputy has been acquitted of three charges and convicted of a misdemeanor this week.

Rebecca Wilder of Au Train was facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, weapons felony firearm, and domestic violence and possession of a firearm while under the influence. The charges stem back to an incident from July 2011.

The jury reached a verdict around 10 p.m. on Thursday night. Wilder was found guilty of the misdemeanor charge of possession of weapons, firearms under the influence.

She was cleared of the other charges. She will be sentenced on December 17.

06222011 - Deputy Steven Fresorger - Saginaw SD

Deputy Fresorger charged with misuse of LEIN: June 22, 2011

While Deputy Steven Fresorger was suspended from Saginaw County Sheriff Department....

....During an internal investigation  into his alleged misuse of the county's LEIN system to 'stalk' his ex-girlfriend Tracey Moore and her boyfriends....

....And while Deputy Fresorger was being  investigated by the Saginaw Township Police Department....

....For his May 07, 2011 alleged assault of his former girlfriend, Tracey Moore....

....Deputy Fresorger filed an emergency petition with the Saginaw County Friends Of the Court for custody of his and Tracey Moore's son. Deputy Fresorger was now claiming that Tracey had sexually abused their son.
Retaliation against Tracey for the LEIN investigation and the domestic violence investigation....Or, was Deputy Fresorger preparing a defense in case he was criminally charged with missue of the LEIN system?

According to the testimony of Joan Hogenson from the Saginaw County Friends of The Court [at Deputy Fresorger's August 2011 preliminary hearing], she had asked Deputy Fresorger if he used the county LEIN system to check on Tracey Moore's boyfriends....

....Deputy Fresorger replied:  “I’ll check on people my son is around."

 
Tracey Moore immediately contacted the Saginaw County Sheriff, after Deputy Fresergor filed for custody of their son. Tracey claimed to the Sheriff, that Deputy Fresergor was stalking her.....

....Criminal charges for stalking were filed against Deputy Fresorger in June 2011....

....But like the May 2011 domestic violence assault complaint that Tracey filed with Saginaw Township Police, the stalking charges seem to have disappeared in the midst of the criminal cases against Deputy Fresorger....

Also See:
Deputy Fresorger: Sentenced for misuse of LEIN [February 14, 2013]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/02/deputy-steven-fresorger-sentenced.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 1 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-fresorger-sentence-1.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 2 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-fresorger-sentence-2.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 3 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-sentence-3.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 4 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-sentence-4.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 5 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-sentence-5.html

Deputy Fresorger: Plea agreement for misuse of LEIN [January 08, 2013]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-all-lein-charges.html

Deputy Fresorger: Charged with misuse of LEIN [June 22, 2011]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html

Deputy Fresorger: Domestic violence complaints [May 07, 2011]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html

Deputy Fresorger: Unauthorized LEIN searches [September 6 - 7, 2010]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/09/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html

Deputy Fresorger: Unauthorized LEIN searches [July 17, 2010]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/07/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html

Deputy Fresorger: Unauthorized LEIN searches [May - June 2010]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html









Witness: Saginaw County sheriff's deputy ran names of ex-girlfriend's new boyfriends through LEIN system; discipline hearing coming soon
Published: Monday, August 22, 2011, 4:39 PM
Updated: Monday, August 22, 2011, 8:42 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/witness_saginaw_county_sheriff.html

SAGINAW — A Saginaw County sheriff’s deputy ran the names of his child’s mother’s new boyfriends through a statewide computerized information system, a witness testified today.

A decision on whether Steven T. Fresorger will stand trial on six felonies and seven misdemeanors for, prosecutors say, improperly running the names will have to wait until a later date, though.

Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark this afternoon heard testimony from six witnesses in the preliminary hearing for Fresorger, 41, of Saginaw Township. Because Fresorger’s attorney, James F. Piazza, had another scheduled hearing, Clark postponed the remainder of the hearing until a later date.

The hearing is intended for a judge to determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Fresorger is charged with five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information he obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

Elizabeth Canfield, a state police analyst of LEIN, testified that Fresorger — or, at least, someone using Fresorger’s user identification and password — used LEIN terminals to run information checks, but not criminal history checks, on John A. Warner, John P. Warner, Michael Stoll, Michael M. “Marty” Stoll, and Brandon Wakeman.

Fresorger’s ex-girlfriend, Tracy Moore, testified that she dated John A. Warner in 2009 and “Marty” Stoll and Wakeman in 2010. Moore said that Fresorger told her that each of the three men had drug charges.

Canfield testified that Fresorger searched for a “John Warner” once between May and July 2009 and followed that by searching more specifically for John A. Warner and John P. Warner. John P. Warner testified that he has never been to Saginaw County and didn’t know Fresorger, while John A. Warner now lives in San Francisco, Moore said.

Fresorger on July 17, 2010, searched 11 times for “Marty” Stoll and once for Michael Stoll, Canfield said. On Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, he searched for Wakeman’s name four times, Canfield said.

“Marty” Stoll testified he knew of Fresorger “through mutual friends” but never had contact with him a sheriff’s deputy. Stoll testified that he possessed marijuana with Moore at one time, but Clark did not allow him to answer further questions from Piazza to avoid incriminating himself.

Somebody from either the Saginaw Police Department or Michigan State Police searched for Wakeman on Sept. 4, Canfield said. Wakeman, who said he never met or had contact with Fresorger, said he was arrested for drunken driving by a state police trooper that day.

Piazza said one of Fresorger’s defenses will be that as a deputy, he could check on Stoll’s and Wakeman’s backgrounds. A defense regarding Warner was not mentioned today, but Piazza likely will address it at the continuation of the hearing.

Canfield testified that the searches Fresorger conducted were only for driver’s license information, such as date of birth and an individual’s driver’s operator code — information protected through the state LEIN statute.

Days after Fresorger filed an “emergency petition” for sole custody of their 5-year-old son, based on accusations that Moore sexually assaulted the child, Moore sent a letter to county Sheriff William L. Federspiel, claiming that Fresorger was stalking her.

Fresorger was charged in late June. Joan Hogenson, who provides custody and parenting recommendations for the Saginaw County Friend of the Court, testified she interviewed Fresorger and Moore. When she asked Fresorger if he used LEIN to research Warner, he said, “I’ll check on people my son is around,” Hogenson said.

Hogenson acknowledged, however, that Fresorger did not actually admit to using LEIN to “check on” those people.

Federspiel on June 24 suspended Fresorger without pay in connection with the charges.

That suspension was pending the completion of an internal investigation, Federspiel said. He gave Fresorger notice of possible discipline earlier this month, he said, to which Fresorger had 14 days to respond.

Those 14 days expired “late last week,” Federspiel said, and Fresorger did not respond. The sheriff now must conduct a “Loudermill hearing” to “determine what I’m going to do with any type of discipline,” he said.

Federspiel said he will conduct the hearing “in the next 10 days” and will “make a decision based on the outcome of the internal investigation.” Discipline could include termination, he said.

The charge of using computers to commit a crime carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The charge of impermissible use of personal information carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and the charge of unauthorized disclosure of information from the LEIN system carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond










Sheriff's deputy could face 11 criminal charges
ABC
Friday, June 24, 2011
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8213379

SAGINAW COUNTY -- (06/24/11) -- A Saginaw County sheriff's deputy could be fired now that he is facing 11 criminal charges.

He's accused of using a state-wide Law Enforcement Information Network for personal purposes, but he might also be charged in another case.

Steve Fresorger was formally charged on Wednesday, but the Saginaw County prosecutor is reviewing another criminal complaint involving the deputy.

In 2008, Fresorger was featured in an ABC12 story for helping save the life of a man who collapsed in a meeting. But now, the 41-year-old deputy is free on bond after being charged with six felonies and five misdemeanors.

"It's very difficult. It's never easy for anyone, but especially for one of your own. It's a sad day for Saginaw County," said Saginaw County Sheriff Bill Federspiel.

All of the criminal charges pertain to Fresorger's alleged personal use of the state's Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, a system used by law enforcement agencies across the state.

"Run secretary of state information, license plates, we can find out owner information on vehicles. It must be utilized for professional purposes only, it cannot be utilized for personal purposes at all," Federspiel said.

While the sheriff won't disclose what Fresorger was allegedly looking for in the LEIN system, Fresorger is also under investigation for a domestic situation involving an ex-girlfriend at a Saginaw Township little league field on May 7.

"She alleges that there was a confrontation on the field between him and her and he grabbed her right arm and pulled her off the field," said Saginaw Township Police Chief Don Pussehl.

That incident was investigated by the Saginaw Township Police Department.

"This is a separate incident that was reported to us. It was investigated and this case has been turned over to the prosecutor for review," Pussehl said.

Federspiel says Fresorger will be put on unpaid administrative leave today, and a decision on whether he will be fired will be made next week following an internal affairs investigation.



Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

06202011 - Police Chief David Hague - Boyne Falls PD

Hague criminal charges to be dropped

September 01, 2011
Sheri McWhirter
Petoskey News
http://www.petoskeynews.com/

CHARLEVOIX — Criminal charges against former Boyne Falls police chief David Hague are expected to be dropped for lack of evidence.

Hague, 53, of rural Charlevoix County, faced a domestic violence misdemeanor charge after an altercation with his estranged wife in June at his home on M-66 near East Jordan. Charlevoix County’s assistant prosecutor Kerry Zahner filed a motion on Tuesday to dismiss the case because of insufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof, according to court records.

Judge Richard May is expected to sign the motion today, Thursday, Sept. 1.

Charlevoix attorney Chris Turkelson, Hague’s defense attorney, could not be reached for comment, nor could Zahner. The motion calls for the case to be dismissed without prejudice.

Meanwhile, Boyne Falls officials fired Hague from his law enforcement job.

Debra Taylor, village clerk, said Boyne Falls’ leaders terminated Hague’s employment as the village’s sole police officer at their meeting on Aug. 9.

“They decided to stop the police department for a while here, but it doesn’t have anything to do with David being off,” Taylor said.

Hague took a leave of absence from his law enforcement job after his arrest on June 21, she said.

Michigan State Police records show the dispute arose when Hague’s wife returned to the home to collect clothing for their youngest child. The police report also shows she saw and took notes Hague kept about her comings and goings at the house, but he struggled to retrieve them and allegedly pushed her against a wall.

Reports also show the incident continued when she attempted to take things from a child’s bedroom, but Hague blocked her. Finally, police documents show Hague’s wife took and kept for several weeks a backpack with his personal paperwork and his village-issued mobile phone for his police job.

Taylor said that’s why she shut off service to the taxpayer-funded phone.

Later in the day, hours after the physical altercation, Charlevoix County Sheriff’s deputies returned to the home after Hague’s wife crashed her vehicle into the house. Authorities said the crash was not intentional.










Charlevoix County responds to FOIA lawsuit
August 31, 2011
Sheri McWhirter
Petoskey News
http://articles.petoskeynews.com/2011-08-31/christensen-and-jarema_29951718

Charlevoix County officials responded to the Petoskey News-Review’s Freedom of Information lawsuit and for the most part denied the newspaper’s allegations.

The newspaper filed a lawsuit Tuesday, Aug. 2, under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act that sought to compel the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners and Prosecutor’s Office to release several emails between commissioner Chris Christensen and prosecutor John Jarema, including any emails sent between the two during a public meeting held at Charlevoix County’s administration building in Charlevoix. The county’s response on Thursday, Aug. 25, denies the newspaper’s allegation that the FOIA denials came as “arbitrary and capricious” decisions by Jarema.

Furthermore, the county denies that emails sent between the two elected officials are even public records. The county’s response identifies one email sent to Jarema during a May 11 meeting that was automatically generated from Christensen’s subscribed MLS account.

Christensen is a local real estate agent with online abilities to email property listings to subscribers, similar to most property brokers.

Charlevoix County also effectively denied that Jarema told newspaper online editor Julie Witthoeft that he would extend the time frame to respond to a FOIA request for a police report about Boyne Falls Police Chief David Hague’s domestic violence arrest even before she filed it, because of editor Jeremy McBain.

More often than not, the county responded to the newspaper’s lawsuit allegations by neither admitting nor denying the facts in play.

Christensen and Jarema separately filed for summary disposition of the case and legal sanctions against the newspaper for specifically naming them in the suit.

Those requested sanctions include a financial penalty to cover legal costs, but do not include punitive damages, according to Michigan law.

McBain said the newspaper is eager for a judge to weigh in.

“We look forward to presenting our case in court,” he said.

Media attorney Robin Luce Herrmann, of Bloomfield Hills, represents the newspaper in the suit. She said the county’s position in its response is “not entirely unexpected” and the newspaper will respond in turn.

“We’ll be filing an appropriate response on behalf of the Petoskey News-Review and look forward to the judge resolving the issues,” she said.

Herrmann also said the newspaper provided the county a copy of its complaint in advance of filing suit, when objections to Christensen and Jarema being named should have been raised.

“They had plenty of opportunity to address that in advance of the filing of this suit or their motion,” Herrmann said.

Petoskey-based attorney Gretchen Olsen represents Charlevoix County in this case, despite Jarema serving as the board’s civil counsel. Olsen is an attorney with the Plunkett Cooney firm in Petoskey.

She declined to comment to a News-Review reporter because the county and the newspaper are pitted against each other in this case, she said.

“Our answer pretty well speaks for itself,” Olsen said.

County clerk’s officials said Charlevoix Agency, the county’s liability insurance provider, retained Olsen as counsel for this case.

However, county commissioners Bob Drebenstedt and Shirlene Tripp — one-third of the board — said they do not agree with the county’s strategy in this legal battle.








Hague criminal charges to be dropped
Petoskey News
Sheri McWhirter/News-Review
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/pnr-hague-criminal-charges-to-be-dropped-20110-001,0,3947037.photo

Charlevoix County prosecutors filed a motion to drop the domestic violence misdemeanor charge against former Boyne Falls police chief David Hague. The motion said there is not enough evidence to meet the burden of proof.











More details on police official's arrest
June 23, 2011
Sheri McWhirter
Petoskey News
http://articles.petoskeynews.com/2011-06-23/hagues_29697073

BOYNE FALLS — Boyne Falls Police Chief David Bruce Hague, 59, of South Arm Township, faces a criminal misdemeanor charge of domestic violence following an incident at his home on Monday.

Authorities arrested Hague on Tuesday, when he turned himself in and appeared before 90th District Court Judge Richard May for arraignment.

Hague pleaded not guilty and is free on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. Bond conditions prevent him from possessing or purchasing firearms or ammunition, court records show.

Hague serves at Boyne Falls’ sole village marshal.

Hague could not be reached for comment, nor could Bill Carson, Boyne Falls village president.

Michigan State Police Sgt. Brett Gooding, of the Petoskey post, said a number of events happened at Hague’s residence on Monday, including his wife colliding her vehicle into the house after being served with divorce papers. The collision ruptured the natural gas line to the home and an emergency crew responded.

“There was some physical altercations there,” Gooding said.

Charlevoix County Prosecutor John Jarema declined to comment.

The Petoskey News-Review filed a Michigan Freedom of Information Act request on Wednesday for police reports associated with this incident. Jarema refused to release the documents until after the five-day waiting period and additional 10-day extension is completed.

Hague will be defended by Charlevoix attorney Chris Turkelson, who could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, police authorities said when they were called to Hague’s home for the alleged domestic assault he agreed to leave the residence. Charlevoix County Sheriff’s deputies later responded to the property damage incident, said Sheriff Don Schneider.

“She did not deliberately hit the house,” Schneider said.

The collision was an accident that happened after she also mistakenly ran over a snowblower, the sheriff said.

“That’s our indication,” Schneider said.

Village trustee Jim English — also Hague’s partner in a security business — declined to comment on the case, but confirmed that Hague surrendered his official police weapon to the village.

Village trustee Gladys “Joann” Bell said she knows Hague very well and a domestic violence charge is out of character for him.

“But you never know what happens behind closed doors,” Bell said. “We will have to wait and see what comes out and what really happened.”

Hague is scheduled to appear in court on July 5 for a pre-trial hearing, court records show.













Boyne Falls village marshal arrested on domestic violence charge
June 22, 2011
By Julie Witthoeft
Northern Michigan Review
The Petoskey News
http://articles.petoskeynews.com/2011-06-22/domestic-violence-charge_29692129

According to Boyne Falls village clerk Debbie Taylor, David Hague, who was arrested Tuesday, June 21, on a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence, is the village marshal in Boyne Falls.

Hague, 59, of East Jordan, was arraigned in Charlevoix County District Court Tuesday and released on a $5,000 bond after being arrested by the Michigan State Police.

He is scheduled to appear at a pre-trial conference at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, in Charlevoix County District Court.

Taylor said at this time the village council has not discussed or changed Hague’s employment status.

However, she said she expects a meeting will be forthcoming.












Boyne Falls Village Marshall Charged With Domestic Violence
Updated: Jun 22, 2011 8:45 AM CDT
9 and 10 News
http://www.9and10news.com/Global/story.asp?S=15761749

Boyne Falls Village Marshall David Hague has been charged with domestic violence. Hague was arrested yesterday according to court officials, and is currently out on bond. 9&10 News will bring you the latest details as they become available









Police Chief Arrested
Posted: 06.21.2011 at 7:05 PM
Updated: 06.22.2011 at 2:30 PM
Up North Live
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=632347

A law enforcement leader faces domestic violence charges

BOYNE FALLS -- A local police chief is on the other side of the law.

David Hague was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with one count of domestic violence. Hague is the Chief of Police for Boyne Falls.

He was arraigned in court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was released a short time later on a $5,000 bond.

Hague will be back in court for a pretrial hearing on July 5.

7&4 news is working to get more information on this case and will bring you an update once more details are released.