07142012 - Corrections Officer Rob Dennis - Murdered Wife Jaimie Lynn Wilson Dennis

On July 14, 2012 Jaimie Lynn Wilson Dennis was shot and killed by her husband, Ionia Corrections Officer Rob Dennis. Jaimie was survived by her three children.

















Family: Man shoots, kills wife and self
Bodies were found in driveway

WOOD TV News

July 14, 2012
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/central_mich/2-found-dead-near-Ionia-home

[MI] Developing story- CO Rob Dennis murder suicide- WOOD TV8

[MI] Ionia CO Rob Dennis kills wife and self - WOOD TV8

   

RONALD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Family and friends told 24 Hour News 8 an Ionia County man shot and killed his wife before killing himself Saturday.

Police confirm the shooter as 44-year-old Robbie Dennis and 42-year-old Jamie Dennis.

Rob Dennis was under an increasing amount of stress, his family and friends told 24 Hour News 8. They said he was working more hours as an Department of Corrections employee in Ionia, and earlier this week Jamie Dennis lost her job.

Jamie's uncle, Rick Harkins, told 24 Hour News 8 his niece worked at a Greenville factory that closed Friday.

Harkins said he didn't know if the couple were arguing over that issue, and he said his family might never know.

"We've got no answers really. It was just the two of them," Harkins said. "We don't have a clue."

Deputies responded at 4:52 p.m. Saturday to the couple's home in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township, which is northeast of Ionia.

That is where police say Robbie shot Jamie once while she was in her vehicle in the driveway, according to a news release. Police said he then called and told a family member what he had done.

As police were en route Robbie took his own life.

Police said both people each died from a single gunshot wound.

Authorities submitted a search warrant to look for clues inside the couple's home.

A tow truck towed a Jeep from the scene.

UPDATE: Couple Found Dead Near Ionia Home
WILX NEWS

Jul 15, 2012
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/2_Found_Dead_Near_Ionia_Home_162507916.html?ref=916

A man and woman found shot to death in a driveway in Ronald Township around 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and that's all the information the Ionia County Sheriff will share for now.

A family member called it a murder-suicide. The uncle of one of the victims said Jamie Dennis was killed by her husband, Rob, who then took his own life in the driveway of their home in the 3100-block of Westbrook Rd.

"I just couldn't believe it," said Rick Harkins, Jamie's uncle. "Just utter chaos. Just couldn't believe this would happen."

Harkins said the family didn't notice anything out of the ordinary about the couple. They were in their forties and together for at least a decade.

"We don't understand what went wrong," Harkins said. "We don't have any idea. We don't know where he went off the deep end or what happened. I mean, they just spent the day together with their 2-year-old grandson and had a good time."

He said they were your average happy couple, but Jamie just lost her job, and it's possible that's the cause of this tragedy.

"I don't know if they were arguing about that or if they had a dispute about that," Harkins said. "She was a tech and she made pretty good money, but the factory closed. So I don't know if it was a thing on money, I have no idea."

Whatever the reason may be, the family is shocked. Harkins described Rob as a quiet, unassuming guy, who would never hurt anyone. He worked as a prison guard in Ionia. While Harkins believes he had a license to carry a weapon, they never thought this would happen.

"We've got no answers really," Harkins said. "No answers for nothing. It was just the two of them, they were out here alone, and we just don't know what happened."

The Ionia County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the incident.

UPDATE: Police say shooting in Ronald Township was murder/suicide
Sentinel-Standard

Jul. 16, 2012

http://www.sentinel-standard.com/article/20120716/NEWS/307169990

Authorities have identified the two people found dead late Saturday afternoon at a home in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township as Robbie Dennis, 44, and his wife Jamie Dennis, 42, in an apparent case of murder/suicide.

A press release from the Ionia County Sheriff's Office said evidence indicates Robbie Dennis shot Jamie Dennis once while she was in her vehicle. He then called a family member and told them what he had done. As police responded to the crime scene, Robbie Dennis took his own life, the release said.

Both Jamie Dennis and Robbie Dennis died from a single gunshot wound.

Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of gunshots at the home about 4:50 p.m. Saturday, and found a man and a woman dead in the driveway, said Sgt. William Hoskins of the ICSO.

Undersheriff Dale Miller said investigators are still interviewing family and friends of the couple to determine a motive for the shooting.

Robbie Dennis was a Michigan Department of Corrections employee.

Autopsies were conducted Monday morning, Miller said. Detectives from the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office continue to gather information and are awaiting lab and other reports.













Two dead at Ionia County home
WZZM TV News

Jul 16, 2012
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/218348/2/Two-dead-at-Ionia-County-home

UPDATE (WZZM) - Monday - Ionia County investigators say that the man who shot his wife and then later, himself, called a family member to tell them what he had done.

Deputies say that Robbie Dennis,44, killed Jamie Dennis, 42, in her car in the driveway of their home. He then called a family member to tell them what he had done. Before police arrive, Robbie had killed himself.

RONALD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM)-- Deputies are investigating a double homicide in Ionia County.

Just before 5 p.m. Saturday, investigators were called to a home in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township for a report of gunshots fired. When deputies arrived, they found two bodies in the driveway.

Neighbors identified the couple as Rob and Jamie Dennis. They say the shooting ended in a murder-suicide, but police are still not releasing details of what happened.

Neighbors Allison and Daniel Tunstra were shocked when first responders told them to take their children in the house.

"He gave us a heads up to give all the kids that were over in the house and locked the doors because they weren't sure what was going on," says Allison Tunstra.

She says it's not the first time they've heard noises -- including gunshots -- coming from the Dennis' home.

Allen and Letty Berry say their daughter Amber is taking the news hard. She's friends with the Dennis' son.

"Amber was just devastated because she's like, how could they do that?" asks Letty Berry. "What would make you think you could kill somebody and then yourself?"

Berry says the couple was having marital problems, but she never thought it was this bad.

They were very nice people, had bonfires together, community things, and never saw this coming," says Berry.

Rob Dennis worked as a corrections officer in Ionia County.













Ionia County couple killed in murder-suicide identified by police
The Grand Rapids Press

July 16, 2012
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/07/ionia_county_couple_killed_in.html

IONIA COUNTY, MI – Sheriff’s deputies identified the couple killed Saturday in a murder-suicide as Jamie L. Dennis, 42, and Robbie Dennis, 44.

Investigation showed that Robbie Dennis shot his wife while she was in her vehicle in the driveway, then shot himself after calling a family member to say what he had done.

The shooting occurred outside the couple’s home at 3115 Westbrook Road in Ronald Township, in northeast Ionia County. Police were dispatched to the scene at 4:52 p.m. Saturday.

Police said that both died of single gunshot wounds.

Police continue to investigate.

Robbie Dennis worked for the state Department of Corrections, sheriff’s deputies said.

The couple are not related to Sheriff Dwain Dennis.














Investigators Believe Ionia County Couple Died In Murder-Suicide
106FM Radio

July 16, 2012
http://q106fm.com/news/articles/2012/jul/16/investigators-believe-ionia-county-couple-died-in-murder-suicide/

RONALD TWP, Mich (WLMI) An investigation is underway after the bodies of a man and woman were found in Ionia County. Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home in Ronald Township around 5PM Saturday after shots were fired. When they arrived, they found the bodies of Rob and Jamie Dennis lying in the driveway. Officials believe Rob Dennis shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself. Family members say she lost her job Friday at a Greenville factory—he’d been working extra hours as a prison guard in Ionia and had been under increasing stress.













Obituary: Jaimie Lynn (Wilson) Dennis, 42, of Ionia
Jaimie Lynn (Wilson) Dennis, 42, of Ionia passed away unexpectedly July 14, 2012. She was born May 29, 1970 in Lansing, the daughter of Roger and Michelle (Harkins) Wilson.

Jul. 17, 2012 5:16 pm
Sentinel-Standard
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/article/20120717/NEWS/307179981

Jaimie Lynn (Wilson) Dennis, 42, of Ionia passed away unexpectedly July 14, 2012. She was born May 29, 1970 in Lansing, the daughter of Roger and Michelle (Harkins) Wilson.Jaimie is survived by her children, Brooke Satterlee of Ionia, Dustin Satterlee of Ionia and Jacob Macleod of Ionia; step children, Joshua Dennis of Charlotte and Katelynn Dennis of Lyons; grandson, Blaine Michael of Ionia; father, Roger (Brenda) Wilson of Ionia; mother, Michelle Harkins of Ionia; brother, Michael Lee Wilson of Ionia; sister, Alicia Wilson of Lowell; grandmother, Phyllis Harkins of Diamondale; step brother Brandon (Cathy) Black of Plymouth; step sister Jennifer Black of Royal Oak; and special aunts, Deb Wilson and Cara Howe of Grand Rapids and many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces; and special Aunts Deb Wilson of Grand Rapids and Cara Howe of Grand Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, R.J. Harkins and grandparents, Dorothy and Charles Wilson.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 19 at Shiloh Community Church with Pastor Kenneth Harger officiating. Anyone wishing may make memorial contributions in Jamie’s name to her family.

Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com














Officials Investigate Murder-Suicide in Ionia County
WLNS TV NEWS

Jul 23, 2012
http://www.wlns.com/story/19029423/2-people-found-dead-in-ionia-co

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Deputies in Ionia County confirmed on Monday that the man and woman found shot to death in a driveway on Saturday is a case of murder-suicide.


The incident happened in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township.

According to officials, the man and woman were married. They say the man shot his wife in the chest and then called his stepdaughter to tell her what he did. He apparently shot himself in the head shortly afterward.

The victims have been identified as 42-year-old Jamie Dennis and 44-year-old Robbie Dennis. Officials say they were married and that Robbie was a prison guard for the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Authorities say the couple had no known history of domestic abuse.

07112012 - Deputy Thomas Romano Sauve Jr. - Sentenced - Macomb SD

Also See:

Deputy Thomas Romano Sauve Jr. charged with home invasion, stalking, unauthorized use of law enforcement computers, and domestic violence [March 03, 2011]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/03/deputy-thomas-romano-suave-jr-macomb.html

 

 
Deputy sentenced for stalking
By Frank DeFrank
Macomb Daily
Posted: Thursday, 07/12/12 12:01 am
Updated: Thursday, 07/12/12 09:13 am
http://www.macombdaily.com/article/20120712/NEWS02/120719946/deputy-sentenced-for-stalking

A suspended Macomb County deputy sheriff was placed on two years’ probation Wednesday following his conviction for stalking and domestic violence, according to court records.


Thomas Sauve, 35, also was ordered to have no contact with the victim, a woman with whom the married deputy admitted he’d had an affair. Sauve still must deal with allegations he improperly used the Law Enforcement Information Network system as well as face internal discipline from the county sheriff.

Sauve was sentenced Wednesday by Macomb Circuit Judge Matthew Switalski, who presided over the deputy’s trial. Sauve initially faced a felony home invasion charge, which could have sent him to prison for up to five years. He was accused of climbing to the woman’s second-floor apartment and entering without permission while she was there with a male friend. But he was acquitted of that charge and convicted of the lesser misdemeanor offenses last May.

The deputy’s future employment with the Macomb County Sheriff Department is still to be determined. Sauve was suspended pending the resolution of the criminal charges. Now, he’ll face discipline procedures as outlined by the deputies’ collective bargaining agreement.

RELATED ASSETS
“Now that the sentencing aspect is over, we will move forward,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “He’s going to have an opportunity (for a discipline hearing). We’ll make our decision after that.”

Wickersham said the discipline to be meted out to Sauve could range from a suspension “up to and including discharge.”

Sauve went to work for the Macomb County Sheriff Department in 1999 as a corrections officer. He was sworn in as a deputy in 2003.














Jury to decide fate of suspended Macomb County deputy
By Jameson Cook
Posted: Wednesday, 05/23/12 12:01 am
Updated: Wednesday, 05/23/12 07:44 am
http://www.macombdaily.com/article/20120523/NEWS02/120529857/jury-to-decide-fate-of-suspended-macomb-county-deputy

A Macomb County jury Wednesday will begin deliberating whether a suspended sheriff’s deputy stalked and assaulted his mistress, and illegally entered her apartment.


The jury trial of Thomas Sauve concluded Tuesday in Macomb County Circuit Court with prosecuting and defense attorneys arguing whether Sauve’s actions were criminal or over-reactions to the ugly, sometimes alcohol-influenced end to an illicit affair. Sauve admitted to repeatedly lying to his wife and his mistress.

“Divorce is drama, drinking is drama, dating is drama,” assistant Macomb prosecutor Betsy Mellos told jurors. “This we know is criminal. … Separate the drama from the elements of the crime.

“He’s a law enforcement officer in a position of power, and he broke the law himself.”

RELATED ASSETS
Sauve’s defense attorney, Kenneth Karam, called Sauve’s accuser, Amanda Sanchez Kolos, a liar, and that she was as much in the wrong as he was.

“To say one is better than the other in this tryst is news to me,” Karam told jurors.

Sauve testified: “I’m not on trial for lying. I’m not on trial for adultery.”

07072012 - Officer Jeff Smith - Eaton Rapids PD

Also See:

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/01/officer-jeff-smith-charged-with-dv.html

On January 15, 2013 Eaton Rapids PD Sergeant Jeff Smith was arraigned on domestic violence charges, for an incident that took place on July 07, 2012.

Police Sergeant Faces Domestic Violence Charges
Posted: Jan 15, 2013 3:03 PM CST
By Ann Emmerich -
http://www.wlns.com/story/20595118/police-sergeant-faces-domestic-violence-charges

Sergeant Jeff Smith from the Eaton Rapids Police Department is facing domestic violence charges.

City records show he's an 11 year veteran of the force and was promoted to sergeant last April.

Smith stood quiet at his arraignment Monday in Ingham County District Court. His charges stem from an incident last July against his then wife. Records out of Jackson County show they divorced late last year.

Smith serves on Eaton Rapids' Police Force, but lives in Meridian Township. Because the charge against him is a misdemeanor, he wasn't jailed and is out on a personal bond of $500. As part of that bond, the judge granted him permission to have a gun for work purposes only.

A sergeant with the Eaton Rapids Police Department said the chief is out of town for the next week and a half and no one there is authorized to speak about the charges against Smith. It's unknown if he is continuing to work or suspended.

He's due back in court in about two weeks.

Stay with 6 news as we continue to bring you the details of this story.

07032012 - Deputy Matthew Linsenbigler - Dickinson SD

Case involving alleged child abuse settled without trial
FOX UP - TV 6
Posted: 10.11.2012 at 1:57 PM
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=811890

DICKINSON COUNTY -- A probate court case in Dickinson County involving a county sheriff's department deputy has been settled without a trial.

According to the county prosecutor Don Powell, the case against Matthew Linsenbigler and Kristin Punzel was settled with the Department of Human Services.

It had been alleged that one parent had caused harm to their then four-month-old child by shaking and failed to provide proper medical care. As part of the settlement, DHS dismissed the intentional harm allegation and dismissed Punzel from the case.

Linsenbigler entered a no contest admission on the failure to provide medical care, and in return, voluntarily terminated his parental rights.

Powell said there was no finding made by the judge that either of the parents intentionally harmed the child.

              








 Sheriff's Deputy and girlfriend in court for alleged child abuse
by Beth Cefalu
FOX UP - TV 6
Posted: 08.01.2012 at 5:03 AM
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=782884

IRON MOUNTAIN -- A Dickinson County Sheriff's deputy and his girlfriend were in court Tuesday in a case of alleged child abuse.

The defendants, Matthew Linsenbigler and Kristen Punzel, asked to allow their other child to come home, but Judge Schuppe denied the family's request.

The Department of Human Services alleges Linsenbigler and Punzel neglected or abused a four-month-old child by failing to provide medical attention. DHS officials say the four month old sustained head injuries caused by shaking.

Defense attorneys argue the brain bleeding was the result of rapid brain growth.

The prosecutor's office says there's not enough evidence to bring criminal charges. The case is being handled in probate court. A trial is scheduled for October. If found guilty, the defendants could lose their parental rights.

Linsenbigler will remain on leave from the Dickinson County Sheriff's office until the case is settled.

              









 Shaken Baby Hearing in Probate Court
7/31/2012
WJNR -FM 101.5 Radio
http://www.ask4direct.com/inforead.asp?id=wjnr&infoid=818356

(IRONMOUNTAIN, MI.)--It was determined on Tuesday there is not enough evidence to file criminal charges against a sheriff's deputy and his girlfriend although they could lose parental rights. That determination in a Probate court hearing. The deputy, Mathew Linsenbigler and his girl friend, Kristen Punzel, according  to Department of Human Services, the child abuse occurred when they failed to provide medical care for a four month old infant who sustained head injuries, allegedly caused by the child being shaken. That led to brain bleeding according to DHS officials.leading to rapid brain growth. The matter is being heard in Probate Court and is to continue in October. Deputy Linsenbigler will remain on leave from the Dickinson County Sheriff's Department until the matter is resolved when a determination of his employment will then be decided.










Deputy suspended during child abuse investigation
by Beth Cefalu
FOX UP - TV 6
Posted: 07.03.2012 at 5:44 AM
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=772189


IRON MOUNTAIN -- The Michigan State Police from the Iron Mountain Post are investigating a case of alleged child abuse of a four month old by a Dickinson County Sheriff's deputy.

Thirty-three year old Deputy Matthew Linsenbigler of Kingsford is on leave from the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office.

According to court documents, the Michigan Department of Human Services states the four month old sustained head injuries caused by shaking. The case is currently being handled in probate court.

No criminal charges have been filed.

A pretrial conference in probate court has been scheduled for July 31 where attorneys will meet with the judge to go over evidence in the case.

06222012 - Deputy Charles Ball - Trial - Washtenaw SD

Deputy Charles Ball [Washtenaw SD] arrested for domestic violence, March 02, 2012:

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/03/deputy-charles-ball-washtenaw-county-sd.html






Sheriff's deputy found not guilty on 3 charges stemming from March domestic dispute
By Kyle Feldscher: Crime and courts reporter
Posted on Fri, Jun 22, 2012 : 11:26 a.m.
Ann Arbor News
http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/sheriffs-deputy-found-not-guilty-on-3-criminal-charges-from-march-domestic-dispute/

A jury found Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Deputy Charles Ball not guilty Thursday on three criminal charges related to a March 2 arrest in Van Buren Township.

Maria Miller, spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, said the jury found Ball not guilty of felonious assault, a felony firearm charge and a domestic violence charge. Ball had been arrested during an alleged domestic dispute at his home in the 46000 block of Village Green Lane.

Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton told AnnArbor.com Ball was placed on unpaid leave following the March incident. Clayton was not immediately available for comment on Ball’s status Friday morning.

Ball, 46, has been in law enforcement for more than 27 years, holding various positions in the sheriff’s office, such as detective and school liaison officer.

Investigators with the Van Buren Township Department of Public Safety alleged Ball had a gun in his possession during a domestic dispute on March 2 at the home. No one was injured in the incident and Ball was the only person arrested, according to police. More details on the incident were not released.

AnnArbor.com could not reach Ball for comment Friday morning. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Derrick Jackson did not immediately return a message seeking an update on Ball’s status and the sheriff’s office investigation into the incident.

06162012 - Sheriff Candidate Lance Laird - Probation Violation: Drugs

Also See:

Jackson County Sheriff Candidate Lance Laird [2012]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/08/lance-laird-former-sheriff-candidate.html

While running for Jackson County Sheriff, Lance Laird [on probation for a domestic violence charge] violated probation when he tested positive for drugs [June 16, 2012].






Jackson County Sheriff candidate Lance Laird sent to jail for 57 days for violating probation by testing positive for cocaine
Published: Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 10:26 AM
Updated: Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 2:23 PM
By Aaron Aupperlee The Jackson Citizen Patriot http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2012/07/jackson_county_sheriff_candida_1.html

JACKSON, MI — Jackson County Sheriff candidate Lance Laird will spend the Aug. 7 primary behind bars.


District Judge R. Darryl Mazur sent Laird, 36, to jail for 57 days after testing positive for cocaine while on probation. Laird claimed someone spiked his stuff with something causing the positive test.

"Mr. Laird, I'm not sure whether you're going to make this election for sheriff or not," Mazur said before imposing a sentence in the matter. "Candidly, I doubt it."

Laird, on probation for a domestic violence charge to which he pleaded no contest in March 2011, tested positive for cocaine when tested on June 16, according to information presented in court. The 57-day sentence is the remainder of Laird's 93-day maximum sentence for the domestic violence charge. Laird already spent 36 days in jail for the original charge and other violations.

During his violation hearing Tuesday, Laird accused Tammy Sanders, the woman he allegedly assaulted, of putting something in his stuff to create the positive test. Laird attempted to play a recording of Sanders admitting to "putting stuff in my things," he said. The audio could not be heard by Mazur or anyone else in the courtroom.

Mazur asked Laird what the essence of the recording was, and Laird replied, "She said, yeah, I put stuff in your shit."

Laird never used the words cocaine or drugs in his allegations against Sanders. Sanders was not in court to testify. Laird said she lies and would not be a credible witness. Mazur said it would have been more credible had Sanders come in to testify Tuesday. Laird's attorney was also not present. Laird said she had another hearing.

Kris Putman, Laird's probation officer, said Laird did not show up for tests on June 12 and June 13. Putman called Laird and told him to go test. Laird told Putman he was frustrated with the system. Laird did not provide enough urine on June 15. On June 16, his test was positive for cocaine. Laird requested the sample be sent away for verification. The verification came back positive as well.

Laird claims the initial domestic violence charge was based on lies and made against him because of an on-going custody dispute with Sanders. Photographs taken after the assault show Sanders with a cut lip and a bloody nose. Police reports provided by Laird show that Sanders had reported Laird hit her twice before. She had no marks, and police could not verify that an assault occurred in each. After the third report, when Sanders went to the Jackson Police Department with a bloodied face, Laird was arrested.

He pleaded no contest to avoid spending more time in jail awaiting a trial, he said in previous conversations.

Laird's stint in jail will his 15th, according to jail records. Charges against Laird in previous, unrelated matters, were dismissed, court records show. A jury convicted him of operating while impaired in 2008. He was found guilty of assault and battery in 1994. Laird has been convicted of traffic infractions and having a dog at large, according to court records. There have been eight civil actions filed against him.

He contends the county justice system is corrupt and has fought his probation and previous charges.

Laird has said as sheriff he would throw in jail prosecutors and judges who violate people's rights and use plea deals as instruments of coercion. He believes the county's criminal justice system is overrun with corruption.

"What would you do if you were sheriff?" Mazur asked.

"I don't think that's proper for the court," Laird responded. "I'm not here for my political agenda."

"I'm curious," Mazur said.

"Maybe you should ask me outside of court," Laird responded.

At the close of the hearing, Mazur said, "If you're elected sheriff, go ahead hold us all accountable."

Laird was placed in handcuffs and led out of the courtroom.

06142012 - Judge David Stowe - Ex-Wife Cynthia Stowe - DV Probation

After Cynthia Stowe's  assault on her teenage son and husband Judge David Stowe [January 30, 2012], a year was added to her DUI probation. A stipulation that Cynthia not consume alcohol was added to the conditions of her probation after her DV arrest.

June 14, 2012: Cynthia Stowe was charged with violating her DUI / DV probation for failing an alcohol test in June. 







Local judge's wife in more trouble

June 17, 2012
The Record-Eagle
Traverse City
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:UpiCDS1AHfYJ:record-eagle.com/local/x1406730213/Local-judges-wife-in-more-trouble+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Traverse City - A local judge's wife violated probation again, authorities said.

Cynthia Stowe, wife of Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe, was arraigned Thursday on a probation violation bench warrant. She is required to avoid alcohol as part of her probation, and court officials said she failed an alcohol test.

She pleaded not guilty at the arraignment and was released on bond.

Stowe is on probation for a 2011 drunk driving conviction and a May conviction for contempt of court records show. A perjury charge was dismissed when she pleaded guilty to the contempt charge. The perjury count was issued after authorities said she lied during a previous probation violation hearing. David Stowe filed for divorce in March. he is not seeking re-election.











UPDATE: Wife of Grand Traverse County Judge Violated Probation Again
Posted: Jun 15, 2012 2:33 PM CDT
Updated: Jun 22, 2012 2:34 PM CDT
9 and 10 News
http://www.9and10news.com/story/18800630/update-wife-of-grand-traverse-county-judge-violated-probation-again

Court records show, the wife of a Grand Traverse County judge has violated her probation, again.

Cynthia is probate Judge David Stowe's wife.

Court records show she failed an alcohol breath test.

She was in court for the same violation back in April.

Last summer, Stowe was arrested for drunk driving, and last month, she admitted to assaulting her husband.

She pleaded not guilty in court yesterday.









Wife of Traverse City Judge Admits to Assaulting Husband

Posted: May 15, 2012 10:24 AM CDT
Updated: May 22, 2012 10:24 AM CDT
9 and 10 News
http://www.9and10news.com/story/18424456/wife-of-traverse-city-judge-admits-to-assaulting-husband

The wife of a Grand Traverse County judge has admitted to assaulting her husband.

Court records show that Cynthia Stowe failed an alcohol breath test back in April, violating her probation.

She's the wife of Probate Judge David Stowe. Cynthia pleaded guilty to the assault to avoid a felony charge.

Last summer she was arrested for drunk driving and in January she appeared in court for assaulting her husband.

She was sentenced to 30 days in jail, she has already served 22.

She will spend a year on probation and attend a substance abuse and mental health program.











Judge's wife takes a plea deal
BY BRIAN McGILLIVARY
The Record-Eagle
Tue May 15, 2012, 07:14 AM EDT
http://record-eagle.com/local/x227513877/Judges-wife-takes-plea-deal

TRAVERSE CITY — A judge's estranged wife pleaded guilty to assault and contempt of court in a plea deal to avoid a felony perjury charge.

Cynthia Marie Stowe, 50, appeared in 86th District Court on Monday morning and initially denied any inappropriate contact with Grand Traverse County Probate Court Judge David Stowe on the January night police were called to their Long Lake Township home. She told District Judge Thomas J. Phillips her 16-year-old son was the one pushing and shoving.

Defense attorney Craig Elhart coaxed Cynthia Stowe to acknowledge there had been physical contact between her and David Stowe during the incident.

"A textbook domestic violence case," said Special Prosecutor Charles Koop of Antrim County. "She had to acknowledge her behavior. That's very important. She never acknowledged her behavior before."

She admitted to the contempt of court charge. She tested positive for alcohol while on bond from a domestic violence charge, and testified under oath she had dinner at a restaurant with her oldest son and consumed a dessert that included alcohol. The son denied he had dined with his mother and Koop obtained evidence showing she had dinner on Valentine's Day with her husband. That violated a standard bond requirement for a domestic assault case, Koop said.

Phillips sentenced Cynthia Stowe to 30 days in jail with credit for 22 days served. She also must take part in a 90-day in-patient substance abuse and mental health treatment program and a year's probation.

"I think you need help and a lot of help," Phillips said.

Koop said allowing Stowe to plead to a misdemeanor will help her receive treatment which he said would be best for her and the community.











Cynthia Stowe's bond set at $500K
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record-Eagle
Fri Apr 27, 2012, 07:14 AM EDT
http://record-eagle.com/local/x1914775202/Cynthia-Stowes-bond-set-at-500K

TRAVERSE CITY — A judge set a high bond for a woman charged with lying under oath.

Cynthia Marie Stowe, 50, is charged with a felony perjury count. District Judge Thomas J. Phillips set her bond at $500,000 when he arraigned her on the charge Thursday morning.

Stowe is the estranged wife of Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe. He filed for divorce in March.

Phillips said he set a high bond because he had concerns about Cynthia Stowe's history of violating bond on other criminal matters and the seriousness of the offense, among other items.

She remained in the Grand Traverse County Jail Thursday afternoon. The bond is set to be reviewed today at 8:45 a.m.

Grand Traverse Sheriff's Department investigators said Stowe lied under oath during a Feb. 22 bond violation hearing. She was out on bond after a January domestic violence arrest, and authorities said she violated bond by drinking alcohol.

She failed an alcohol test on Feb. 14, authorities said. At the bond violation hearing, she testified she was at a dinner with her son that night and failed the alcohol test because she ate a dessert containing alcohol.

Authorities later interviewed her son, who said he wasn't at the dinner. Instead, authorities found the dinner was paid for with a credit card belonging to David Stowe. The signature on the bill matched a known signature of David Stowe, court documents show.

The domestic violence charge ultimately was dismissed as part of a plea deal.





86th District Court
April 26, 2012
Leelanau News
http://www.leelanaunews.com/news/2012-04-26/Courts/86th_District_Court.html

Cynthia M. Stowe, 50, 9524 Echo Valley Dr., Traverse City — Probation violation hearing; pleaded guilty; sentenced to 90 days in jail with credit for 9 days served, balance held in abeyance; must immediately upon release from jail check into Center One and complete successfully, and then check into residential treatment and complete successfully or return to jail and wait for a bed to become available; $200 fines, $200 costs, $125 arresting agency fee.









Cynthia Stowe to be arraigned for Perjury
Charges stem from testimony at hearing
April 26, 2012
The Record-Eagle
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:7edjRWAksQYJ:record-eagle.com/local/x1199104645/Cynthia-Stowe-to-be-arraigned-for-perjury+&cd=43&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Traverse City - A local judge's wife faces a felony charge because investigators believe she lied under oath.

Cynthia Marie Stowe, 50, estranged wife of Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe, is charged with a felony count of perjury during court proceedings. Traverse City police arrested her Wednesday, and she is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. today.

The charge stems from statements she made at a Feb. 22 bond violation hearing. She was out on bond after a January domestic violence arrest, and authorities said she violated bond by drinking alcohol.

She failed an alcohol test on Feb. 14, authorities said. At the bond violation hearing, she testified she was at a dinner with her son at a restaurant at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville that night. Cynthia Stowe said at the hearing she failed the alcohol test because she ate a dessert containing alcohol.

Authorities later interviewed her son, who said she wasn't at the dinner. Instead authorities found the dinner was paid for with a credit car belonging to David Stowe. The signature on the bill matched a known signature of David Stowe, court documents show.

David Stowe declined comment when investigators tried to interview him, court documents show.

Antrim County Prosecutor Charles Koop - who is acting as special prosecutor - eventually dismissed the domestic violence charge against Cynthia Stowe in a plea deal that added one year probation to a September drunken driving conviction.

David Stowe couldn't be reached for comment late Wednesday. He filed for divorce in March.











Judge’s wife fails test, violates probation

April 19, 2012
Leelanau Enterprise
http://www.leelanaunews.com/news/2012-04-19/Courts/Judges_wife_fails_test_violates_probation.html

The wife of a Traverse City judge will appear today for a arraignment on a charge of violating probation on a drunk driving case in Leelanau County.

Cynthia Stowe turned herself in to the County Jail last week after allegedly failing an alcohol screening. The failed test would constitute a violation of the terms of her probation on a September drunk driving conviction in Leelanau County.

The Grand Traverse County woman assaulted her husband, Probate Court Judge David Stowe, in their home in January. That case was resolved through a plea agreement that added one year of probation on to her drunk driving arrest in Leelanau County.

Nineteenth Circuit Court Judge James Batzer of Benzie County held the hearing on the probation violation via telephone Friday afternoon. Batzer was appointed by the state court administrator’s office as the local judges all recused themselves because of their relationship with Judge Stowe, Magistrate Norene Kastys said.











Judge's wife arraigned on probation violation
The Record-Eagle
April 14, 2012
From staff reports
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Pjldgm3l10AJ:record-eagle.com/local/x333969105/Judges-wife-arraigned-on-probation-violation+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Traverse City - A local judge's wife was arraigned on a probation violation.

Cynthia Stowe turned herself in Thursday and on Friday was arraigned in 86th District Court.

Court officials said the violation was issued because she failed an alcohol test.

Stowe, wife of Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe was on probation for a drunken driving conviction.

A probation violation hearing is set for April 19.










Judge's wife allegedly violation probation
Bench warrant issued for arrest of Cynthia Stowe
April 12, 2012
Art Bukowski
The Record-Eagle
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:8IuujLfYZV4J:record-eagle.com/local/x333968864/Judges-wife-allegdly-violated-probation+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Traverse City - A local judge's wife might go back to jail after authorities said she violated probation.

Cynthia Stowe recently failed an alcohol screen, court officials said. Circuit Judge James Batzer on Monday issued a bench warrant for her arrest because a failed test constitutes a violation of her probation on a September drunken driving conviction.

Stowe, the wife of Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe, hadn't yet been arrested Wednesday afternoon.

Stowe assaulted her husband in their Long Lake Township home in January. That case was resolved in a plea deal that added one year probation on to her drunken driving arrest.

David Stowe was elected to the probate judge post in 200, and Cynthia Stowe - known as Cynthia Curry prior to her marriage to Stowe - is a former family court employee who worked under Stowe from 2002 to 2005.

The two began a relationship while they both worked in the court, and David oversaw child custody matters in Cynthia's divorce case. David Stowe subsequently fired the county's family court administrator for reporting the relationship to county officials. The county later paid a $69,000 settlement to that employee.

David Stowe filed for divorce on March 16, court records show. His term is up this year, and he previously said he won't run again.

Cynthia Stowe's attorney, Craig Elhart, declined comment.









Warrant out for arrest of judge's wife
April 11, 2012
The Record-Eagle
Art Bukowski
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:sjaWSdR3plUJ:record-eagle.com/local/x611950094/Warrant-out-for-arrest-of-judges-wife+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Travese City - A judge's wife has a warrant out for her arrest after authorities said she violated probation.

Cynthia Stowe failed an alcohol screening, and a judge issued a warrant for her arrest Monday. She hadn't been arrested as of this morning. Stowe is the wife of Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe.

Stowe in August was arrested for drunken driving, and in January was arrested after she assaulted David Stowe at their home. A year of probation was added to her drunken driving conviction after the assault.







Police Have an Arrest Warrant Out for the Wife of a Grand Traverse County Judge
Posted: Apr 11, 2012 6:09 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 18, 2012 6:10 PM CDT
9 and 10 News
http://www.9and10news.com/story/17389068/police-have-an-arrest-warrant-out-for-the-wife-of-a-grand-traverse-county-judge

Police have an arrest warrant out for the wife of a Grand Traverse County judge.

Court records show Cynthia Stowe failed an alcohol breath test, violating her probation.

Cynthia is probate Judge David Stowe's wife.

Last summer, she was arrested for drunk driving, and in January, she was in court for assaulting her husband.

A judge added an additional year of probation following the attack.











Judge's wife released from jail

February 25, 2012
Brian McGillivary
The Record-Eagle
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JZTVAwa2a3YJ:record-eagle.com/local/x1513923359/Judges-wife-released-from-jail+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Traverse City - Authorities dropped domestic assault charges against a local judge's wife and released her from jail after she agreed to stiffer probation requirements tied to a previous drunken-driving conviction.

Cynthia Stowe allegedly assaulted her husband, Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe, on Jan 30 at their Long Lake Township home. On Friday, she agreed to an additional year of probation in a plea agreement with Special Prosecutor Charles Koop of Antrim County.

The defendant, in the people's opinion, has an alcohol problem that was not under control," Koop said. "The family was in crisis and needed some outside help. This will be addressed by the modified probation terms."

The new probation is stiffer than what's normally meted out for a first-time domestic violence conviction, Koop said. It also includes provisions for Cynthia Stowe, 50, to undergo substance abuse and domestic violence counseling and monitoring until August 2013.

Cynthia Stowe stood in court alone on Friday, dressed in jail orange and an oversized jail coat, and dabbed at tears. She spent two days in jail because she consumed alcohol, a violation of bond conditions placed on her after the domestic violence arrest.

David Stowe, in his courtroom one floor above the courtroom where his wife appeared, did not attend the hearing.

"It's a family matter and as much as I wanted to be there, it's not something I can involve myself in as a judge," David Stowe said.

Defense attorney, Craig Elhart called the plea deal a "satisfactory resolution for everyone," and said Cynthia Stowe would return home on Friday.

David Stowe and Elhart denied an assault occurred on Jan. 30.

Koop said he believes otherwise, but said it would be difficult to prove the case because David Stowe refused to cooperate with authorities and Cynthia Stowe's 16-year-old son - who called 911 that evening to report the incident - changed his story.

"These are hard cases and I didn't do this just because she is married to a judge," Koop said.

The son called 911 that evening to report his mother was drinking heavily and hitting his stepfather, David Stowe.

"She attempted to hit me," the son told the 911 dispatcher. "I blocked, and Dave has been getting in the way and she keeps hitting him across the face, like punching him hard."

"Yeah, I just had to do this," he told the dispatcher. "This has happened way too many times and it's gone too far this time."

When David Stowe discovered his stepson called 911 and deputies were on the eay, he told the boy he was leaving the house and that the teen should, as well. The boy pleaded for David Stowe to stay, according to the 911 recording the Record-Eagle obtained through a state Freedom of Information Act request.

"You can't leave," the boy said. "You have to stay, please. I need somebody to back me up, Dave."

David Stowe agreed to remain in the house after he spoke with the dispatcher.

Sheriff's deputies reported David Stowe was bleeding from scratches on his neck, but he refused to allow officers to photograph his injuries, Koop said.

The boy changed his story in a follow-up interview that didn't occur until Thursday because deputies couldn't locate him, Koop said.

"This is not uncommon in domestic violence cases where the person who is assaulted doesn't want to go forward," Koop said. "This is a good example of how domestic violence crosses all stratum. A lot of time we don't think of professional people being battered.

David Stowe said the incident provided him a sense of empathy for what others encounter in the criminal justice system, but he declined to discuss the incident.

"We all have issues in our personal life like anyone else and I'm hopeful that we respect the personal lives of people," David Stowe said.

David Stowe was elected to the probate judge post in 2000. Cynthia Stowe is a former family court employee who worked under Stowe from 2002 to 2005.

The two began a romantic relationship while she worked for him; previous to Stowe's hiring of the then-Cynthia Curry, David Stowe oversaw child custody matters in her divorce case. David Stowe and Cynthia Curry married in early 2009.

Benzie Circuit Court Judge James Batzer in September sentenced Cynthia Stowe to a day in jail and a year of probation after she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle with a high blood-alcohol content.

She was arrested Aug. 6 and police reported her blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the state's legal limit for intoxication.

She may yet face a probation violation hearing for that charge, and if she again violates her probation Koop can reinstate domestic violence charges.

Eighty-Sixth District Court Judge Michael Haley brokered Friday's plea deal through a phone conference with Batzer, but the deal doesn't take effect until Batzer signs the modified probation terms.









Judge's wife violates bond, goes to jail
February 23, 2012
Art Bukowski
The Record-Eagle
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Eu2Baf62i7IJ:record-eagle.com/local/x1222572165/Judges-wife-violates-bond-goes-to-jail+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Traverse City - A local judge's wife went to jail after authorities said she violated her bond on a domestic violence arrest.

Cynthia Stowe, wife of Probate Judge David Stowe, tested positive for alcohol consumption on two separate breath test this month, authorities said. Bond set after a Jan. 30 domestic violence arrest required her to periodically blow into a home testing device.

Her bond included a provision that she not consume alcohol, among several other restrictions.

District Judge Michael Haley on Wednesday revoked Stowe's bond and sent her to jail pending the outcome of the domestic violence charge. She also was arraigned on that charge Wednesday.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff's deputies arrested Stowe after a January altercation at the Long Lake Township home where she lived with David Stowe. her son called police to say she had assaulted David Stowe, police said.

Defense attorney Craig Elhart on Wednesday asked for a hearing on the alleged bond violations. Cynthia Stowe, 50, blamed the failure of the alcohol tests on a dessert that contained rum and a medication given after a dental appointment. Haley wasn't sympathetic.

"That's just inane to offer that as an excuse," he said, of the rum dessert explanation.

David Stowe was elected to the probate judge post in 2000. Cynthia Stowe - known as Cynthia Curry prior to her marriage to Stowe - is a former family court employee who worked under Stowe from 2002 to 2005.

The two began a relationship while they both worked in the court, and David oversaw child custody matters in Cynthia's divorce case. David subsequently fired the county's family court administrator for reporting the relationship to county officials. The county later paid a $69,000 settlement to that ex-employee.

David and Cynthia married in early 2009.

A Benzie Circuit judge in September sentenced Cynthia Stowe to a day in jail and a year probation after she pleaded guily to a misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle with a high-blood alcohol count.