Friday, December 7, 2012

12072012 - Deputy Ryan Salisbury - Grand Traverse SD






In  December 2012, Deputy Ryan Salisbury was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend at a bar. He was charged with disorderly conduct and domestic violence. In January 2013, the domestic violence charge was dropped and Deputy Salisbury pled guilty to disorderly conduct.

This was not Deputy Salisbury's first rodeo in escaping accountability for domestic violence. In late 2011, he was investigated for a domestic violence altercation with his ex-wife. The prosecutor did not file charges against Deputy Salisbury for that incident.


DEPUTY RYAN SALISBURY: 2011 investigation for  domestic violence:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/deputy-ryan-salisbury-grand-traverse-sd.html















UPDATE: Grand Traverse County Deputy to Serve Probation
Posted: Feb 07, 2013 2:59 PM CST
Updated: Feb 07, 2013 2:59 PM CST

http://www.9and10news.com/story/21076621/update-grand-traverse-county-deputy-to-serve-probation




A Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy will spend a year on probation for disturbing the peace.


As part of a plea deal last month, the domestic violence charge against Ryan Salisbury was dropped.

He was accused of assaulting his Girlfriend near a bar in downtown Traverse City back in December.

Deputy Salisbury has been on unpaid suspension since January 2nd.








Grand Traverse deputy takes plea bargain
Domestic violence charge dropped as part of the deal
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record Eagle
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 07:14 AM EST

http://record-eagle.com/local/x1746076848/Grand-Traverse-deputy-takes-plea-deal



TRAVERSE CITY — A Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy had a domestic violence charge dismissed as part of a plea deal.

Sheriff's officials have yet to determine what, if any, discipline they'll hand out to Ryan Scott Salisbury, 35.

Salisbury pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace for his role in a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station in Traverse City. He initially was charged with disturbing the peace and a misdemeanor count of domestic violence.

Salisbury will receive a delayed sentence as part of the deal. If he completes a series of court-ordered terms during the next year, the disturbing the peace conviction will be vacated. He also won't be charged with any other crimes tied to the bar incident.

Antrim County Prosecutor Charlie Koop handled the case as a special prosecutor. He said Salisbury didn't receive special treatment. The type of plea deal Salisbury received is commonly offered in domestic violence cases, Koop said.

"It's the same offer that would have been offered to any other defendant in his situation," he said.

Authorities previously said Salisbury assaulted his girlfriend by striking her with an elbow to the neck, and he also made contact with a man sitting near Salisbury's girlfriend. Koop said it appears Salisbury shoved his girlfriend aside as he confronted a man who sent her texts over a period of time.

"The girlfriend was really not the target of his actions," Koop said. "(She) happened to be standing between where the deputy came in and this guy."

Koop said there were some problems with the case. Some witnesses changed their stories, he said, and the two alleged victims claim they aren't victims at all.

"We've got witnesses who don't want to testify, we've got both victims claiming they were never touched, and we have a 30-second incident in a bar," he said.

Witnesses initially told Traverse City Police Salisbury yelled profanities at his girlfriend and appeared to make a punching motion toward her after elbowing the woman in the neck, according to a police report. He also made contact with the man nearby, witnesses said.

The male victim initially told police he was reluctant to talk about the incident because he was intimidated by Salisbury, a report shows.

Salisbury's girlfriend denied being injured and repeatedly asked the court to lift a no-contact order in the case. On Wednesday, she told a judge she didn't feel threatened by Salisbury and the bar situation "had nothing to do" with her.

Sheriff Tom Bensley said his office's review of the situation continues. He wouldn't say what disciplinary action could or will be taken, and he wouldn't comment on Salisbury's disciplinary history — or lack thereof — at the department.

"When we've completed our internal investigation as quickly as possible, we'll take the appropriate action," he said.

Salisbury has worked for the department for about 10 years. He is currently a K-9 handler. He was on paid suspension for a few weeks but has been on unpaid suspension since Jan. 2, Bensley said.

Salisbury's attorney, Dena Horvath, said Salisbury wants to keep his job. He pleaded guilty against the advice of his attorneys, Horvath said. She believed Salisbury would be acquitted of all charges had he gone to trial.

In late 2011, Leelanau County assistant prosecutor Doug Donaldson declined to issue a domestic violence charge against Salisbury for an alleged assault on a different woman in Grand Traverse County. That woman, Salisbury's then-wife, asked Donaldson not to charge.

Koop said Salisbury's history is problematic considering his profession.

"I have a snapshot of his behavior in two situations involving a wife and a live-in girlfriend," he said. "That snapshot says to me that this officer has a behavioral issue that needs to be addressed."













Grand Traverse deputy pleads guilty
By Jeff Broddle
Cadillac News
January 09, 2013

http://www.cadillacnews.com/news_story/?story_id=1806191&year=2013&issue=20130109

TRAVERSE CITY — A Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.

According to the Grand Traverse Sheriff's office, Deputy Ryan Salisbury has pleaded guilty in 86th District Court to a count of disturbing the peace, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail.

According to Lt. Chris Clark, Salisbury has been on unpaid suspension since Jan. 9. He will remain on unpaid suspension until an investigation is concluded.

The sheriff's office said no other information regarding the charges was available.










Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Disturbing The Peace
POSTED January 9, 2013 BY Eric Wotila
MI News 26

http://www.minews26.com/content/?p=22239








A local Deputy pled guilty to a Misdemeanor earlier today.

Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Salisbury pled guilty to one count of Disturbing the Peace in the 86th District Court earlier this morning. Disturbing the Peace is a Misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days; Salisbury has been on unpaid suspension since January 2 and will remain suspended until the Sheriff’s Office concludes their investigation.













Deputy accepts plea deal
By Art Bukowski
The Record-Eagle
Wed Jan 09, 2013, 12:03 PM EST

http://record-eagle.com/latest-mobile/x1303513162/Deputy-accepts-plea-deal

TRAVERSE CITY -- A Grand Traverse sheriff’s deputy charged with domestic violence had the charge dismissed as part of a plea deal.

Ryan Scott Salisbury pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace for his role in a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station in downtown Traverse City. He initially was charged with disturbing the peace and a misdemeanor count of domestic violence.

For more, see Friday’s Record-Eagle.













Sheriff's deputy pleads guilty to misdemeanor
Posted: 01.09.2013 at 11:40 AM
Up North Live

http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=845708




GRAND TRAVERSE CO. -- Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Salisbury has pled guilty to one count of Disturbing the Peace stemming from a bar fight in downtown Traverse City.

The Sheriff's Office says Salisbury has been on an unpaid suspension since January 2, and will remain on unpaid suspension until they conclude their internal investigation. They say they hope to wrap up the investigation as quickly as possible.

Salisbury was charged after a fight at Union Street Station in Traverse City.










UPDATE: Grand Traverse Deputy Plead Guilty to Disturbing the Peace

Posted: Jan 09, 2013 10:28 AM CST
Updated: Jan 16, 2013 10:28 AM CST
9 and 10 News 

http://www.9and10news.com/story/20543294/update-grand-traverse-deputy-plead-guilty-to-disturbing-the-peace


Today, a Grand Traverse County Deputy plead guilty to disturbing the peace.

Deputy Ryan Salisbury was arrested near Union Street Station Bar in December accused of assaulting his girlfriend and disturbing the peace.

He was released on bond from the Grand Traverse County Jail.

If convicted, he could face up to 90 days in jail for one count of disturbing the peace.

He's been on unpaid leave from the sheriff's department since January 2nd, while the incident is under investigation.










Suspended deputy could face another assault charge

BY GLENN PUIT
The Record Eagle
Fri Jan 04, 2013, 07:08 PM EST

http://record-eagle.com/local/x1303508898/Suspended-deputy-could-face-another-assault-charge




TRAVERSE CITY — A Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputy who’s been accused of striking his girlfriend at a local tavern could face an additional criminal charge because he also had physical contact with a man during the same incident, newly released police reports show.


Ryan Salisbury, 35, faces domestic violence and disturbing the peace charges after a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station.

Police reports obtained Friday by the Record-Eagle through a state Freedom of Information Act request provide more details. The reports state Salisbury walked into the bar that night at 11:15 p.m. to speak with his girlfriend, who sat near another man.

Salisbury directed profanities at the woman, then said, “What are you doing?” and hit her “with a elbow strike to the neck area, which caused her head to jerk backwards,” an officer wrote in a probable cause arrest form.

Police said Salisbury confronted another man nearby and witnesses “observed him strike (the man) in the shoulder.”

Salisbury then made “a punching motion” towards the woman, but “witnesses could not say for sure whether he had made contact with her face.”

Salisbury denied wrongdoing.

“Salisbury denied any assaultive behavior during this incident,” the reports state. “Salisbury indicated he was mad when he saw (a man) sitting next to his girlfriend at the bar. Salisbury did approach (the man) and advised him to ‘stop calling her’ and then left.”

Witnesses said the incident unfolded in about 30 seconds. An officer who talked to Salisbury that night said it “did not sound as if Salisbury was intoxicated, and he (Salisbury) could not believe that someone was accusing him of assault.”

Police did not observe any visible signs of injury on the female victim.

Special Prosecutor Charles Koop of Antrim County said he may file at least one more criminal charge because of the contact made with the man who sat next to Salisbury’s girlfriend.

“I’m waiting for some supplemental reports concerning some statements that were made,” Koop said. “I think he’ll be charged as to the assault of the other person.”

Salisbury pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges. He is currently on administrative leave with pay.












Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy charged after alleged assault at Traverse City bar

By Garret Ellison
MLive
December 29, 2012 at 9:05 AM
Updated December 29, 2012 at 12:30 PM

http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/grand_traverse_county_sheriffs_1.html



TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputy has been formally charged with domestic violence following an alleged assault on a female acquaintance at a downtown Traverse City bar earlier this month.


Deputy Ryan Salisbury, a handler with the sheriff’s K-9 unit, was arraigned on misdemeanor domestic violence and disturbing the peace charges on Friday, Dec. 28, in 86th District Court in Traverse City.

The charges stemmed from a Traverse City Police Department investigation into an incident around 12:15 a.m. at Union Street Station on Saturday, Dec. 7, where witnesses said Salisbury and the woman got into a physical altercation, according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office said Salisbury remains on administrative leave with pay. The office released a statement Friday.

“We will be reviewing the charges and the police report. As required by our union contract, prior to any further action we will hold a hearing as soon as possible to review allegations, any possible violation of our policy and procedures and take whatever action may be appropriate.

Our final decision for any disciplinary action will most probably include the courts final disposition of the complaints against him.”

According to the Record-Eagle, the woman denied being injured but officers arrested Salisbury at his residence following the incident. Salisbury was investigated in 2011 by Leelanau County authorities for suspicion of domestic violence, but was not arrested.










GT County deputy charged in assault case
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record-Eagle
Sat Dec 29, 2012, 07:14 AM EST

http://record-eagle.com/local/x730421853/GT-County-deputy-charged-in-assault-case


TRAVERSE CITY — A Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy who dodged a domestic violence charge last year now faces a pair of misdemeanors for an altercation with a female acquaintance.

Deputy Ryan Salisbury, who hired on with the sheriff's department about 10 years ago, is charged with domestic violence and disturbing the peace. He is free on bond after 86th District Judge Mike Stepka arraigned him Friday morning.

Salisbury serves as a K-9 deputy, according to profile information on the sheriff's department web page. City police arrested him after a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station. Witnesses said Salisbury assaulted the woman, police said previously, though she denied being injured.

Antrim County Prosecutor Charles Koop, who is handling the current matter as a special Salisbury in 2011 was investigated for an alleged assault against another woman. Assistant Leelanau County Prosecutor Doug Donaldson, who handled that case after Leelanau Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned special prosecutor, declined to issue charges then.

The victim in that case, Salisbury's now ex-wife, "was adamant about not wanting to go forward" with charges, Donaldson said.

Salisbury remains on paid leave from the sheriff's department. Sheriff Tom Bensley said his department will wait for the criminal process to wrap before making final disciplinary decisions.

"We take these one step at a time. There is a contract in place that we have to follow," he said. "The final disposition is going to be down the road, though there may be some interim steps that we take prior to that final disposition."

The alleged victim in the recent case asked Stepka to remove a no-contact order during Friday's arraignment. Stepka declined, but said the matter could be addressed at Salisbury's Jan.











Sheriff's deputy charged with domestic violence

by Anne Cook
Posted: 12.28.2012 at 2:29 PM

http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=841795



GRAND TRAVERSE -- A Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy has been charged with Domestic Violence and Disturbing the Peace.


The charges against Deputy Ryan Salisbury come as a result of a fight at the Union Street Station in Traverse City.

According to the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office, the status of the officer has not changed. He remains on Administrative Leave with pay. The Sheriff's Office said they will be reviewing the charges and the police report.

As required by the union contract, prior to any further action, the Sheriff's Office says they will hold a hearing as soon as possible to review allegations, any possible violation of policy and procedures, and then take whatever action may be appropriate.

The Sheriff's Office says the final decision for any disciplinary action will probably include the courts final disposition of the complaints against him.

No further information has been released.









Grand Traverse deputy charged with domestic violence
By Art Bukowski
The Record Eagle
Fri Dec 28, 2012, 10:44 AM EST

http://record-eagle.com/latest-mobile/x964858913/Grand-Traverse-deputy-charged-with-domestic-violence

TRAVERSE CITY - A Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputy faces two misdemeanors after authorities said he assaulted a female acquaintance.

Ryan Salisbury is charged with domestic violence and disturbing the peace. Eighty-sixth District Court Judge Mike Stepka arraigned him this morning.

Traverse City police said he assaulted the woman at a local bar in early December.

For more reporting, see Saturday’s Record-Eagle.








UPDATE: Grand Traverse County Deputy Accused of Assault Faced Judge Today

Posted: Dec 28, 2012 9:53 AM CST
Updated: Jan 04, 2013 9:53 AM CST

http://www.9and10news.com/story/20440255/update-grand-traverse-county-deputy-accused-of-assault-faced-judge-today



A Grand Traverse County deputy was arraigned this morning, accused of assaulting his girlfriend.


Ryan Salisbury was arrested near Union Street Station Bar earlier this month, and lodged in the Grand Traverse County Jail, where he was released on bond.

He's been on paid leave from the sheriff's department while the incident is under investigation.

This morning, he pleaded not guilty to two crimes, including domestic violence.











Sheriff's deputy arrested after bar fight

Posted: 12.10.2012 at 4:32 PM
Up North Live

http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=835611



TRAVERSE CITY -- A Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy has been suspended with pay after he was arrested for assault at a Traverse City bar.


7&4 News is told that Ryan Salisbury was arrested around midnight on Friday at Union Street Station.

Police were called out to investigate, which led to the arrest of the deputy.

Salisbury did post bond last week. Official charges have not yet been filed.












 UPDATE: Name of Deputy Accused of Assault Now Released
Posted: Dec 10, 2012 3:23 PM CST
Updated: Dec 17, 2012 3:23 PM CST
9 and 10 News

http://www.9and10news.com/story/20307988/update-name-of-deputy-accused-of-assault-now-released



We can now tell you the name of a Grand Traverse County deputy who the sheriff's office says was arrested for assault.


We're told Ryan Salisbury is now on paid leave, accused of assaulting his girlfriend near Union Street Station, in downtown Traverse City, last Friday morning.

Salisbury was released on bond, and the prosecutor is reviewing the complaint.







GT deputy arrested after report of assault
He also was a suspect in a separate assault last year
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record Eagle
Sat Dec 08, 2012, 03:35 PM EST

http://record-eagle.com/local/x2120612569/GT-deputy-arrested-after-report-of-assault

TRAVERSE CITY — City police arrested a Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy after witnesses said he assaulted his girlfriend at a downtown saloon.

Officers arrested off-duty deputy Ryan Salisbury on Friday at about 5:30 a.m. after an incident at Union Street Station several hours earlier. Salisbury was a suspect in an assault against another woman last year, but Leelanau County authorities declined to charge him with a crime.

City police and sheriff's officials wouldn't identify the deputy, but Grand Traverse Prosecutor Al Schneider and his attorney identified Salisbury.

City police Capt. Brian Heffner said officers went to the bar at about 12:15 a.m. on a report that a man assaulted a woman.

"We had allegations made that a man and a woman who reside together ... had what witnesses described as physical altercation," he said.

The woman denied being injured, Heffner said, but officers arrested the suspect at his residence. Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley said the deputy was suspended with pay after his Friday arrest on suspicion for domestic violence.

Defense attorney Craig Elhart said he will "vigorously defend" Salisbury against any charges that may arise.

"Mr. Salisbury did nothing wrong," he said.

Schneider said he will remove himself from the case because of a conflict of interest and will ask for a special prosecutor to be assigned.

Salisbury was investigated last year by Leelanau County authorities for suspicion of domestic violence, but was not arrested. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned to the case after Schneider removed himself.

Assistant Leelanau Prosecutor Doug Donaldson handled that case, which he characterized as a "shoving match."

"It was not a significant assault," he said.

The female victim later decided she didn't want to press charges, Donaldson said, and none were issued. But the fact that Salisbury is in trouble now for an alleged assault complaint made Donaldson think twice about the previous case.

"It gives me pause for thought regarding my prior decisions, but they are what they are," he said.










Grand Traverse Sheriff's Deputy Arrested

They Record Eagle
Fri Dec 07, 2012, 06:28 PM EST
TRAVERSE CITY
Record Eagle
BY ART BUKOWSKI

http://record-eagle.com/local/x520558107/Grand-Traverse-sheriffs-deputy-arrested

City police arrested a Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy after witnesses said he assaulted his girlfriend at a downtown saloon.

Officers arrested off-duty deputy Ryan Salisbury today at about 5:30 a.m. after an incident at Union Street Station several hours earlier. Salisbury was a suspect in an assault against another woman last year, but Leelanau County authorities declined to charge him with a crime.

City police and sheriff's officials wouldn't identify the deputy, but Grand Traverse Prosecutor Al Schneider and his attorney identified Salisbury.

City police Capt. Brian Heffner said officers went to the bar at about 12:15 a.m. on a report that a man assaulted a woman.

"We had allegations made that a man and a woman who reside together ... had what witnesses described as physical altercation," he said.

The woman denied being injured, Heffner said, but officers arrested the suspect at his residence. Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley said the deputy has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Defense attorney Craig Elhart said he will "vigorously defend" Salisbury against any charges that may arise.

"Mr. Salisbury did nothing wrong," he said.

Schneider said he will remove himself from the case because of a conflict of interest and will ask for a special prosecutor to be assigned.

Salisbury was investigated for domestic violence about a year ago. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned to the case after Schneider removed himself.

Assistant Leelanau Prosecutor Doug Donaldson handled that case, which he characterized as a "shoving match."

"It was not a significant assault," he said.

The female victim later decided she didn't want to press charges, Donaldson said, and none were issued. But the fact that Salisbury was arrested again for an alleged assault complaint made Donaldson think twice about the previous case.

"It gives me pause for thought regarding my prior decisions, but they are what they are," he said.












Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy suspended after assault at Traverse City bar

By Garret Ellison
MLive
December 07, 2012 at 6:23 PM
Updated December 08, 2012 at 4:57 PM

http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/grand_traverse_county_sheriffs.html



TRAVERSE CITY, MI — The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office says one of its deputies could be facing assault charges after an incident at a downtown Traverse City bar.


The sheriff’s office said one of its employees was lodged in the county jail after being arrested by city police, who responded to an assault complaint at Union Street Station, 117 S. Union St.

The incident took place at 12:15 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 7.

“The officer has been suspended with pay and will not be involved with any functions or operations of the Sheriff’s Office until the final disposition of this incident and any disciplinary hearings,” said a sheriff’s office statement.

The deputy has posted bond and the incident will be reviewed by prosecutors.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

11272012 - 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.

November 27, 2012: Judge David Stowe  filed suit against his ex-wife Cynthia Stowe for her allegedly taking $46,000 of his money.








Judge Stowe files lawsuit over money transfer

He says he hopes incident is 'misunderstanding'
Traverse City Record-Eagle
November 29, 2012
BY ART BUKOWSKI
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Npq_9ypgGpoJ:record-eagle.com/local/x1839361761/Judge-Stowe-files-lawsuit-over-money-transfer/print+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

TRAVERSE CITY — A local judge alleges his ex-wife took $46,000 of his money after he mistakenly put it into an account with her name on it.

Grand Traverse Probate Judge David Stowe filed a lawsuit in 13th Circuit Court on Tuesday. The suit alleges his ex-wife, Cynthia Stowe, transferred the money into her personal account after he accidentally put it in a joint account the couple used before their divorce was finalized in July.

David Stowe "for obvious reasons ... had no intention whatsoever to give defendant any of these monies nor to grant any control over or interest in such monies to defendant," the suit reads.

Cynthia Stowe later transferred $26,000 back into the account, but transferred it back out again, the suit alleges. She could not be reached for comment.

Stowe told a Record-Eagle reporter he hopes the entire incident is a "misunderstanding."

Prior to and since her divorce from David Stowe, Cynthia Stowe has had multiple run-ins with the law both here and in Florida, where she now resides.

She was on probation in Grand Traverse County this year for contempt of court and drunken driving. Local judges allowed her to move to Florida, but later issued bench warrants for her arrest after she failed to comply with probation terms.

Stowe assaulted her then-husband David Stowe in their Long Lake Township home in January. That case eventually was resolved in a plea deal that added one year of probation to her drunken driving arrest, though she violated bond and was charged with perjury after authorities said she lied in a bond violation hearing. The perjury charge was dismissed when she pleaded guilty to contempt of court.

While in Florida, she was arrested for an alleged assault on her son, though authorities didn't pursue charges.

David Stowe was elected to the probate judge post in 2000, 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 personal 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 the fired employee.

David Stowe won't run again after he completes his second six-year term in December.











Cynthia Stowe won't face charges
Judge's ex-wife was arrested Sept. 6 in Cocoa Beach, Fla.
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record-Eagle
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 07:14 AM EDT
http://record-eagle.com/latest-mobile/x1133189635/Cynthia-Stowe-wont-face-charges

TRAVERSE CITY — A judge's ex-wife won't face a felony child abuse charge in Florida.

Cynthia Stowe, ex-wife of Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe, was arrested in Cocoa Beach, Fla., on Sept. 6. Police there sought charges of felony child abuse and battery domestic violence, but authorities said they won't prosecute.

"We couldn't prove it beyond a reasonable doubt," said David C. Koenig, an assistant state attorney involved in the case.

An arrest report from Florida contains accusations Stowe assaulted two victims, 17 and 18, after she drank alcohol. She was in an argument with one of the victims about her consumption of alcohol at the time of the incident, police said.

Koenig said he believed the two victims were Stowe's sons.

Stowe's attorney in Florida, Michael Bross, didn't return a call for comment.

Stowe was on probation in Grand Traverse County for contempt of court and drunken driving. Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer and 86th District Judge Thomas J. Phillips, who are handling her charges, both allowed her to move to Florida in separate July hearings.

She was ordered to continue reporting by phone to probation officers here, but Phillips and Batzer recently signed warrants for her arrest because she failed to comply with probation terms here after she moved south.

Among other problems, Stowe failed to provide results of breath tests, forged an Alcoholics Anonymous form and failed to call in to report, 86th District Court Administrator Carol Stocking said previously.

Stowe assaulted her then-husband David Stowe in their Long Lake Township home in January. That case eventually was resolved in a plea deal that added one year of probation to her drunken driving arrest, though she violated bond and was charged with perjury after authorities said she lied in a bond violation hearing.

The perjury charge was dismissed when she pleaded guilty to contempt of court. David Stowe won't run again after he completes his second six-year term in December.










Ex-wife of judge in trouble in Florida
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record-Eagle
Fri Sep 21, 2012, 08:29 PM EDT
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:2qfs87xeJgEJ:record-eagle.com/local/x1241959403/Ex-wife-of-judge-in-trouble-in-Florida+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

TRAVERSE CITY — A woman who repeatedly violated probation and bond conditions in Grand Traverse County faces more problems in Florida after local judges allowed her to move there.

Cynthia Stowe, ex-wife of Grand Traverse County Probate Judge David Stowe, was arrested in Cocoa Beach, Fla. on Sept. 6. Police there seek charges of felony child abuse and battery domestic violence, documents show, though Stowe has yet to be formally charged.

Stowe was on probation in Grand Traverse County for contempt of court and drunken diving, and Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer and 86th District Judge Thomas J. Phillips, who are handling her charges, both allowed her to move to Florida in separate July hearings.

She was ordered to continue reporting by phone to probation officers here.

An arrest report from Florida indicates Stowe assaulted two victim, 17 and 18, after she drank alcohol. She was in an argument with one of the victims about her consumption of alcohol when she began the assault, police said.

Aside from her Florida troubles, both Phillips and Batzer recently signed warrants for her arrest because she failed to comply with probation terms here after she moved south.

Among other problems, Stowe failed to provide results of breath tests, forged an Alcoholics Anonymous form and failed to call in to report, 86th District Court Administrator Carol Stocking said.

Stowe assaulted her then-husband David Stowe in their Long Lake Township home in January. That case eventually was resolved in a plea deal that added one year of probation to her drunken driving arrest, though she violated bond and was charged with perjury after authorities said she lied in a bond violation hearing.

The perjury charge was dismissed when she pleaded guilty to contempt of court.

David Stowe was elected to the probate judge post in 2000, 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 personal 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 ex-employee.

Stowe and Curry married in early 2009, and divorce this year. Stowe isn't running again for that position and will step down at the end of the year.






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.