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Sergeant Flocken arrested for domestic violence [November 21, 2007]
Officer acquitted of assault charges
Judge issues verdict without hearing from defense
Friday, February 29, 2008
BY ART AISNER
The Ann Arbor News
2/29/2008
http://www.mlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-26/120429968465170.xml&coll=2
A judge acquitted an Ann Arbor police sergeant of domestic assault charges Wednesday before jurors even heard testimony from the defense.
In a rare occurrence, Craig Flocken was acquitted by a directed verdict from Washtenaw County District Judge Richard Conlin after about two hours of testimony Wednesday morning, attorneys said.
Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Burke said Conlin's ruling came after testimony from Flocken's wife and the Washtenaw County Sheriff's deputy in charge of the case.
No defense witnesses were called, and the six-member jury did not get to deliberate the case.
"He felt we did not sustain our burden of proof,'' Burke said. "I disagree with it, but I have to accept the ruling of the judge.''
Burke said the verdict is treated as an acquittal, and there will be no appeal.
Flocken, 41, of Dexter, was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault for allegedly pushing his wife onto a bed during an argument in their home last fall.
Flocken was placed on administrative leave from the department after his arrest in November. Ann Arbor police officials did not return calls Thursday about Flocken's current status.
Mike Vincent, Flocken's attorney, said his client was relieved by the outcome and looked forward to heading back to work.
"All's well that ends well,'' Vincent said.
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