07302008 - Deputy Robert Dakin - Newaygo County SD

DEPUTY ROBERT DAKIN, NEWAYGO SHERIFF DEPARTMENT: JULY 30, 2008 [AUGUST 2002 CSC INCIDENT]

OFFENDER: ROBERT BREWER DAKIN [FORMER NEWAYGO SD DEPUTY]












Former Newaygo County sheriff's deputy sentenced to 90 days in jail for assaulting reserve officer
by The Grand Rapids Press
Wednesday March 11, 2009, 8:15 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/03/former_newaygo_county_sheriffs.html

NEWAYGO COUNTY -- A former Newaygo County sheriff's deputy, accused of sexually assaulting a reserve police officer, was sentenced to 90 days in jail after he pleaded no contest to assault with intent to commit great bodily harm, less than murder.

Robert Dakin, 39, was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The original charge, a 15-year felony, alleged he touched a 33-year-old reserve police officer from another agency against her will in 2002.

Dakin pleaded no contest in January and part of the agreement was that the 90-day sentence would be held in abeyance as long as the former cop adheres to the terms of his probation and does not commit another crime.













Updated Former Newaygo Deputy Robert Dakin Will Be Sentenced
Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:42:00
Big Rapids Biz News
http://www.bigrapids.biz/news/160/ARTICLE/1680/2009-03-06.html

Newaygo County MI - A former Newaygo County Sheriff Deputy and Lieutenant, Robert Dakin, who was charged with one count of third degree criminal sexual conduct on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, will be sentenced on Monday, March 9, 2009.

According to news reports, the female victim in the case, told police that Deputy Dakin was inappropriately touching her at a swimming party at Emerald Lake in August of 2002.

In a report made by the Muskegon Chronicle, the alleged victim is a 33-year-old reserve police officer for another agency, the two were both off duty when the alleged assault took place and it is unknown why it took six years for the woman to report the crime.

Robert Dakin has recently cut a deal with prosecutors and pleaded "no-contest" to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

Big Rapids .biz will be at former Deputy Robert Dakin's sentencing on Monday and bring you the latest news update.

Update - Robert Dakin was sentenced to 90 days in jail at the discretion of the court, but he will not have to serve any jail time unless he violates his probation.

















Newaygo County deputy enters plea to lesser charge
Posted By: WZZM 13 ONLINE
Posted By: Chris Fleszar
Updated:1/26/2009 8:47:51 PM
Posted: 1/26/2009 8:46:01 PM
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/most_popular_story.aspx?storyid=104638&provider=top

NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich. (WZZM)- A Newaygo County Sheriff's deputy originally charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct has entered a plea to a lesser charge.

Deputy Robert Dakin is a 13 year veteran of the department. The victim says the incident happened in August of 2002.

Today Dakin entered a No Contest plea to 'Assault with intent to great bodily harm less than murder." His attorney, Frank Stanley of Grand Rapids, says the prosecutor's office is recommending no prison time. He says normal sentencing guidelines are 0 - 9 months.

Stanley says Dakin will not return to work for the Newaygo County Sheriff's Department and will not seek future employment in law enforcement.














NEWAYGO COUNTY -- A suspended Newaygo County sheriff's deputy, accused of sexually assaulting an acquaintance, pleaded no contest Monday to a physical assault charge and will be sentenced in about a month.

Robert Dakin, 39, a former lieutenant and department spokesman, was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct through force or coercion. The original charge, a 15-year felony, alleged he touched a 33-year-old reserve police officer from another agency against her will in August 2002.

Dakin's no-contest plea, which is treated the same as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes, was to assault with intent to commit great bodily harm, a 10-year felony.

Prosecutors could not be reached for comment.













Sexual assault suspect was a former football coach
Muskegon Chronicle
August 08, 2008 07:16AM
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/08/newaygo_deputy_waives_sex_assa.html

NEWAYGO COUNTY -- A suspended Newaygo County sheriff's deputy accused of sexually assaulting a female acquaintance in 2002 waived a probable cause hearing today and was bound to trial in the county's circuit court.

Robert Dakin, 37, who at one time served as a force lieutenant and a department spokesman, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct through force or coercion.

A 33-year-old woman who is a reserve police officer for another agency reported Dakin touched her in a sexual manner against her will in August 2002.

The state police investigated the allegation, but it remains unclear why six years elapsed between the reported offense and the officer being charged.

Dakin was arraigned last month. He is on a paid leave while the case goes through court. If convicted, Dakin could be ordered to prison for 15 years.













Newaygo deputy charged with sex crime
Posted by The Grand Rapids Press
August 07, 2008 20:43PM
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/08/newaygo_deputy_charged_with_se.html

NEWAYGO COUNTY -- A suspended Newaygo County sheriff's deputy accused of sexually assaulting a female acquaintance in 2002 waived a probable cause hearing today and was bound to trial in the county's circuit court.

Robert Dakin, 37, who at one time served as a force lieutenant and a department spokesman, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct through force or coercion.

A 33-year-old woman who is a reserve police officer for another agency reported Dakin touched her in a sexual manner against her will in August 2002.

The state police investigated the allegation, but it remains unclear why six years elapsed between the reported offense and the officer being charged.

Dakin was arraigned last month. He is on a paid leave while the case goes through court. If convicted, Dakin could be ordered to prison for 15 years.










Newaygo deputy faces sex charge for 2002 incident
Posted: Aug 7, 2008 04:34 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 7, 2008 04:34 PM CDT
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8807441

WHITECLOUD, Mich. (WOOD) - Documents obtained by 24 Hour News 8 reveal that a Newaygo County deputy allegedly forced himself on a woman at a party six years ago, the incident that led to his arrest July 31.

Robert Dakin and the woman, an acquaintance, were at a party in 2002 on Emerald Lake. They were both swimming when, the documents say, he forced himself on her and touched her inappropriately.

The documents also reveal a witness came forth and said Dakin admitted this afterward. It's not known how Dakin and the woman knew each other, and why it's taken six years for this to allegation to be made.

Dakin was in court Thursday and waived his preliminary exam on the third-degree sexual conduct charge.











Newaygo deputy waives sex assault hearing
Friday, August 01, 2008
By Barton Deiters
The Grand Rapids Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-43/1217596519100760.xml&coll=6

WHITE CLOUD -- A longtime Newaygo County sheriff's lieutenant who served as the public face of the department has been charged with criminal sexual conduct after an investigation by the state police.

Robert Dakin, 37, was arraigned Wednesday in Newaygo County District Court on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct by force or coercion. He is free on bond, pending a probable-cause hearing in White Cloud on Thursday.

According to Newaygo County Sheriff Michael Mercer, the charge stems from an allegation of unwanted touching in a sexual manner of a woman in August 2002. The alleged victim is a 33-year-old professional who served as a reserve police officer for another agency.

The incident allegedly occurred in Brooks Township, which borders the city of Newaygo.

Authorities would not discuss why there was a six-year gap between the alleged assault and charges being filed. Mercer said he only learned of the nature of the allegation on Tuesday. The investigation was handled by state police in the Rockford post.

Newaygo court records show Dakin is free on a $100,000 bond and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Mercer said he has been told by Newaygo County Prosecutor Chrystal Roach to not discuss the case. However, the prosecutor's office claimed it had no information and was not aware a probable-cause hearing had been scheduled.

Roach did not return calls for comment.

Dakin, who has been with the department for 13 years, worked his way to a command position, but earlier this month returned to duty as a road patrol deputy, Mercer said.

Dakin served as the department's spokesman, providing information to reporters on incidents involving the sheriff's department.

Neither Dakin nor the alleged victim could be reached for comment.

Dakin remains on paid administrative leave until the judicial process is complete.










Newaygo deputy charged with sexual assault waives hearing
Friday, August 01, 2008
By Barton Deiters
Muskegon Chronicle News
http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1217601911323990.xml&coll=8

WHITE CLOUD -- A longtime Newaygo County sheriff's lieutenant who has been charged with criminal sexual conduct also was the head varsity football coach at White Cloud High School before resigning earlier this summer.

Robert Dakin, 37, was arraigned Wednesday in Newaygo County District Court on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct by force or coercion. He is free on bond, pending a probable-cause hearing in White Cloud on Thursday.

According to Newaygo County Sheriff Michael Mercer, the charge stems from an allegation of unwanted touching in a sexual manner of a woman in August 2002. The alleged victim is a 33-year-old professional who served as a reserve police officer for another agency.

The incident allegedly occurred in Brooks Township, which borders the city of Newaygo.

Authorities would not discuss why there was a six-year gap between the alleged assault and charges being filed. Mercer said he only learned of the nature of the allegation on Tuesday. The investigation was handled by state police in the Rockford post.

Dakin had been head football coach for two seasons since 2006 and had served previously as an assistant.

White Cloud Public Schools Superintendent Ethan Ebenstein said Dakin cited other items going on in his life as reasons he wouldn't be able to spend enough time to continue as head coach of the football team.

"Honestly, I had no idea this was going on," Ebenstein said.

Dakin's father, also named Robert, is a former White Cloud school board member, having served as board president for part of his term.

Newaygo court records show Dakin is free on a $100,000 bond and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Mercer said he has been told by Newaygo County Prosecutor Chrystal Roach to not discuss the case. However, the prosecutor's office claimed it had no information and was not aware a probable-cause hearing had been scheduled.

Roach did not return calls for comment.

Dakin, who has been with the department for 13 years, worked his way to a command position, but earlier this month returned to duty as a road patrol deputy, Mercer said.

Dakin served as the department's spokesman, providing information to reporters on incidents involving the sheriff's department.

Neither Dakin nor the alleged victim could be reached for comment.

Dakin remains on paid administrative leave until the judicial process is complete.
















Newaygo County Sheriff's lieutenant faces sexual assault charge
WOOD TV
Posted: July 31, 2008 09:56 AM CDT
Updated: July 31, 2008 11:51 AM CDT
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?s=8766719

NEWAYGO, Mich. (WOOD) -- A deputy sheriff with the Newaygo County Sheriff's Department was arrested and arraigned on a criminal sexual conduct charge.

Robert Dakin is facing a third-degree CSC charge, and has been suspended from the department while they conduct an administrative investigation.

The charge stems from an August 2002 incident where Dakin allegedly touched a woman inappropriately.

Sheriff Michael Mercer told 24 Hour News 8 the allegations against Dakin, 39, came to his attention Tuesday.

Dakin posted bond immediately after the arraignment. The 13-year police veteran is scheduled for his preliminary examination on August 7.

24 Hour News 8 will have more information as soon as possible.














Newaygo sheriff's deputy charged with criminal sexual contact
Posted by Local reports
The Muskegon Chronicle
July 31, 2008 09:26AM
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/07/newaygo_sheriffs_lieutenant_ch.html

Robert B. Dakin was arraigned Wednesday in Newaygo County's 78th District Court on one count of third-degree criminal sexual contact, the Newaygo County Sheriff's Department said in a news release.

Dakin is a deputy with the Newaygo County Sheriff's Department, and was suspended pending an administrative investigation, according to the news release.

The warrant was issued based on an allegation made of the unwanted touching of a female in August 2002, the release said.












Newaygo County Sheriff's officer charged with criminal sexual conduct
Posted By: WZZM 13
Updated:8/1/2008 7:54:50 AM
Posted: 7/31/2008 8:52:56 AM
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=96275&catid=2

NEWAYGO, Mich (WZZM) - A Newaygo County Sheriff's Deputy is charged with a sexual offense. Deputy Robert Dakin is charged with third degree criminal sexual conduct.

Investigators arrested him Wednesday.

The charges against Robert Dakin date back to August of 2002, but just came to light recently.

Robert Dakin has worked for the Newaygo County Sheriff's Department since 1995. But Wednesday, July 30, 2008, he appeared in court on the other side of the law.

He is charged with criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. That is defined as involving force or coercion.

The alleged victim says the incident happened on or about August of 2002.

Newaygo County Sheriff Michael Mercer says the woman came to him with the allegations and he started investigating. He quickly turned the investigation over the Michigan State Police, who started their investigation earlier this week.

Dakin was arrested, charged, and released on bond Wednesday.

Dakin had served as a Lieutenant with the Newaygo County Sheriff's Department until a few weeks ago when Sheriff Mercer says Dakin asked to become a Deputy again.

During his time as an investigator, WZZM 13 News interviewed Dakin about a variety of topics, including the Amanda Lankey investigation, a series of business fires, and a story about the accuracy of the state sex offender registry. In the time of that sex offender story in September of 2005, Dakin said, "It's one of the worst crimes on the planet, being proactive and getting ahead is what we're all about."

WZZM 13 went to Dakin's home Thursday, but no one answered the door.

Dakin is on administrative leave from the Newaygo County Sheriff's Department pending an administrative investigation.

Dakin's next court date is scheduled for August 7, 2008.








Newaygo County Deputy Arrested, Arraigned
Posted: 7/31/2008
FOX 33
http://www.fox33.com/category/story/?id=139496

Newaygo County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Dakin was arrested and arraigned Wednesday on 1 count of 3rd degree Criminal Sexual Contact.

Dakin is suspended pending an administrative investigation.

The warrant for Dakin's arrest was issued after an allegation made of the unwanted touching of a female in August of 2002.

 








Sheriff's lieutenant charged in sex case
July 2008
MLive
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/07/newaygo_county_sheriffs_lieute.html

WHITE CLOUD -- A longtime Newaygo County sheriff's lieutenant who served as the public face of the department has been charged with criminal sexual conduct after an investigation by the Michigan State Police.

Robert Dakin, 37, was arraigned Wednesday in Newaygo District Court on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct by force or coercion. He is free on bond, pending a probable cause hearing in White Cloud next Thursday.

According to Newaygo County Sheriff Michael Mercer, the charge stems from an allegation of unwanted touching in a sexual manner of a woman in August 2002. The alleged victim is a 33-year-old professional who served as a reserve police officer for another agency.

The incident allegedly occurred in Brooks Township, which borders the city of Newaygo.

Authorities would not discuss why there was a six-year gap between the alleged assault and charges being filed. Mercer said he only learned of the nature of the allegation on Tuesday. The investigation was handled by state police in the Rockford post.

Newaygo County District Court records show Dakin is free on a $100,000 bond and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Mercer said he has been told by Newaygo County Prosecutor Chrystal Roach to not discuss the case. However, the prosecutor's office claimed it had no information and was not aware a probable cause hearing had been scheduled.

Roach did not return phone calls to her office.

Dakin, who has been with the department for 13 years, worked his way to a command position, but earlier this month returned to duty a road patrol deputy, Mercer said.

Dakin served as the department's spokesman, providing information to reporters on incidents involving the sheriff's department.

Neither Dakin nor the alleged victim could be reached for comment.

He remains on paid administrative leave until the judicial process is complete, which is standard protocol in such a situation.









Posted by The Grand Rapids Press July 31, 2008 17:32PM

07302008 - Former Officer Jeff Morse - Benzie County SD Sheriff Candidate

Officer Jeff Morse:

- Former White Cloud police officer [ Newaygo County] - Fired in 1993 after altercation with City Clerk.


-Former East Jordan police officer [Charlevoix County] - Fired in 1995 after domestic violence assault on wife.


-Ran for Sheriff [Benzie County] - 2008



-



Sheriff candidate involved in 1995 assault
Traverse City Record-Eagle
July 30, 2008
By ART BUKOWSKI
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:AaAp7xSkjWgJ:record-eagle.com/local/x75057436/Sheriff-candidate-involved-in-1995-assault/print+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

BEULAH -- Jeff Morse had troubles in the past, but believes they'll help him provide well-rounded leadership if elected Benzie County sheriff.

The Lake Ann native and Republican candidate pleaded no contest to a charge of domestic violence in Antrim County after he assaulted his wife in 1995. Morse also was fired from the White Cloud police department in 1993 following an altercation with the city clerk, the former police chief there said.

Morse acknowledges White Cloud fired him following the run-in with the clerk, but he denies assaulting her. Morse also said he's ashamed of the 1995 assault on his now ex-wife, but that he learned from the incident.

"It's something that was part of my past; I'm not proud of it," Morse, 43, said. "However, it made me a better person."

Morse believes his experience with the criminal charge gives him a better understanding of "both sides" of the law enforcement process, along with more compassion for victims.

"I'm going to be a champion to the women of Benzie County when it comes to domestic violence," he said.

Morse briefly worked as a part-time officer for the East Jordan Police Department, but was fired from the department in 1995 because of the incident with his wife, officials there said.

Craig Grunow, who was police chief when Morse was fired from White Cloud, said he contacted the Michigan State Police to investigate after allegations of an assault on the city clerk surfaced. The city council fired Morse shortly after the incident, Grunow said.

Morse said he got in a "heated argument" with the clerk, but in "no way" touched or assaulted her.

"If there was an assault, the state police would have arrested me," he said.

Morse has been a paraprofessional at the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District's Career Tech Center for about five years, he said. He wants to improve the behavior of Benzie sheriff's deputies in the community.

"I want to instill back in the sheriff's department an attitude of customer service," he said. "People need to be treated with the utmost respect, and that's not happening."

Morse said he's struck a chord with voters through his desire to "change the culture" of the sheriff's department.

"I've got a huge base of support. People in this county want change, but they don't want somebody who's going to talk about change," he said. "They want somebody to walk the walk."

07282008 - Former Reserve Lyle Sutton - Appeal filed: Denied - Traverse City PD

Offender: Lyle Sutton [former Traverse City Reserve Officer]

STALKING OF A FORMER GIRLFRIEND

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2005/04/former-reserve-officer-lyle-sutton.html

ORIGINAL CHARGES: AGGRAVATED STALKING.
MDOC NUMBER: 655954
CURRENT STATUS: PROBATIONER
LOCATION: GRAND TRAVERSE/ TRAVERSE CITY
SECURITY LEVEL:
SUPERVISION BEGAN: 08/21/2007
SUPERVISION DISCHARGE DATE: 08/21/2012
OFFENSE: AGGRAVATED STALKING- ATTEMPT
MCL #: 750.411I
COURT FILE # : 062012-FH
COUNTY: BENZIE
CONVICTION TYPE: PLEA
MINIMUM SENTENCE:
MAXIMUM SENTENCE: 5 YEARS 0 MONTHS
DATE OF OFFENSE: 09/11/2006
DATE OF SENTENCE: 08/21/2007

SUPERVISION CONDITIONS:
01- NO VIOLATIONS OF ANY CRIMINAL LAW
02- NOT LEAVE STATE W/O PERMISSION
02.0-NOT USE/POSSESS ALCOHOL OR INTOXICANTS
02.1-ALCOHOL TESTING
02.2-DRUG TESTING
02.4-NOT USE OR HAVE ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES OR DRUG ITEMS
02.6-USE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AS PRESCRIBED
02.8-OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
02.9-SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSESSMENT
03-MONTHLY REPORTING
03.10-COMMUNITY SERVICE
04-NOTIFY OF CHANGE OF RESIDENCE
04.3-MUST RESIDE AT AND NOT CHANGE ADDRESS
04.5-NO CONTACT OR BE 500’ AWAY FROM THEIR RESIDENCE
04.16-MUST OBEY COURT ORDERS
04.18-BEHAVIOR
04.19-ASSOCIATION
04.23-ALLOW FIELD AGENT INTO YOUR RESIDENCE
04.25-REPORT ANY ARREST OR POLICE CONTACT
06.4-MAINTAIN EMPLOYMENT OF AT LEAST 30 HOURS PER WEEK
08.0-SERVE JAIL TIME AS DESCRIBED
08.2-PAY A CRIME VICTIM’S ASSESSMENT
08.3-PAY SUPERVISION FEE PURSUANT TO PA 185 OF 1993
08.4-COURT COST
08.5-FINE
08.18-STATE COSTS




APPEAL DISMISSED
MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS
COA Case Number: 272055
CAROL SNYDER V LYLE SUTTON

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 SNYDER CAROL
PL-AE PRS
(46307) CICCHELLI ANTHONY J
917 MAN STREET
PO BOX 352
FRANKFORT MI 49635
231-352-6300

2 SUTTON LYLE
DF-AT RET
(40507) MALONEY VINCENT J
1020 HASTINGS
SUITE 105
TRAVERSE CITY MI 49686
231-947-3331


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Status: Case Concluded; File Archived
Case Flags: Northern Michigan
Remarks: Plaintiff was represented by prosecutor at hearing

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

07/28/2006 1 Claim of Appeal - Civil
Proof Of Service Date: 7/26/2006
Check #: 3664 Fee: $375.00
Receipt#: 2720551
Jurisdictional Checklist: Y Register of Actions: Y
Attorney:40507 - MALONEY VINCENT J

07/21/2006 2 Order Appealed From
From: BENZIE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
Case Number: 05-007355-PP
Trial Court Judge: 29305 BATZER JAMES M
Nature of Case:
Criminal Contempt

07/28/2006 5 Transcript Requested by Atty or Party
Date: 7/25/2006 Timely: Y
Reporter: 207 - LYSTER CHRISTINE M
Filed By Attorney: 40507 - MALONEY VINCENT J
Hearings:
7/14/2006

08/09/2006 6 Appearance - Appellee
Date: 8/7/2006
For Party: 1 SNYDER CAROL PL-AE
Attorney: 46307 - CICCHELLI ANTHONY J

08/11/2006 7 Steno Certificate - Tr Request Received
Date: 8/2/2006 Timely: Y
Reporter: 207 - LYSTER CHRISTINE M
Hearings:
7/14/2006

09/29/2006 10 Notice of Filing Transcript
Date: 9/27/2006 Timely: Y
Reporter: 207 - LYSTER CHRISTINE M

10/16/2006 11 Stips: Dismiss Appeal
Filed By Attorney: 40507 - MALONEY VINCENT J
10/18/2006 12 Order: Dismissal - Stip - Appeal
Click here to view document in PDF format.

Attorney: 40507 - MALONEY VINCENT J

10/18/2006 13 File Closed-Out
File Location: F



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case Listing Complete
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------






Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence. MIOIDV. Renee Harrington

07242008 - Former Flint PD Officer Antonio Barber - Flint PD - Committed Suicide During Stand-Off With Police During Domestic Incident

Officer Antonio Barber, Flint Police Department

Terry Barber, [Officer Antonio Barber's father]

Emergency vehicles at hostage/stand-off situation with Officer Antonio Barber, which ended when Barber took his own life.

avid

• 4:47 p.m., July 24, 2008:  Barricaded gunman in Mundy Township apartment building; hostage freed
• 5:28 p.m., July 24, 2008: Mundy Township police continue to negotiate with barricaded gunman at Maple Park Terrace apartment complex
•  7:27 p.m., July 24, 2008: Police continue to try to negotiate with man holed up in Mundy Township apartment complex; man is believed to be a Flint police officer
• 11:18 p.m., July 24, 2008: Man who held police at bay in Mundy Township is found dead of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound
• 11:37 p.m., July 24, 2008: Fired Flint cop found dead of apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound after standoff in Mundy Township; father blames incident on his son not being allowed to rejoin Flint PD

Barricaded gunman in Mundy Township apartment building; hostage freed
The Flint Journal
July 24, 2008 - 4:47 PM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/07/barricaded_gunman_in_mundy_tow.html
MUNDY TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Police in Mundy Township are trying to negotiate with a barricaded gunman in Maple Park Terrace apartment complex off Maple Road.

Police receieved a 911 call from someone who said they had earlier been held hostage by the man.

So far it is unknown if anyone else is in the apartment with him.

The building has been evacuated and entrance and exits have been blocked.













Mundy Township police continue to negotiate with barricaded gunman at Maple Park Terrace apartment complex

The Flint Journal
July 24, 2008 - 5:28 PM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/07/mundy_township_police_continue.html

MUNDY TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Police in Mundy Township are continuing to try and negotiate with a barricaded gunman in Maple Park Terraces apartment complex off Maple Avenue.

Police received a 911 call at 2:30 p.m. from someone who said they had earlier been held hostage by the man, said Sgt. Chris Piazza.

So far it is unknown if anyone else is in the apartment with him, but police said there is no indication anyone has been injured.

Four buildings, including Maple Park Terraces, have been evacuated and entrance and exits have been blocked.

Earlier in the afternoon police put nearby summer schools and day cares on lockdown, but released them a short time later.













Police continue to try to negotiate with man holed up in Mundy Township apartment complex; man is believed to be a Flint police officer
The Flint Journal
Thursday July 24, 2008 - 7:27 PM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/07/police_continue_to_try_to_nego.html

Police have been negotiating with the barricaded gunman since after a 2:30 p.m. incident there.

MUNDY TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- A man believed to be a former Flint police officer continued to hold police at bay Thursday night at a Maple Avenue apartment complex.

Officials believe the man is armed with a handgun but don't believe he has any hostages.

Officers were called to the Maple Park Terraces apartment complex near Torrey Road about 2:30 p.m. after a report that a man there had been holding people hostage.

The incident apparently began as a domestic dispute, but police are still sketchy on the details.

Negotiators have been in cellphone contact with him and are hoping to reach a peaceful conclusion to the standoff.

Four buildings, including Maple Park Terraces, have been evacuated and entrance and exits have been blocked.

Earlier in the afternoon police put nearby summer schools and day cares on lockdown, but released them a short time later.

Family members of the man were at the scene but declined to speak to a reporter.

Residents waited outside the entrance to the complex to get into their apartments.

For Maurice Lancaster, 35, who lives at Maple Ridge Apartments, the wait isn't so bad.

"We're just standing here, waiting patiently," Lancaster said. "I'm just chilling. I got nothing to do."

Dan Cummings, 57, left his Maple Park Terraces apartment as the police were pulling into the complex to do some shopping. After returning from the trip he was told it would be awhile until he could get back in. Hours later, he is still waiting.

But, while sitting on the bed of his truck, the wait wasn't at the top of his worries.

"I'm more concerned somebody's going to get hurt here," Cummings said.

The Flint Township police special response team is at the complex, along with other area police agencies.













Fired Flint cop found dead of apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound after standoff in Mundy Township; father blames incident on his son not being allowed to rejoin Flint PD
The Flint Journal
July 24, 2008 - 11:37 PM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/07/fired_flint_cop_found_dead_of.html
MUNDY TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- A fired Flint police officer was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound late Thursday night after holding police at bay for hours.

The victim was identified as Antonio Barber, 39. Barber's father, Terry, blamed the incident on his son losing his job with the police department about two years ago and not being able to get it back.

Antonio Barber, the father of two sons, was fired for allegedly stealing a video game seized in a drug raid. Criminal theft charges were later dropped against him, but he never rejoined the department.

Police discovered Barber's body when they entered his apartment at the Maple Park Terraces apartment complex near Torrey Road following hours of attempted negotiations with him.

At about 11:15 pm, police came out and got the suspect's parents and took them into the complex. They returned a short time later and several family members broke into sobs that the man was dead.

Residents who had been evacuated from the complex were being let back into their apartments by 11:30 p.m.

Officers were called to the apartment complex at about 2:30 p.m. after a report that a man there had been holding people hostage. No hostages were being held when Barber's body was discovered.

The incident apparently began as a domestic dispute, but police are still sketchy on the details.

Negotiators were in cellphone contact with Barber and had hoped to reach a peaceful conclusion to the standoff.

Four buildings, including Maple Park Terraces, were evacuated and entrance and exits were blocked.

Earlier in the afternoon police put nearby summer schools and day cares on lockdown, but released them a short time later.

Residents waited outside the entrance to the complex to get into their apartments.

For Maurice Lancaster, 35, who lives at Maple Ridge Apartments, the wait isn't so bad.

"We're just standing here, waiting patiently," Lancaster said. "I'm just chilling. I got nothing to do."

Dan Cummings, 57, left his Maple Park Terraces apartment as the police were pulling into the complex to do some shopping. After returning from the trip he was told it would be awhile until he could get back in. Hours later, he is still waiting.

But, while sitting on the bed of his truck, the wait wasn't at the top of his worries.

"I'm more concerned somebody's going to get hurt here," Cummings said.

Police had been negotiating with Barber, a fired Flint police officer, since a 2:30 p.m. incident there.

Family members learned about 11:15 p.m. that Barber had apparently taken his own life.

Father of Antonio Barber blames Flint Mayor Don Williamson for son's death
The Flint Journal
July 25, 2008 - 9:20 AM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/07/father_of_antonio_barber_blame.html
MUNDY TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- A former Flint police officer who lost his job over a football video game died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot during a nearly nine-hour standoff Thursday.

Antonio Barber's father blamed the death on the city's refusal to give him his job back after theft charges against him were dropped two years ago."I blame this on the mayor of Flint," said Terry Barber, shortly after learning his son was dead about 11:15 p.m. Thursday.

"Don Williamson wouldn't let him come back to work. "But Williamson said Barber had the chance to get his job back and refused.

The city offered Barber his job and $10,000 to return, but Williamson said Barber wanted more money.

"It's an awful tragedy, but (Barber's father) should not say things that are not true," said Williamson.

The standoff at the Maple Park Terraces apartments on Maple Road near Torrey Road began about 2:30 p.m. after two teens called 911 to say they and their mother had been held hostage by Barber in the apartment for about 13 hours.

The mother ran out of the apartment when police arrived, but Barber remained inside as officers surrounded the second-floor apartment.

Unsure if anyone else was inside and told he had a 9 mm pistol, police evacuated the building along with three other apartment buildings in the complex.

Nearby day care and summer school programs were put on lockdown for a short period as the Flint Township special response team trained snipers on the building.

Negotiators spoke with Barber by cellphone but said he eventually stopped answering the phone.

His father was eventually given permission to call him, but Terry Barber said his son didn't pick up.

After calling in the Oakland County Sheriff's Department to send a robot into the apartment, investigators poked a camera into a closed bedroom and found Barber's body.

Township police Sgt. Chris Piazza said it was unknown how long Barber had been dead, but he said negotiators had not had contact with him for at least a couple of hours before he was found dead.

"No shot was heard," said Piazza, adding that the sound may have been muffled by Barber's position. An autopsy was planned for today.

Police said they believe the standoff was sparked by a relationship problem between Barber and his girlfriend, but they said details were sketchy.

Investigators will continue to interview people who knew Barber today for clues of what was going on in his life in the days prior to his death.

But Terry Barber said he believes his son's death is directly linked to the loss of a job he loved. "He always wanted to be a police officer," Barber said.

Antonio Barber was working as an undercover Flint police narcotics officer when he was fired in October 2004 for taking a "Madden 2005" video game.

Investigators alleged that Barber had stolen it during a drug raid, but his attorney said Barber had just put it in his desk and never took it home."
It was simply an error in judgment," said his attorney, Dennis Lazar.

Lazar said Barber was devastated by his firing and felt he had not done anything improper.

The seven-year veteran was charged with larceny, but the charge was dismissed two years later after Genesee County Prosecutor David S. Leyton determined he had "borrowed" the game as part of a pattern of behavior in Barber's unit that saw other officers take home DVDs, video games and VHS tapes that had been seized in drug raids.

The union and his attorney had fought to get Barber put back on the job, but Terry Barber said the mayor would not allow it. "He wouldn't sign the papers to bring him back," said Terry Barber.

But Williamson said Barber got the same offer as about 10 other officers who were fired -- get your job back with $10,000 but no back pay.

Barber was the only officer to refuse the offer and took the matter to arbitration.

An arbitrator last year upheld the firing, leaving Barber no other options to get his job back.

Terry Barber said he felt his son's death could have been avoided if police would have let him talk to his son sooner Thursday.

Family members asked police numerous times for permission to call him or go to the apartment door, but police refused before eventually letting Terry Barber try.

Mundy Township Police Chief James Petres said he understood the family's frustration, but he said negotiators don't want to risk escalating such situations by directly involving family members.

It was an emotional scene at the entrance of the apartment complex, where Barber's mother had to be restrained at times from running to see her son.

"I want my son out of that apartment!" she shouted at one point in the afternoon.

Family members broke into screams and sobs when word came that Barber was dead.

Terry Barber said his son had two sons of his own.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

The standoff left numerous people unable to go home as police cars shuttled back and forth to the apartment complex. Residents were sent to a temporary shelter at a nearby middle school before they were given the go-ahead to return home about 11:30 p.m.













Standoff ends, former police officer found dead
Police say investigation is ongoing

ABC12 News

July 25, 2008 - 12:18 PM
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=6286601#bodyText

MUNDY TOWNSHIP (WJRT) -- (07/25/08)--What started as a normal day for dozens of residents at Maple Park Terrace apartments ended with a forced lockdown as police tried to negotiate with a possible barricaded gunman.

The situation started around 3 Thursday afternoon at the Maple Park Terrace apartment complex in Genesee County, just off of West Maple Avenue in Mundy Township.

Four buildings within the complex were evacuated.

It came to an end after 11 last night, when officers found the man inside dead.

Terry Barber has identified the man as his son, former Flint Police Officer Antonio Barber, 39.

"They did let me go over there and try to talk him out, but I felt it was too late then. He wouldn't, he wouldn't pick up the phone, but I did talk to him earlier, and he did call me several times on my cell phone, but I didn't have my phone. The officer had my phone," Barber said.

"The team went inside, checked, and found the suspect deceased. There were no shots fired by any of the officers on the scene," said Mundy Township Police Chief James Petres.

Police say the situation began as a domestic disturbance, and Barber was apparently holding his girlfriend and her two sons hostage inside the apartment.

At some point in the afternoon, the hostages were let go, unharmed.

Barber's father says his son loved being a police officer. He was let go from the department after being accused of stealing a video game during a drug raid.

The criminal charges were dropped, but Barber never rejoined the police department.

Barber's father says he blames Flint Mayor Don Williamson for his son's death, adding the mayor wouldn't let him back on the force.

The mayor says that's a lie. He says Barber was offered the same deal as was offered to others to come back to work, but he instead chose arbitration and lost.

He calls Barber's death a tragedy.













Interim Chief mourns former officer
WEYI News

July 25, 2008  - 2:16 p.m.

http://www.weyi.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=164874
FLINT -- Interim Flint Police Chief David Dicks issued the following statement on the suicide of former Flint Police officer Antonio Barber:

"The Flint Police Department was deeply saddened to hear of the unfortunate death of Antonio Barber. This tragedy affects all of us who worked with Antonio.

Antonio worked as a police officer for the Flint Police Department from August 1997 to October 2004.

As a former member of the police department, he loved serving the citizens of the City of Flint as was evidenced by letters received from citizens commending him for his assistance and dedication.

We extend our condolences and prayers to his family and friends."

Barber shot and killed himself Thursday afternoon inside a Mundy Township apartment complex.

Barber barricaded himself inside a Maple Park Terrace apartment for several hours, keeping police at bay. Officers discovered Barber was dead around 11:00pm.

Cop fired for allegedly stealing game during raid

Flint Journal
Oct. 14, 2004
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/2008/07/flint_journal_files_articles_related_to_antonio_barber.html

FLINT, Michigan - The temptation of the popular "Madden 2005" video game has cost an undercover narcotics officer his job.

A Flint police officer was fired Wednesday and now faces criminal charges after he allegedly stole the game during a drug raid last week.

But a union leader said the officer, Antonio Barber, denies he stole the game."

Officer Barber vehemently denies this, " said Keith Speer, president of the Flint Police Officers Association. "He believes he may have been set up."

Speer, however, said he expects to see more complaints or allegations of misconduct against other special operations officers in the future. But the problems start at the top, Speer said, and he's concerned that individual officers might be singled out unfairly. "I've got officers coming out of the woodwork who worked down in special operations and say, 'Let me tell you a story about this and that.' If we're going to clean house, let's clean the whole house."

Barber was fired Wednesday, the same day he was arraigned on larceny charges in Flint District Court.

Flint Police Chief Gary Hagler said the seven-year officer allegedly took the game during an Oct. 5 raid on a home on Damon Street.

"His activity was apparent to sergeants on scene," Hagler said.

The city's internal affairs and detective bureau were immediately called in, and the officer was booked on theft charges that night, Hagler said.

Barber had not been back to duty since the investigation began, Hagler said.

Speer said the union has shown good faith by dropping grievances over several discharges that were justifiable. The union went to arbitration five times this summer and won all of them, he said.












Charges latest blow to cops' image
Flint Journal
Oct. 4, 2005
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/2008/07/flint_journal_files_articles_related_to_antonio_barber.html

FLINT, Michigan - Two Flint police officers accused of stealing money and drugs are the latest but not the first to tarnish the department's reputation.

In recent years, Flint officers have been accused of soliciting sex on the job, stealing a video game and beating a handcuffed man. They represent a small but all-too-visible part of the police force.

Flint Journal extras
Policing the police Recent incidents involving Flint police officers:

• LAWRENCE E. THOMAS: Put on 2 years' probation in December after pleading no contest to charges he packaged marijuana at his home and sold $100 worth to an informant. Also acquitted of assaulting a boy who threw a snowball at his car while off-duty, but the city paid $30,000 to the family of two boys involved in the incident.

• JEFF HAZZARD: Resigned earlier this year. The city paid $175,000 in settlements related to an incident in which men accused Hazzard and other officers of brutalizing suspects.

• TONY M. JONES: Sentenced to federal prison last year after pleading guilty to gambling conspiracy in a case that included allegations he used his job to protect illegal card and dice games. He was fired by the department.

• ANTONIO BARBER: An undercover narcotics officer, he was fired last year for allegedly stealing a Madden 2005 video game during a raid on a house.

• SCOTT BAKER: In August, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge for allegedly propositioning two women for sex while on duty in November 2003. If he stays out of trouble, the case will be dismissed in February, leaving his criminal record clean. As part of the deal, he resigned and will not seek reinstatement.

• JOHN M. SMITH: Pleaded guilty in September 2003 to disorderly behavior and assault and battery for striking his girlfriend and another woman with a wooden table leg during an argument. He was fired.

• OFFICERS CHRIS MARK AND RODNEY COOPER: Fired for allegedly violating department rules. But both were returned to the force through arbitration.

"I know the police department is a damn mess," Council President Johnnie Coleman said.

Fired by the department Monday were Officers Joseph T. Lechota, 29, of Flushing and Patrick M. Majestic, 36, of Swartz Creek. The two are accused of drug delivery, evidence tampering and misconduct in office and face pretrial hearings on the criminal charges this week in Flint District Court.

The pair are the latest in a series of Flint officers to resign or be fired for alleged misconduct over the past several years, although at least two of the fired officers regained their jobs through arbitration.

Some say police officers deal every day with the underbelly of society - and temptation.

"Police officers are virtually always bombarded throughout their career with big ethical issues," said Bruce Benson, a former deputy chief in Flint who now is a criminal justice associate professor at Michigan State University.

Still, Benson said his own research in Flint proves most officers have the best intentions. "The people in those jobs are there because they want to make a difference," he said.

Officers - current and former - bristle at the implication that the problems are anything but isolated incidents.

"It's tragic because I know these guys (in Flint). They are good officers, doing good work," said Brian Morley, an officer in Flint for four years and now a criminal defense attorney. "It's unfair. It's tough on the rest of them."

So, what makes a cop go bad? "I don't know. I wish I did," Benson said.

Every case is different, but a report to Congress in 1998 said profit, power and a sense of vigilante justice come into play in drug-related police corruption. Age and level of education also can be factors, it said.

Coleman said the recent arrests show how the department lacks leadership. He said he doesn't think Deputy Chief Gary Hagler is a bad leader, but said he lacks the organizational skills needed and hasn't been able to earn the respect of the entire department.

Hagler could not be reached for comment.

But Hagler released a statement saying Majestic is married to his niece.

"I want the public to know that I immediately removed myself from the internally initiated investigation," Hagler said in the release. "The federal authorities were immediately asked to participate in this investigation."

Coleman also said that while it shouldn't be an excuse for the officers' alleged crimes, the department is hurt by offering low wages and no raises in the past seven years. He said the city should give officers a raise before the issue goes into binding arbitration."

I hope the city doesn't win," he said. "I hope the city has to pay the officers."

Ex-cop won't be charged with larceny
Flint Journal
May 18, 2006
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/2008/07/flint_journal_files_articles_related_to_antonio_barber.html

Undercover Flint police officers routinely would take video games and movies seized from suspected drug houses, and a former cop charged with larceny shouldn't be singled out for the practice, said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.

Leyton dismissed charges against Antonio P. Barber after determining the officer was "borrowing" a video game, not stealing it.

Now cleared of felony charges, Barber believes he should be returned to the force, his attorney says. "My belief is he expects to be put back on duty," said attorney Dennis R. Lazar.

Lazar said Barber deserves back pay for the 19 months following his wrongful firing.

Leyton said he dismissed the charges against Barber, 37, of Flint, after reviewing internal affairs documents from the Flint Police Department.

"We discovered that a number of Flint police officers had borrowed DVDs (taken during raids on suspected drug houses and other places) for personal use," Leyton said.

"It would be a miscarriage of justice for Antonio Barber to be singled out for prosecution."Leyton said after reviewing the case, he discovered it was an accepted practice for undercover cops to keep video games, movies on VHS tapes or DVDs "for personal use. ""I believe that's improper," he said - but not criminal.

"I've been assured by (acting) Flint Police Chief Gary Hagler that this practice has stopped."

Hagler said he became aware that some seized videos were used by police, but he established a new policy prohibiting the personal use of any seized items.

Barber was charged with two counts of larceny from a building, 4-year felonies.

During an earlier hearing, police witnesses said Barber admitted taking a "Madden 2005" game disc after an October 2004 raid at a Damon Street drug house.

Leyton said charges were brought against Barber by former Prosecutor Arthur A. Busch, but as it went through the legal system, "I began asking questions."

Barber, a seven-year veteran at the time he was fired, is working through the Flint Police Officers Association to get his job back.

Hagler said no decision has been made yet regarding Barber's job status.

Barber has been working at a Dort Highway restaurant and attending Mott Community College since his firing, Lazar said.

Police union asks judge to open probe records
Flint Journal
July 13, 2006:
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/2008/07/flint_journal_files_articles_related_to_antonio_barber.html

FLINT, Michigan - The Flint Police Officers Association is asking a Genesee County Circuit Court judge to order the release of an internal investigation into allegations that police supervisors allowed officers to take home DVDs, CDs and VHS tapes seized in drug raids.

The union claims the city violated the state Freedom of Information Act request when it refused to give it a copy of the investigation report.

Union president Keith Speer believes the city is sitting on the report because it may contain findings that current and former supervisors were involved in the mishandling of evidence.

Former officer Antonio Barber was charged with theft and fired but, so far, no other officers have lost their jobs.

If Barber gets his job back, the union said it will drop the lawsuit. "I'm not interested in digging up old skeletons," said Speer.

So far, the city has balked at turning over the report or putting Barber back on the force.

The city fired Barber last year for taking a "Madden 2005" video game that had been seized in a drug raid.

Felony charges against Barber were dropped in May after Genesee County Prosecutor David S. Leyton said undercover Flint cops routinely borrowed video games and movies seized from suspected drug houses.

Leyton said it would have been unfair to single out Barber for the practice.

Acting Flint police Chief Gary Hagler has said he put an end to the practice when he found out about it.

Shortly after Barber's case was dismissed in May, the Flint Police Officers Association filed a FOIA for the report. The city refused, citing a provision in the law that exempts ongoing investigations.

The union contends the end of Barber's criminal case should have brought the matter to a close and filed its lawsuit late last month.

The union wants Genesee County Circuit Judge Judith A. Fullerton to order the city to release the report and pay damages.

City Attorney Trachelle Young referred questions on the lawsuit to assistant attorney Lorne Carignan, who could not be reached for comment.

Speer said the union wants to make sure Barber was not treated differently than other officers who were under investigation.

"If they only (fired) Antonio, why was he singled out?" said Speer.

The union is taking Barber's firing to arbitration, and Speer said the internal investigation could help him get his job back.

The city is expected to file a response to the lawsuit this month.

07102008 - Officer Tracey House - Sentenced - Burton PD

OFFICER TRACEY HOUSE, BURTON POLICE DEPARTMENT: CHARGED MARCH 13, 2008 FOR FEBRUARY 2005 STALKING INCIDENT






Former Burton police officer sentenced to probation in stalking case
by Shannon Murphy
The Flint Journal
Friday July 11, 2008, 7:32 AM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/07/former_burton_police_officer_s_1.html
BURTON, Michigan -- Kyle Wilke doesn't view a person wearing a police badge as the safe haven she once did.

"You're taught as a child that if you see an officer you run to them for safety," she said. "I will never tell my children to do that."

Wilke was a victim of former Burton police officer Tracey House, who was sentenced to 18 months probation Thursday for misdemeanor stalking.

"This officer has destroyed what the badge means to me," Wilke said after the sentencing.

Police began investigating House in 2005 after allegations surfaced that she used the state's police records database to gather information on Wilke, her family and friends.

The stalking began, police said, because Wilke had dated someone House liked. The investigation also uncovered that House used social networking Web sites to find Wilke and other victims, as well as sent letters and called them.

House pleaded no contest in April to misdemeanor stalking in exchange for her agreement to never seek a police career again. She did not speak during her sentencing.

Her attorney, David J. Nickola, said she has not had any contact with the victims in two years.

"My client made a mistake," he told District Judge Richard Hughes. "As a result, she lost not only her job, but her career."

House left the Burton Police Department in 2007, after a 12-year career.

Wilke said she was disappointed by House's sentence and feels she was given special treatment because she was a police officer.

District Judge Richard Hughes disagreed, saying House most likely was investigated more thoroughly because of her law enforcement background.












Former Burton police officer sentenced to probation in stalking case
by Shannon Murphy
The Flint Journal
Thursday July 10, 2008, 10:15 AM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/07/former_burton_police_officer_s.html

BURTON, Michigan -- A former Burton police officer accused of stalking another woman was sentenced today to 18 months probation.

Tracey House pleaded no contest in April to misdemeanor stalking in exchange for her agreement to never seek a job as a police officer again.

Police said she used the state's police records database to gather information on a woman who had dated a man House liked. She also used social networking sites, such as Myspace, to stalk the woman's family and friends.

House did not speak during the sentencing. Her attorney, David J. Nickola, said she has not had any contact with the victims in two years.

"My client made a mistake," he told District Judge Richard Hughes. "As a result, she lost not only her job, but her career."

House left the Burton police department in 2007, after a 12-year career.












Burton police officer pleads no contest in stalking case
by Shannon Murphy
The Flint Journal
Friday April 18, 2008, 6:45 PM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/04/burton_police_officer_pleads_n.html

BURTON, Michigan -- A former Burton police officer misused the state's police records database to gather information on a romantic rival, a state police investigator said.

Tracey House this week pleaded no contest to misdemeanor stalking in exchange for her agreement to never seek a police career again.

Prosecutors also agreed not to pursue felony charges in the case.

If House reneges on the deal, she would potentially face felony charges of misusing the state's Law Enforcement Information Network.

State police Detective Sgt. Mark Krebs said the charges stem from 2005 allegations that House was looking for information on a woman who was pursuing a man who House liked.

"She was stalking this woman and causing havoc in her life because she had taken away one of her love interests," Krebs said.

He said that House also pulled over the woman's friends while on patrol at night to get information from them.

Her attorney, David J. Nickola, said House knows what she did was wrong but said she misused LEIN because she had been threatened on the Internet.

"She wanted to make sure this was not a psychopath with a criminal record," he said.

"The ends don't justify the means."

The Burton Police Department said they informed LEIN of the violation but were not sanctioned by the state. Police departments can risk losing their LEIN access if the state determines a pattern of misuse.

House left the Burton Police Department in January 2007 after a 12-year career.

Krebs, who began the investigation in 2005, said House also accessed the victims bank accounts and e-mail and would write letters to people with harsh criticism of the victim.

"She always knew where the victim moved to and any change of phone numbers," Krebs said.

Nickola disputed claims that House accessed any bank accounts and said she misused LEIN once.

House is studying for a career outside police work and just wants to put the matter behind her, said Nickola.

"Emotion got the best of her," said Nickola.

House is expected to be sentenced July 10 by Central District Judge Richard Hughes and faces a maximum of a year in jail.



         






Former Burton Michigan cop faces misdemeanor stalking charge
by Bryn Mickle
The Flint Journal
Friday March 14, 2008, 11:50 PM
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/03/former_burton_michigan_cop_fac.html

Burton -- A former Burton Michigan police officer is accused of using her law enforcement position to stalk a woman.

Tracey House, 34, is expected to turn herself in Wednesday for arraignment on a charge of misdemeanor stalking, which carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail.

A warrant for her arrest was sworn out this week, said Genesee County Prosecutor David S. Leyton.

The charge arose out of a February 2005 incident in Burton that was investigated by a state police detective from Bad Axe.

Leyton declined to elaborate on the allegations but said the alleged stalking involved a woman that House knew.

"Things just got out of hand," said Leyton.

House's attorney, David J. Nickola, said the situation arose after House and the woman "locked horns over a man."

"Both were overzealous in their pursuit of him and, unfortunately, emotions ran high," said Nickola.

House left the Burton Police Department in January 2007 after a 12-year career there and has not worked as a police officer since, said Nickola.

She is currently attending school and is unlikely to pursue another police job, he said.

"I believe she will be moving away from police work," said Nickola.