Thursday, December 22, 2011
12222011 - Judge Lynda Tolen - Berrien County [retired]
Retired Berrien County Judge Lynda Tolen:
2010: Arrested and charged for drunk driving. Placed on probation.
2010: Arrested for a second drunk driving charge while on probation for first DUI. Setenced to 20 days in jail.
November 30, 2010: State of Michigan suspended Tolen's license to practice law for 180 days [due to her DUI convictions].
December 22, 2011: Arrested for domestic violence.
Retired Judge Arrested
Joe Garber Reporting
WSJM News
Posted: Saturday, 31 December 2011 10:40AM
http://mobile.wsjm.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=9675164
A former Berrien County judge with a troubled past is once again in trouble. Lynda Tolen faces a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence. Tolen was arrested December 22nd after a complaint was filed by a woman. The 60 year old Tolen served 20 days in jail last year for drunk driving offenses.
Former judge in front of bench again
Lynda Tolen arraigned on domestic violence charge
Posted: Friday, December 30, 2011 12:00 am
Herald Palladium
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/former-judge-in-front-of-bench-again/article_4aa0a047-5eb1-5bac-b81c-aa597392e046.html
ST. JOSEPH - Retired Berrien County Trial Court Judge Lynda Tolen, who has faced drunk driving charges in the past, was back in court this week on charges of domestic violence.
Tolen, 60, of Stevensville, who retired in 2008 after 21 years as a judge, was arraigned Tuesday on the misdemeanor charge, according to a report from WNDU-TV.
The complaint, which Chief Assistant Prosecutor Michael Sepic showed to The Herald-Palladium, stated that Tolen had assaulted a woman named Lisa Brasseur.
The complaint lists Brasseur as a resident or former resident of the same household as Tolen.
Tolen was arrested Dec. 22 and released the next day on a $1,500 bond. On conviction, the charge carries a sentence of up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500,000 fine.
In 2010, while she was on probation for impaired driving in Leelanau County, Tolen was arrested in St. Joseph for drinking and driving.
Police reported she had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit.
That case was moved to St. Joseph County, and Tolen served 20 days in jail after being convicted on the charge.
Sepic told WNDU-TV that he has petitioned the state attorney general's office to disqualify his office from the most recent case because of Tolen's previous position with the court.
Southwest Michigan Links:
Retired Berrien County judge back in court on domestic violence charges
Published: Friday, December 30, 2011, 2:51 PM
Updated: Friday, December 30, 2011, 2:51 PM
By Brad Devereaux
The Kalamazoo Gazette
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/12/southwest_michigan_links_retir.html
Here's a look at some noteworthy stories from other media in southwest Michigan today:
• A retired Berrien County Trial Court judge who has been charged with drunk driving in the past was in court this week being charged with domestic violence. [Herald Palladium]
Former Berrien Co. judge arraigned on domestic violence charges
Posted: Wed 4:07 PM, Dec 28, 2011
Reporter: Newscenter 16
WNDU News
Updated: Wed 4:25 PM, Dec 28, 2011
http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Former_Berrien_Co_judge_arraigned_on_domestic_violence_charges_136332373.html
A former Berrien County judge who has been in trouble with the law before, was on the other side of the bench again Tuesday.
Retired trial court judge Lynda Tolen was arraigned Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.
Tolen was arrested December 22 and bonded out the next day.
A copy of the complaint against Tolen obtained by Newscenter 16 says there was an assault against a woman named Lisa Brasseur. The complaint also listed two witnesses.
Tolen was previously arrested and served 20 days behind bars for a 2010 drunk driving charge.
Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mike Sepic told Newscenter 16 on Wednesday that he has petitioned the State Attorney General's office to disqualify Berrien County from the case because of Tolen's past affiliation with the court. If approved, another county will hear the case.
Judge Tolen was also married to former Prosecutor Jim Cherry, who died in 2007.
Warren attorney reprimanded, Stevensville attorney suspended
December 4, 2010
Margaret Lucas Agius
ADB Tri-County Hearing Panel #106 reprimanded Warren attorney Sophie Modelski effective Dec. 1, 2010, the State of Michigan Attorney Discipline Board reported this week.
Modelski, licensed to practice law in Michigan in 1982, entered a plea of no contest to allegations that she neglected a bankruptcy matter, failed to seek the lawful objectives of her client, failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, and failed to keep her client reasonably informed of the status of the matter. Based upon the stipulation of the parties, the panel reprimanded Modelski and assessed costs of $767.26.
In another recent Attorney Discipline Board action, Kalamazoo County Hearing Panel #4 suspended Stevensville attorney and former Fifth District Court Judge Lynda A. Tolen from the practice of law in Michigan for a period of 180 days effective Nov. 30, 2010.
Tolen’s misdemeanor conviction for operating while intoxicated formed the basis for the disciplinary action. Based upon the stipulation of the parties, the panel suspended Tolen for 180 days, imposed conditions relevant to the established misconduct, and assessed costs of $755.71.
Judicial Vacancy—5th District Court
July 28, 2008
http://www.michbar.org/news/releases/archives08/judicialvacancy_5district.cfm
7/28/08
Court: 5th District Court
Location: Berrien County
Judge Vacating: Hon. Lynda A. Tolen
Application Submission Deadline: August 8, 2008
Any State Bar member interested in applying for a judgeship in their area may refer to the Governor's website or contact Erik Wilford in the Governor's Appointments Office to receive a judicial application:
Office of the Governor
Appointments Division
George W. Romney Building
111 South Capitol Avenue
Lansing, MI 48909
###
Judicial trailblazer
Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:00 am
By SCOTT AIKEN, H-P Staff Writer
The Herald-Palladium
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/judicial-trailblazer/article_adda0405-f1b2-5de5-a900-4207f2e8f3f8.html
ST. JOSEPH — For more than 21 years Judge Lynda Tolen has been an important part of a court system known around the state for breaking new ground.
During her years on the bench, Berrien County was a leader in trial court consolidation, first to form a Drug Court, and tried a fresh approach in dealing with domestic violence.
Tolen, who is retiring Aug. 1, has been the only presiding judge of the civil division of Berrien County Trial Court since its inception in 1996."We've always tried to be on the cutting edge of justice programs," she said.An attorney in a successful private practice before being appointed judge in 1987, Tolen said she has always preferred working on the civil side of the system over handling criminal matters.
"From a judge's standpoint, it's much broader," she said.While civil cases may not get the publicity of criminal cases, they sometimes involve matters that greatly affect communities.
Civil cases can range from property line issues to zoning disputes, utility fights between municipalities or disputes among businesses where tens of millions of dollars are at stake.
Lawyers who practice in Berrien County say Tolen is a quick study, able to get to the heart of complex matters.St. Joseph attorney Carl Burdick has served as a local counsel in Tolen's court with lawyers from around the state and nation. They have been "almost universally impressed with her ability to grasp intricacies," he said."There aren't a whole lot of judges like that."
Tolen also has the judicial demeanor to tame the hostility that lawyers sometimes bring into the courtroom, Burdick said.Attorney Leonard "Arnie" White said Tolen presided over a complicated commercial litigation case a few years ago that involved the theft of proprietary information from National Standard Co. of Niles.
Lawyers from Los Angeles and Chicago represented parties in the case. Tolen handled the complex legal issues and lawyers with aplomb, White said. The case was eventually settled."I'm sorry to see her retire," White said.
Trial Court Judge Thomas Nelson, who presides over the court's Family Division, said Tolen provided continuity in the civil division, carrying the case burden alone at times when vacancies occurred on the bench."She has a keen intellect and real drive to serve the citizens of Berrien County," Nelson said.
An avid runner and cyclist, the 57-year-old Tolen announced earlier this month she would step down to spend more time with her two daughters and other family members. She said she plans to divide her time between Michigan and Florida.
Last year, her husband of nearly 15 years, longtime Berrien County Prosecutor James Cherry, died after a long battle with cancer.
Tolen grew up in Detroit, obtained her bachelor's and law degrees at the University of Michigan and was in private practice for 10 years before being appointed by then-Gov. James Blanchard to fill a vacancy in Berrien County Fifth District Court.She was elected to six-year terms in 1988, 1994, 2000 and 2006.Tolen was the first woman to be appointed district judge in Berrien County. In 1994 she became the first woman president of the Berrien County Bar Association.Tolen was appointed presiding judge of the civil division of trial court at its inception in October 1996.
Initially a Michigan Supreme Court experiment, the trial court consolidated district, circuit and probate courts into a single entity.The new court was divided into civil, criminal and family divisions, and judges were allowed to work in any of the three. The arrangement gave the court a lot of flexibility in assigning judges where they were needed. Supporters said it improved efficiency.The arrangement allowed district court judges to hear cases that formerly would have been in circuit court, such as civil disputes with high damage claims.Tolen said the state Legislature later made the trial court permanent.The arrangement has led to a "high degree of collegiality," Tolen said, eliminating separate courts fighting for funding and other resources.
Also, with a separate civil division, civil cases no longer take a back seat to criminal cases. Under the old system, Tolen said, civil and family matters "got jettisoned when there was a big criminal trial."
In 1990, she helped former Judge Ronald Taylor form Berrien County Drug Court, set up to quickly adjudicate felony narcotics cases. People charged with drug offenses were placed on tracks on the basis of their involvement as users, small-time sellers or major traffickers. Drug users could then be sent into treatment programs while those convicted of selling were sentenced to jail or prison.
Tolen worked with Judge Scott Schofield to create the Domestic Violence Court in 1999. With Judge Paul Maloney, now a judge in U.S. District Court, she formed the Community Court in 2002.The next goal is forming a specialized problem-solving court to deal with people with mental health problems who end up in the court system. Active in a long list of community and professional organizations, Tolen said she had to let go of those affiliations while her husband fought cancer. She worked in the Benton Harbor Area Schools Host Mentor Program, the Literacy Council, Twin City NAACP, and served n the boards of Benton Harbor Salvation Army and the YMCA of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor.Contact Scott Aiken at: saiken@TheH-P.com.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
12212011 - River Rouge Firefighter - CSC
RIVER ROUGE FIREFIGHTER CHARGED WITH SIX COUNTS OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN CONNECTION WITH HIS ABUSE OF HIS TEENAGE DAUGHTER
"I hope to God this man never gets out of jail, " says Romulus Police Chief Robert Dickerson...26-years on the force and Dickerson says he has never seen anything so horrific.
Briefs: Ex-River Rouge firefighter faces 25-38 years for child sex abuse
March 31, 2012 at 1:00 am
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120331/METRO/203310338
A former River Rouge firefighter will serve at least 25 years in prison after pleading guilty Friday to charges he sexually abused his teenage daughter. Officials with the 3rd Circuit Court said the 48-year-old man from Romulus entered the plea on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13 and three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child 13-15, and one count of possession of child sexually abusive material. He'll be sentenced by Judge Lawrence S. Talon on April 13 to a term of 25-38 years. The man's name is not being released because The Detroit News doesn't identify victims of sexual abuse.
Ex-firefighter to get at least 25 years in sex abuse case
By Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News
March 30, 2012 at 4:07 pm
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120330/METRO01/203300451/1361/Ex-firefighter-to-get-at-least-25-years-in-sex-abuse-case
Detroit— A former River Rouge firefighter will serve at least 25 years in prison after pleading guilty Friday to allegations he sexually abused his teenage daughter.
Officials with the Third Circuit Court said the 48-year-old man from Romulus entered the plea Friday on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13 and three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child 13-15, and one count of possession of child sexually abusive material.
He'll be sentenced by Circuit Judge Lawrence S. Talon on April 13 to a term of 25 to 38 years in prison, court officials said.
The man's name is not being released because The Detroit News doesn't identify victims of sexual abuse.
Ronald French, the Ecorse-based attorney representing the firefighter, could not be immediately reached Friday for comment.
He previously told The News that his client had no criminal history.
The man was charged in January after prosecutors said his daughter reported in December that her father allegedly took nude photographs of her and forced her to engage in sex acts, including intercourse. The incidents are alleged to have occurred over the course of several years.
River Rouge Police and Fire Chief Jeffrey Harris declined comment Friday, but did confirm the man was a firefighter with the department for 16 years and is no longer employed with the department.
The man was remanded to Wayne County Jail pending sentencing.
DETROIT: Former firefighter pleads guilty to sexual assault of daughter
Published: Friday, March 30, 2012
By Alan Burdziak
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/03/30/news/doc4f761f505fc1e890265037.txt
DETROIT— A former River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter pleaded guilty in Wayne County Circuit Court today.
He faces between 25 and 38 years in prison. He was taken to the Wayne County Jail pending sentencing April 13.
The 48-year-old Romulus resident pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of possession of child sexually abusive material.
He had previously waived his right to a preliminary examination of the evidence against him in 34th District Court.
The man’s daughter walked into the Romulus Police Department on Dec. 21 to report the assault. The man was arrested later that day.
The News-Herald does not publish the names of victims of sexual assault. Also to protect the girl’s identity, her age and her father’s name are not being released.
During a search of the man’s house and his work locker, detectives said they found evidence that supports the girl’s accusations. Police said they also have received video and written statements from the man admitting to some of the crimes. The man reportedly began to assault his daughter when she was 13.
He is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department.
ROMULUS: Firefighter accused of sexual assaulting daughter bound over for trial
Published: Friday, January 27, 2012
By Alan Burdziak
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/01/27/news/doc4f2341e950674590431493.txt
ROMULUS — A River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter was bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
He waived his right to a preliminary examination of the evidence against him. He is to be arraigned in circuit court at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Thirty-fourth District Judge Brian Oakley ordered him to stay on a tether between court dates.
Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney Kinga Gorzelewski asked Oakley to reinstate the man’s bond of $250,000, which he denied.
The man, 48, is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department. He is charged with numerous crimes, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
To protect the identity of the girl, The News-Herald Newspapers is not publishing the name of the suspect or the victim’s current age. Police said the man had forced the girl into sexual acts for years, beginning when she was 13.
He was arrested Dec. 21 after the girl went to the Romulus Police Department.
During a search of the man’s home and his work locker, detectives said they found evidence that supports the girl’s accusations.
Police said they also have received video and written statements from him admitting to some of the crimes.
He was suspended from his job without pay pending a termination hearing.
River Rouge firefighter to be arraigned on charges of sexual abuse of daughter
By Candice Williams
The Detroit News
January 25, 2012 at 5:32 pm
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120125/METRO01/201250436
Romulus— A Downriver firefighter accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter was bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
The man, 48, of Romulus, waived his rights to an exam Wednesday afternoon before 34th District Court Judge Brian Oakley in Romulus.
The 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under age 13, three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim 13-15 years of age, and one count of child sexually abusive material.
The man's name isn't being released because The News doesn't identify sexual abuse victims. Police said the man's daughter reported in December that her father allegedly forced her to engage in sex acts, including intercourse. The girl also reported her father took nude photos of her.
The suspect is free on a GPS tether and will appear for an arraignment Feb. 1 at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit.
ROMULUS: Examination adjourned for firefighter accused of incest
Published: Thursday, January 05, 2012
By Alan Burdziak
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/01/05/news/doc4f047a2f02afd776031073.txt
Thirty-fourth District Judge Brian Oakley will preside over a preliminary examination of the evidence against a River Rouge firefighter who is accused in the sexual assault of his teenage daughter.
ROMULUS — A preliminary examination of the evidence against a River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter was adjourned Wednesday in 34th District Court.
The exam will resume at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 25.
Defense attorney Ronald French said he received a discovery packet from police yesterday that he still needs to review with his client for additional evidence.
To protect the identity of the girl, The News-Herald Newspapers is not publishing the name of the suspect. Police said he forced the girl into sexual acts for years, beginning when she was 13
Also to protect the girl, The News-Herald is not publishing her current age.
The man, 48, is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department. He was charged with numerous crimes including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
At French’s request, Judge Brian Oakley set the man’s bond at $250,000/10 percent provided that he wear a tether at all times and not leave the state of Michigan.
He also had to surrender his passport.
“He’s not a flight risk,” French said. “He’s completely cooperated with police in this matter.”
Wayne County assistant prosecutor Kinga Gorzelewski argued to keep the man in custody, saying that he is a danger to himself and that he has confessed to everything in the case.
He was arrested Dec. 21 after the girl went to the Romulus police station to file a report. He was arrested a short time later without incident.
The man allegedly also took explicit photos and videos of the teen.
Police found evidence supporting the girl’s claims after they searched the man’s home and his locker at work.
Detectives also received a video and a written statement from him admitting to some of the acts the girl described.
He has been suspended from his job without pay pending a termination hearing.
Bond Reduced For Downriver Firefighter In Sex Abuse Case
January 4, 2012 1:05 PM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/04/bond-reduced-for-downriver-firefighter-in-sex-abuse-case/
ROMULUS (WWJ) - The preliminary examination for a River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually abusing his daughter has been postponed until later this month.
Defense attorney Ronald French was successful in 34th District Court on Wednesday in getting the bond for the 48-year-old Romulus man reduced from $250,000 cash to 10 percent of that and a GPS tether.
The man’s 16-year-old daughter has accused him abusing her since she was 13 years old.
He’s been charged with two counts of CSC 1st degree (victim under 13 years of age), three counts of CSC 1st (victim 13-15 years of age) and one count of Child Sexually Abusive Material.
Prosecutors said the man, whose name is being withheld her to protect the alleged victim’s anonymity, confessed to all of the charges and that he has told police he is a danger to himself.
The complaint was reported to the police on December 21, 2011.
He’s expected back in court next month.
Veteran Firefighter Arrested, Charged With Vile Sex Crimes
http://firegeezer.com/2011/12/30/veteran-firefighter-arrested-charged-with-vile-sex-crimes/
An Absolutely Disgusting Human Being
A 16-YR. VETERAN FIREFIGHTER WITH THE RIVER ROUGE, Michigan, Fire Department was arrested last week and arraigned Monday on charges including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The unnamed firefighter is being accused by his 15-yr.-old daughter of using her as his sex slave, keeping her at home when not in school and performing sexual intercourse and other deviancies.
He also took explicit pornographic photos of her and required her to raise her young siblings in the absence of their mother. All the while she was going to school and pretending that everything was ok.
Earlier this month she finally "had enough" and ran away, going to her mother and telling her what was happening.
The mother and daughter then went immediately to the Romulus, Michigan, Police Dept. where they lived and filed the initial complaint.
Detectives tracked the man down and found him while he was driving his car and stopped him on the street. He was wearing his FD uniform at the time and was arrested without incident.
Acquiring search warrants, the investigators went to the man's home and seized his computers, cameras, photographs and computer disks. The also raided his locker at the fire station. The initial seizures apparently contained a large quantity of incriminating evidence.
Detectives also say that they have obtained a video tape and a written statement by the man admitting to several of the acts.
Report: River Rouge firefighter arraigned for sexually abusing teen daughter
Published: Wednesday, December 28, 2011, 2:31 PM
By Aaron Foley
MLive.com MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/12/report_river_rouge_firefighter.html
The News-Herald is reporting that a River Rouge firefighter has been arraigned on criminal sexual conduct charges for repeatedly assaulting his teenage daughter, as well has being suspended from his job without pay.
Neither the man's name nor his daughter's name have been released to protect the girl's identity.
News-Herald: Police said she walked into the police station last Wednesday evening and reported that her father had forced her into numerous sex acts since she was 13 years old. The girl told officers that her father also had taken numerous nude and explicit photos of her.
As previously reported, the 48-year-old man used the girl, now 15, as a sex slave. The girl was also forced to raise her younger siblings during the ordeal.
ROMULUS: River Rouge firefighter arraigned on sexual assault of teenage daughter
(UPDATED)
Published: Monday, December 26, 2011
By David Komer
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2011/12/26/news/doc4ef4f76f0af9e603460426.txt
ROMULUS — A River Rouge firefighter was arrested Wednesday night for allegedly engaging in a long-term sexual relationship with his teenage daughter.
He was arraigned earlier today in 34th District Court on charges including first degree criminal sexual conduct, according to the Romulus Police Department. Bail has been set at $250,000. A preliminary examination of the evidenceday against hinmy in 34th District Court has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 4.
Police said the girl walked into the police station Wednesday evening to report that her father had forced her into numerous sex acts, including sexual intercourse with him, since she was 13 years old. Her current age is not being released by police.
The girl told officers that her father also had taken and stored numerous nude and explicit photos of her.
Shortly afterward, police located the firefighter driving near his house and arrested him without incident.
The man is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department. He was wearing his uniform when he was arrested.
Police obtained search warrants for his residence and for his personal locker at his fire station.
During the execution of the search warrants, detectives seized evidence supporting the allegations made by the girl.
Detectives also received a videotaped and written statement from the man admitting to many of the sex acts as described by the teen.
Police Chief Robert Dickerson said: “Although I’m pleased that this defendant is in police custody, no longer be able to prey on any other innocent children, as a parent I’m deeply saddened that this teenager was violated for years and her innocence forcibly taken from her by her own father."
Police: Firefighter Arrested For Sexual Realtionship With Teen Daughter
December 24, 2011 11:01 AM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/12/24/downriver-firefighter-arrested-for-long-term-sexual-realtionship-with-teen-daughter/
ROMULUS (WWJ) - A Downriver Firefighter was arrested earlier this week after his teenage daughter told police she was forced into a sexual relationship with her father which lasted several years.
Police say the girl walked into Romulus police headquarters on Wednesday and reported that while living with her father over the past few years, she was forced into performing numerous sex acts with him, including sexual intercourse, starting when she was 13-years-old. The teen also reported that her father had taken and stored numerous nude and explicit photos of her.
Shortly after the report, Romulus police located the suspect driving his vehicle near his home and arrested him without incident. The suspect – a 16-year veteran firefighter of a Downriver fire department – was wearing his firefighter uniform when taken into custody.
Romulus police obtained search warrants for the suspect’s residence and for his personal locker at his fire department. During the search, detectives seized evidence supporting the allegations made by the victim. Detectives also received a video-taped and written statement from the suspect admitting to many of the sexual acts as described by the teen.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office is in the process of reviewing the warrant request. Multiple charges are expected to be filed in the 34th District Court.
The firefighter’s name is not being released pending his arraignment on the charges.
The girl’s current age is not being released by police.
Report: Police say firefighter used daughter as sex slave in Romulus
Published: Saturday, December 24, 2011, 9:36 AM
Updated: Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 7:15 AM
By Michael Wayland MLive.com MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/12/report_police_say_firefighter.html
Police say a 48-year-old firefighter was arrested in Romulus for allegedly holding his daughter captive and using her as a sex slave.
Dec. 23, Fox 2: “The 48-year-old father is accused of sexual abuse, is a trusted public servant --a firefighter with an unnamed downriver fire department for more than16 years. He was arrested near his Romulus home, still in his firefighter uniform at the time.”
According to the television station, the 15-year-old girl says she was forced to sleep with her father, raise her younger siblings and pose for pornographic photos.
Police confiscated the man’s computers, cameras and disks after searching his home and locker at the fire station.
The girl, who said the alleged abuse started when she was 13 years old, ran away to her mother, who took her to the police.
The father, whose name has not been released, could be arraigned as early as today.
Firefighter Accused of Enslaving His Daughter and Sexually Abusing Her
Updated: Friday, 23 Dec 2011, 6:59 PM EST
Published : Friday, 23 Dec 2011, 6:33 PM EST
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/firefighter-accused-of-enslaving-his-daughter-and-sexually-abusing-her-20111223-dk
myFOXdetroit.com - After two years of being held captive, used as a sex slave by her own father, a 15-year old girl walks into the Romulus Police station to get help. Police say she escaped. Now her father, a firefighter, could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
"I hope to God this man never gets out of jail, " says Romulus Police Chief Robert Dickerson.
26-years on the force and Dickerson says he has never seen anything so horrific.
The 48-year-old father is accused of sexual abuse, is a trusted public servant --a firefighter with an unnamed downriver fire department for more than16 years. He was arrested near his Romulus home, still in his firefighter uniform at the time.
The 15-year-old claims the sexual abuse started when she was just 13. Police say the man also took pornographic photos of her. They confiscated his computers, cameras, disks when they searched his home and his locker at the fire station. Lange was told he even admitted to some of what's being alleged against him.
Police say the girl had to sleep with her father , raise her younger siblings, all while going to school each day, pretending she was ok . But she had enough. She ran away to her mother, who took her to the police.
The man may be arraigned as soon as Saturday.
Chief Dickerson is urging all parents to talk to their children over this Holiday break to ind out what's really going on in their lives --at home, at school - everywhere.
And kids speak up. Dickerson says if you need to, call 911 and the police will come pick you up.
"I hope to God this man never gets out of jail, " says Romulus Police Chief Robert Dickerson...26-years on the force and Dickerson says he has never seen anything so horrific.
Briefs: Ex-River Rouge firefighter faces 25-38 years for child sex abuse
March 31, 2012 at 1:00 am
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120331/METRO/203310338
A former River Rouge firefighter will serve at least 25 years in prison after pleading guilty Friday to charges he sexually abused his teenage daughter. Officials with the 3rd Circuit Court said the 48-year-old man from Romulus entered the plea on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13 and three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child 13-15, and one count of possession of child sexually abusive material. He'll be sentenced by Judge Lawrence S. Talon on April 13 to a term of 25-38 years. The man's name is not being released because The Detroit News doesn't identify victims of sexual abuse.
Ex-firefighter to get at least 25 years in sex abuse case
By Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News
March 30, 2012 at 4:07 pm
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120330/METRO01/203300451/1361/Ex-firefighter-to-get-at-least-25-years-in-sex-abuse-case
Detroit— A former River Rouge firefighter will serve at least 25 years in prison after pleading guilty Friday to allegations he sexually abused his teenage daughter.
Officials with the Third Circuit Court said the 48-year-old man from Romulus entered the plea Friday on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13 and three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child 13-15, and one count of possession of child sexually abusive material.
He'll be sentenced by Circuit Judge Lawrence S. Talon on April 13 to a term of 25 to 38 years in prison, court officials said.
The man's name is not being released because The Detroit News doesn't identify victims of sexual abuse.
Ronald French, the Ecorse-based attorney representing the firefighter, could not be immediately reached Friday for comment.
He previously told The News that his client had no criminal history.
The man was charged in January after prosecutors said his daughter reported in December that her father allegedly took nude photographs of her and forced her to engage in sex acts, including intercourse. The incidents are alleged to have occurred over the course of several years.
River Rouge Police and Fire Chief Jeffrey Harris declined comment Friday, but did confirm the man was a firefighter with the department for 16 years and is no longer employed with the department.
The man was remanded to Wayne County Jail pending sentencing.
DETROIT: Former firefighter pleads guilty to sexual assault of daughter
Published: Friday, March 30, 2012
By Alan Burdziak
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/03/30/news/doc4f761f505fc1e890265037.txt
DETROIT— A former River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter pleaded guilty in Wayne County Circuit Court today.
He faces between 25 and 38 years in prison. He was taken to the Wayne County Jail pending sentencing April 13.
The 48-year-old Romulus resident pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of possession of child sexually abusive material.
He had previously waived his right to a preliminary examination of the evidence against him in 34th District Court.
The man’s daughter walked into the Romulus Police Department on Dec. 21 to report the assault. The man was arrested later that day.
The News-Herald does not publish the names of victims of sexual assault. Also to protect the girl’s identity, her age and her father’s name are not being released.
During a search of the man’s house and his work locker, detectives said they found evidence that supports the girl’s accusations. Police said they also have received video and written statements from the man admitting to some of the crimes. The man reportedly began to assault his daughter when she was 13.
He is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department.
ROMULUS: Firefighter accused of sexual assaulting daughter bound over for trial
Published: Friday, January 27, 2012
By Alan Burdziak
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/01/27/news/doc4f2341e950674590431493.txt
ROMULUS — A River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter was bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
He waived his right to a preliminary examination of the evidence against him. He is to be arraigned in circuit court at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Thirty-fourth District Judge Brian Oakley ordered him to stay on a tether between court dates.
Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney Kinga Gorzelewski asked Oakley to reinstate the man’s bond of $250,000, which he denied.
The man, 48, is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department. He is charged with numerous crimes, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
To protect the identity of the girl, The News-Herald Newspapers is not publishing the name of the suspect or the victim’s current age. Police said the man had forced the girl into sexual acts for years, beginning when she was 13.
He was arrested Dec. 21 after the girl went to the Romulus Police Department.
During a search of the man’s home and his work locker, detectives said they found evidence that supports the girl’s accusations.
Police said they also have received video and written statements from him admitting to some of the crimes.
He was suspended from his job without pay pending a termination hearing.
River Rouge firefighter to be arraigned on charges of sexual abuse of daughter
By Candice Williams
The Detroit News
January 25, 2012 at 5:32 pm
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120125/METRO01/201250436
Romulus— A Downriver firefighter accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter was bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
The man, 48, of Romulus, waived his rights to an exam Wednesday afternoon before 34th District Court Judge Brian Oakley in Romulus.
The 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under age 13, three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim 13-15 years of age, and one count of child sexually abusive material.
The man's name isn't being released because The News doesn't identify sexual abuse victims. Police said the man's daughter reported in December that her father allegedly forced her to engage in sex acts, including intercourse. The girl also reported her father took nude photos of her.
The suspect is free on a GPS tether and will appear for an arraignment Feb. 1 at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit.
ROMULUS: Examination adjourned for firefighter accused of incest
Published: Thursday, January 05, 2012
By Alan Burdziak
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/01/05/news/doc4f047a2f02afd776031073.txt
Thirty-fourth District Judge Brian Oakley will preside over a preliminary examination of the evidence against a River Rouge firefighter who is accused in the sexual assault of his teenage daughter.ROMULUS — A preliminary examination of the evidence against a River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter was adjourned Wednesday in 34th District Court.
The exam will resume at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 25.
Defense attorney Ronald French said he received a discovery packet from police yesterday that he still needs to review with his client for additional evidence.
To protect the identity of the girl, The News-Herald Newspapers is not publishing the name of the suspect. Police said he forced the girl into sexual acts for years, beginning when she was 13
Also to protect the girl, The News-Herald is not publishing her current age.
The man, 48, is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department. He was charged with numerous crimes including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
At French’s request, Judge Brian Oakley set the man’s bond at $250,000/10 percent provided that he wear a tether at all times and not leave the state of Michigan.
He also had to surrender his passport.
“He’s not a flight risk,” French said. “He’s completely cooperated with police in this matter.”
Wayne County assistant prosecutor Kinga Gorzelewski argued to keep the man in custody, saying that he is a danger to himself and that he has confessed to everything in the case.
He was arrested Dec. 21 after the girl went to the Romulus police station to file a report. He was arrested a short time later without incident.
The man allegedly also took explicit photos and videos of the teen.
Police found evidence supporting the girl’s claims after they searched the man’s home and his locker at work.
Detectives also received a video and a written statement from him admitting to some of the acts the girl described.
He has been suspended from his job without pay pending a termination hearing.
Bond Reduced For Downriver Firefighter In Sex Abuse Case
January 4, 2012 1:05 PM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/04/bond-reduced-for-downriver-firefighter-in-sex-abuse-case/
ROMULUS (WWJ) - The preliminary examination for a River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually abusing his daughter has been postponed until later this month.
Defense attorney Ronald French was successful in 34th District Court on Wednesday in getting the bond for the 48-year-old Romulus man reduced from $250,000 cash to 10 percent of that and a GPS tether.
The man’s 16-year-old daughter has accused him abusing her since she was 13 years old.
He’s been charged with two counts of CSC 1st degree (victim under 13 years of age), three counts of CSC 1st (victim 13-15 years of age) and one count of Child Sexually Abusive Material.
Prosecutors said the man, whose name is being withheld her to protect the alleged victim’s anonymity, confessed to all of the charges and that he has told police he is a danger to himself.
The complaint was reported to the police on December 21, 2011.
He’s expected back in court next month.
Veteran Firefighter Arrested, Charged With Vile Sex Crimes
http://firegeezer.com/2011/12/30/veteran-firefighter-arrested-charged-with-vile-sex-crimes/
An Absolutely Disgusting Human Being
A 16-YR. VETERAN FIREFIGHTER WITH THE RIVER ROUGE, Michigan, Fire Department was arrested last week and arraigned Monday on charges including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The unnamed firefighter is being accused by his 15-yr.-old daughter of using her as his sex slave, keeping her at home when not in school and performing sexual intercourse and other deviancies.
He also took explicit pornographic photos of her and required her to raise her young siblings in the absence of their mother. All the while she was going to school and pretending that everything was ok.
Earlier this month she finally "had enough" and ran away, going to her mother and telling her what was happening.
The mother and daughter then went immediately to the Romulus, Michigan, Police Dept. where they lived and filed the initial complaint.
Detectives tracked the man down and found him while he was driving his car and stopped him on the street. He was wearing his FD uniform at the time and was arrested without incident.
Acquiring search warrants, the investigators went to the man's home and seized his computers, cameras, photographs and computer disks. The also raided his locker at the fire station. The initial seizures apparently contained a large quantity of incriminating evidence.
Detectives also say that they have obtained a video tape and a written statement by the man admitting to several of the acts.
Report: River Rouge firefighter arraigned for sexually abusing teen daughter
Published: Wednesday, December 28, 2011, 2:31 PM
By Aaron Foley
MLive.com MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/12/report_river_rouge_firefighter.html
The News-Herald is reporting that a River Rouge firefighter has been arraigned on criminal sexual conduct charges for repeatedly assaulting his teenage daughter, as well has being suspended from his job without pay.
Neither the man's name nor his daughter's name have been released to protect the girl's identity.
News-Herald: Police said she walked into the police station last Wednesday evening and reported that her father had forced her into numerous sex acts since she was 13 years old. The girl told officers that her father also had taken numerous nude and explicit photos of her.
As previously reported, the 48-year-old man used the girl, now 15, as a sex slave. The girl was also forced to raise her younger siblings during the ordeal.
ROMULUS: River Rouge firefighter arraigned on sexual assault of teenage daughter
(UPDATED)
Published: Monday, December 26, 2011
By David Komer
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2011/12/26/news/doc4ef4f76f0af9e603460426.txt
ROMULUS — A River Rouge firefighter was arrested Wednesday night for allegedly engaging in a long-term sexual relationship with his teenage daughter.
He was arraigned earlier today in 34th District Court on charges including first degree criminal sexual conduct, according to the Romulus Police Department. Bail has been set at $250,000. A preliminary examination of the evidenceday against hinmy in 34th District Court has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 4.
Police said the girl walked into the police station Wednesday evening to report that her father had forced her into numerous sex acts, including sexual intercourse with him, since she was 13 years old. Her current age is not being released by police.
The girl told officers that her father also had taken and stored numerous nude and explicit photos of her.
Shortly afterward, police located the firefighter driving near his house and arrested him without incident.
The man is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department. He was wearing his uniform when he was arrested.
Police obtained search warrants for his residence and for his personal locker at his fire station.
During the execution of the search warrants, detectives seized evidence supporting the allegations made by the girl.
Detectives also received a videotaped and written statement from the man admitting to many of the sex acts as described by the teen.
Police Chief Robert Dickerson said: “Although I’m pleased that this defendant is in police custody, no longer be able to prey on any other innocent children, as a parent I’m deeply saddened that this teenager was violated for years and her innocence forcibly taken from her by her own father."
Police: Firefighter Arrested For Sexual Realtionship With Teen Daughter
December 24, 2011 11:01 AM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/12/24/downriver-firefighter-arrested-for-long-term-sexual-realtionship-with-teen-daughter/
ROMULUS (WWJ) - A Downriver Firefighter was arrested earlier this week after his teenage daughter told police she was forced into a sexual relationship with her father which lasted several years.
Police say the girl walked into Romulus police headquarters on Wednesday and reported that while living with her father over the past few years, she was forced into performing numerous sex acts with him, including sexual intercourse, starting when she was 13-years-old. The teen also reported that her father had taken and stored numerous nude and explicit photos of her.
Shortly after the report, Romulus police located the suspect driving his vehicle near his home and arrested him without incident. The suspect – a 16-year veteran firefighter of a Downriver fire department – was wearing his firefighter uniform when taken into custody.
Romulus police obtained search warrants for the suspect’s residence and for his personal locker at his fire department. During the search, detectives seized evidence supporting the allegations made by the victim. Detectives also received a video-taped and written statement from the suspect admitting to many of the sexual acts as described by the teen.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office is in the process of reviewing the warrant request. Multiple charges are expected to be filed in the 34th District Court.
The firefighter’s name is not being released pending his arraignment on the charges.
The girl’s current age is not being released by police.
Report: Police say firefighter used daughter as sex slave in Romulus
Published: Saturday, December 24, 2011, 9:36 AM
Updated: Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 7:15 AM
By Michael Wayland MLive.com MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/12/report_police_say_firefighter.html
Police say a 48-year-old firefighter was arrested in Romulus for allegedly holding his daughter captive and using her as a sex slave.
Dec. 23, Fox 2: “The 48-year-old father is accused of sexual abuse, is a trusted public servant --a firefighter with an unnamed downriver fire department for more than16 years. He was arrested near his Romulus home, still in his firefighter uniform at the time.”
According to the television station, the 15-year-old girl says she was forced to sleep with her father, raise her younger siblings and pose for pornographic photos.
Police confiscated the man’s computers, cameras and disks after searching his home and locker at the fire station.
The girl, who said the alleged abuse started when she was 13 years old, ran away to her mother, who took her to the police.
The father, whose name has not been released, could be arraigned as early as today.
Firefighter Accused of Enslaving His Daughter and Sexually Abusing Her
Updated: Friday, 23 Dec 2011, 6:59 PM EST
Published : Friday, 23 Dec 2011, 6:33 PM EST
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/firefighter-accused-of-enslaving-his-daughter-and-sexually-abusing-her-20111223-dk
myFOXdetroit.com - After two years of being held captive, used as a sex slave by her own father, a 15-year old girl walks into the Romulus Police station to get help. Police say she escaped. Now her father, a firefighter, could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
"I hope to God this man never gets out of jail, " says Romulus Police Chief Robert Dickerson.
26-years on the force and Dickerson says he has never seen anything so horrific.
The 48-year-old father is accused of sexual abuse, is a trusted public servant --a firefighter with an unnamed downriver fire department for more than16 years. He was arrested near his Romulus home, still in his firefighter uniform at the time.
The 15-year-old claims the sexual abuse started when she was just 13. Police say the man also took pornographic photos of her. They confiscated his computers, cameras, disks when they searched his home and his locker at the fire station. Lange was told he even admitted to some of what's being alleged against him.
Police say the girl had to sleep with her father , raise her younger siblings, all while going to school each day, pretending she was ok . But she had enough. She ran away to her mother, who took her to the police.
The man may be arraigned as soon as Saturday.
Chief Dickerson is urging all parents to talk to their children over this Holiday break to ind out what's really going on in their lives --at home, at school - everywhere.
And kids speak up. Dickerson says if you need to, call 911 and the police will come pick you up.
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