Saturday, June 8, 2019

06082019 - Fremont PD Chief Randall Wright - Investigated And Charged With Fourth-Degree - Criminal Sexual Conduct - Charged In Both Kent AND Ingham Counties

 



Chief Randall Wright


June 08, 2019 - During a Fraternal Order Of Police bus trip to the Tigers baseball game, Chief Wright was reportedly touching some of the women on the bus inappropriately. One woman reported that "“He (Chief Wright) was commenting about my body — made sexual comments about what he would like to do to me sexually."

June 2019 - Victim of the sexual assault reported the incident to the Michigan State Police - who in turn began an investigation

September 23, 2019 - News of the investigation of Chief Wright became public. Wright remained on duty. Fremont City Manager Todd Blake "said he spoke with the chief who told him the situation was a “personal issue.” Blake said the chief remained on duty and that he had no plans to change the chief’s status until he learns criminal charges have been filed."

September 24, 2019 - Chief Wright was placed on paid administrative leave, after the criminal investigation against him became public.

September 30, 2019 - Kent County Prosecutor confirmed that his office had filed a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct against Chief Wright.

October 02, 2019 - Chief Wright arraigned in KENT COUNTY  on charges of fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct. According to court records, the investigator had written, "Wright “forcefully” pushed his groin into the woman’s buttocks area...This contact was unwanted by the victim and she previously told him to stop."

October 03, 2019 - Chief Wright arraigned in INGHAM  COUNTY on charges of fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct.

October 07, 2019 -  Chief Wright terminated from the Fremont Police Department, after criminal charges filed against him.

November 04, 2019 - Wright waived his right to a preliminary exam in the Kent County CSC case. Wright was considering a plea deal with prosecutors.

February 16, 2022 - Former Chief Wright plea bargain in criminal sexual conduct case. Wright pled no-contest to two reduced misdemeanor charges: aggravated assault which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and disorderly person obscene conduct which could result in up to 90 days in jail. Sentencing for Wright is scheduled for April 26, 2022.











Fremont PD chief accused of ‘unwanted touching’
WOOD TV News
September 23, 2019
The Fremont police chief is under investigation, accused of touching a woman inappropriately while on a trip with the Fraternal Order of Police.


















Fremont PD chief accused of ‘unwanted touching’
WOOD TV News
September 23, 2019
FREMONT, Mich. (WOOD) — The Fremont police chief is under investigation, accused of touching a woman inappropriately while on a trip with the Fraternal Order of Police.

The trip took place in June as a group traveled to see a Detroit Tigers baseball game. A woman reported instances of “unwanted touching” from Fremont Police Chief Randall Wright.

Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Ed Doyle confirmed the criminal sexual conduct investigation but released few details Monday, citing a pending decision from prosecutors.

“I have an investigation that’s ongoing right now,” he told News 8.

Doyle said the victim alleges the incidents happened on a bus trip. He said MSP has made contact with the 31 people who were on the bus at the time.

Police reports have been sent to prosecutors in Kent and Ingham counties, where the bus was believed to be when the incidents happened.

Reached by phone Monday, Wright declined to answer questions.

“I really have no comment,” he told News 8.

When asked if he wanted to comment on whether he touched anyone inappropriately on the trip, the chief responded, “nope.”

Fremont City Manager Todd Blake, the chief’s boss, was blindsided by news of the allegations when reached by News 8 Monday. Blake said he was unaware of the investigation and needed to confer with the chief about the situation.

Later, Blake said he spoke with the chief who told him the situation was a “personal issue.”

Blake said the chief remained on duty and that he had no plans to change the chief’s status until he learns criminal charges have been filed. As of late Monday afternoon, Blake said he had not spoken with the Michigan State Police regarding the investigation. He said he remained hopeful that the allegations against the chief are not true.

Fremont Mayor James Rynberg said he is awaiting a decision from prosecutors before drawing any conclusions. 

“I have full faith in our chief of police,” Rynberg told News 8 over the phone. “I can’t understand the charge. … There must be a huge misunderstanding.”

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said his office received reports of the incident Thursday but had not yet made a conclusion as to whether charges would be filed. A spokesperson for Ingham County’s prosecutor said no charges had been filed against Wright as of Monday afternoon.

Wright has been police chief in Fremont for several years. He served the department in other capacities for many years prior to becoming chief.

The Fraternal Order of Police Ben Bradford Lodge #135 organized the trip.

“Shortly after an event that our lodge took part in we were informally told that an allegation had been made regarding some activity that had taken place during the event,” Bryan Kolk, the lodge president, told News 8, reading from a prepared statement. “The State Police conducted the investigation regarding this allegation. Our membership provided full cooperation to them. We deeply regret that anyone involved with this event had an experience that made them feel like a victim.”
















Fremont police chief on administrative leave
ABC News - Channel 13
September 24, 2019
Michigan State Police Sgt. Ed Doyle confirms Fremont Police Chief Randall Wright is under investigation after a woman reported instances of “unwanted touching.”

















Woman accusing Fremont chief says he was drunk
WOOD TV News
September 24, 2019
The woman claiming she was inappropriately touched by the Fremont police chief said the longtime officer was drunk and belligerent when the incidents occurred.

















Woman accusing Fremont chief says he was drunk
WOOD TV News
September 24, 2019
FREMONT, Mich. (WOOD) — The woman claiming she was inappropriately touched by the Fremont police chief said the longtime officer was drunk and belligerent when the incidents occurred.

The alleged victim reported to Michigan State Police that Fremont Police Chief Randall Wright touched her in an unwanted and sexual manner while the two rode a bus back to Fremont from an outing with the Fraternal Order of Police in June.

The FOP organized a trip to Detroit where members watched a Tigers baseball game. The alleged victim said there was no trouble on the way to Detroit but after the game, the trip back was a different story.

The woman claiming the chief victimized her said Wright was drunk and touching some of the women on the bus inappropriately. While most people on the bus were law enforcement officers or their spouses, the alleged victim and her husband were not. 

She said the chief seemed to fixate on her.

“He was commenting about my body — made sexual comments about what he would like to do to me sexually,” the alleged victim told News 8 Monday.

The alleged victim said the chief had smacked some of the trip attendees’ rear ends. Trying to avoid giving Wright the opportunity to do the same to her, the alleged victim said she avoided walking in front of the chief at one point when people on the bus were moving. She said she allowed the chief to pass in front of her. But Wright was undeterred, she said.

“He reached back with his hand and he grabbed my private area aggressively,” she said.

At another time the alleged victim said the chief approached her from behind and rubbed himself against her in such a way that she could feel his genitals pressing on her back side as he made sexual comments.

The woman said she shoved Wright at that time in another of many attempts to rebuff his advances. 

“It was aggressive,” she said of Wright’s behavior.

MSP confirmed that a criminal sexual conduct investigation involving allegations of “unwanted touching” was underway. Officials would not disclose details of the case given the pending possibility of criminal charges.

Sgt. Ed Doyle said the investigative reports have been forwarded to prosecutors in Kent and Ingham counties where the bus was believed to be traveling at the time of the allegations.

Doyle said police conducted an extensive investigation and contacted the 31 people said to have been on board the bus.

Wright said she contacted police immediately following the trip and was ultimately directed to speak with Doyle from the Michigan State Police Lakeview post to avoid any conflicts of interest with officers who know Wright.

Wright has held his position in Fremont for several years, prompted to chief after serving the department for many years prior. He declined speak with News 8 about the allegations and responded “nope” when asked over the phone if he would comment on whether he touched anyone inappropriately during the trip.

The alleged victim said she did not get drunk during the trip, but she said Wright was severely intoxicated. She claimed that he was observed drinking an entire fifth of liquor.

“That is no excuse for behavior,” she said. “I’ve known many men in my life that have been highly intoxicated, and they’ve never been sexually inappropriate with women.”

Prior to the bus trip, the alleged victims said she and her husband were friendly with Wright and his wife and had spent time with them as a couple.

Wright has the support of city leaders who seemed to question the veracity of the claims made against the chief.

Fremont City Manager Todd Blake said he did not know about the investigation or allegations until he was contacted by News 8. He said he had no intentions on changing the chief’s work status unless criminal charges were authorized. He said he remained hopeful that the allegations were false.

Fremont Mayor James Rynberg said he learned of the allegations Monday after he was briefed by Blake. The mayor was explicit about his position.

“I support our chief of police,” Rynberg said. “I have full faith in our chief of police…”

The mayor said he has “full faith” in the officials handling the investigation into the allegations and awaits the final outcome.

Prosecutors in Kent and Ingham counties had not filed charges as of Monday. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said his office got the reports last Thursday and had yet to complete a determination on whether charges would be filed.

The alleged victim said she fears the chief may have victimized other women. She said she wants Wright criminally charged and removed from his role as the city’s police chief.

“It’s about standing up,” she said. “And saying when things aren’t OK — when things are not acceptable.”
















After allegations publicized, Fremont chief placed on leave
WOOD TV News
September 24, 2019



FREMONT, Mich. (WOOD) — The day after “unwanted touching” allegations were publicized regarding Fremont Police Chief Randall Wright, the city placed him on administrative leave.

Michigan State Police started investigating Wright months ago after an adult female came forward to report that the chief had touched her during a Fraternal Order of Police trip in June. The woman claimed the chief was drunk when he grabbed her between her legs and rubbed himself against her back side while making lewd sexual remarks.

City leaders said they weren’t aware of the allegations until News 8 contacted them Monday for comment on the situation.

As of late Monday, City Manager Todd Blake said the chief would remain on his post unless and until he was criminally charged. Fremont’s mayor said the chief had his support and that opined that the allegations must be a “misunderstanding” of sorts.

Monday night, News 8 broke news of the investigation airing an interview with the alleged victim in the matter.

Tuesday, things changed at city hall. In a statement shortly after 12 p.m., the city manager said Wright was placed on administrative leave.

“Due to the recent allegations made against Chief Wright the City of Fremont has placed Chief Wright on Administrative Leave until further notice,” the written statement from the city manager stated. “The City is conducting its own investigation into this matter.”

Blake said Fremont Police Sgt. Jon Geeting would oversee police operations during Wright’s leave.

The reports from the state police investigation were forwarded to prosecutors late last week. Charging decisions had not been made as of the end of the day Monday.
















Fremont police chief placed on administrative leave
MLive
September 24, 2019


FREMONT, MI – The chief of police in Fremont has been placed on paid administrative leave while the city investigates his conduct.

Fremont City Manager Todd Blake said Police Chief Randall Wright was placed on paid administrative leave effective Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Blake provided MLive/Muskegon Chronicle with the following statement:

“Due to the recent allegations made against Chief Wright the City of Fremont has placed Wright on administrative leave until further notice. The city is conducting its own investigation into this matter.”

In Wright’s absence, Fremont Police Sgt. Jon Geeting “will be in charge,” the statement says.

Blake declined to elaborate on the reasons for the investigation. WOOD News 8 has reported that Wright is accused of inappropriate contact with a woman during a Fraternal Order of Police outing.
















CSC charge filed against Fremont police chief
WOOD TV News
September 30, 2019



GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Kent County prosecutor is charging Fremont Police Chief Randy Wright with criminal sexual conduct.

Wright was placed on administrative leave last week after allegations that he inappropriately touched a woman were publicized by News 8.

The woman reported to Michigan State Police that Wright was drunk and belligerent when he touched her in an unwanted and sexual manner while the two rode a bus back to Fremont from an outing with the Fraternal Order of Police in June.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker was one of two prosecutors reviewing the case. He confirmed Monday that his office filed a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct against Wright.

The alleged victim in the case said she was notified last week that the Ingham County prosecutor was also filing the same charge in that county.

The charge is a high court misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $500 fine. Becker said Wright is expected to turn himself in at some point to be booked on the charge.

On Monday, the city of Fremont said in a statement that Wright would remain on paid administrative leave “until further notice” and said it was conducting its own investigation:
“In light of the recent charges filed against the City of Fremont Police Chief, Randall Wright, Chief Wright will remain on administrative leave until further notice. The City of Fremont is continuing its own investigation into this matter. Chief Wright is innocent until proven guilty and the City will respect the legal process. The City will continue to closely monitor this situation involving Chief Wright as it moves forward. Sergeant Jon Geeting will remain in charge of the City of Fremont Police Department and its operations while Chief Wright is on leave.

“The City will have no further comment on this matter at this time.”
















Fremont police chief charged with fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct
MLive
September 30, 2019



KENT COUNTY, MI – Fremont police Chief Randy Wright has been charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The charge, a high-court misdemeanor, alleges the use of force or coercion. The maximum penalty if convicted is two years in prison.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker alleged that the incident happened June 5 in the Kent City area.

Wright was placed on paid administrative leave, effective Tuesday, Sept. 24. City Manager Todd Blake issued this statement then: “Due to the recent allegations made against Chief Wright the City of Fremont has placed Wright on administrative leave until further notice. The city is conducting its own investigation into this matter.”

WOOD-TV8 has said that Wright was accused of inappropriate contact with a woman during a Fraternal Order of Police outing.
















Police chief accused of sex assault on ‘party bus’ to Detroit Tigers game
MLive
October 02, 2019



KENT COUNTY, MI – Fremont police Chief Randy Wright sexually assaulted a woman on a “party bus” in a trip to a Detroit Tigers game, state police said.

Wright, 48, was arraigned Wednesday, Oct. 2, on a charge of fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, a high-court misdemeanor.

The charge alleges sexual contact using force or coercion.

His attorney, Matthew Vicari, entered a not-guilty plea on his client’s behalf during a brief hearing before 63rd District Judge Jeffrey O’Hara.

The alleged victim told state police that the incident happened June 5 on a “party bus."

She told police that Wright “was intoxicated and was making numerous sexually explicit advances toward her while traveling on a ‘party bus’ to a Detroit Tigers game and back,” state police Trooper Brian Komm wrote in a probable-cause affidavit.

When the bus stopped near 10 Mile Road NW and Peach Ridge Avenue so riders could use the bathroom, Wright “forcefully” pushed his groin into the woman’s buttocks area, the investigator wrote in court records.

Wright had just made sexual remarks to the woman, police said.

“This contact was unwanted by the victim and she previously told him to stop,” Komm wrote.

“Some of this contact was observed by witnesses as the (defendant) smacked the buttocks of other women on the bus without their consent,” Komm wrote.

The trip was a Fraternal Order of Police outing, WOOD-TV8 has reported.

Wright was placed on paid administrative leave, effective Tuesday, Sept. 24. At the time, City Manager Todd Blake issued a statement that said: “Due to the recent allegations made against Chief Wright the City of Fremont has placed Wright on administrative leave until further notice. The city is conducting its own investigation into this matter.”
















Fremont's police chief arraigned on charges of criminal sexual conduct after 'unwanted touching' 
ABC News - Channel 13
October 03, 2019
The Kent County Prosecutor's Office charged Fremont Police Chief Randall Wright with one count of criminal sexual conduct after a woman reported instances of “unwanted touching.” Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Thursday, Oct. 3, Wright was arraigned on those charges in both Kent and Ingham Counties.


















Fremont police chief also charged in Ingham County for alleged ‘party bus’ assault
MLive
October 03, 2019



INGHAM COUNTY, MI -- Fremont’s police chief is facing a second sex assault charge, this time in Ingham County, for allegedly touching a woman inappropriately on a “party bus” to a Detroit Tigers game.

Randy Wright, 48, was arraigned Thursday, Oct. 3 in Ingham County on a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was arraigned Wednesday on the same charge in Kent County.

State police said the two counties were the locations where the alleged assaults happened as the party bus was traveling.

Wright is on paid administrative leave from his job.

The woman told investigators that Wright “was intoxicated and was making numerous sexually explicit advances toward her while traveling on a ‘party bus."

In the Kent County incident, Wright allegedly pushed his groin into the woman’s buttocks area when the bus stopped to allow passengers to use the bathroom.
















Fremont police chief fired after being charged with criminal sexual conduct
ABC News - Channel 13
October 08, 2019
Fremont Police Chief Randall Wright has been fired, effective immediately, the city council decided Monday night. Wright is embroiled in a criminal sexual conduct scandal, after a woman reported "unwanted touching" from him. 

Wright has been charged in both Ingham and Kent counties with 4th degree criminal sexual conduct.

















Fremont Police Department Chief fired amid sexual assault case
Wood TV 8 News
October 08, 2019
Fremont Police Chief Randall Wright has been fired after being charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. 


















Fremont police chief charged with CSC
WOOD TV News
October 08, 2019


GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Fremont’s police chief has been formally charged with a sex crime.

Fremont Police Chief Randy Wright appeared in 63rd District Court Wednesday morning where he was arraigned on a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced the charge against Wright Monday, after reviewing allegations that he inappropriately touched a woman.

The woman reported to Michigan State Police that Wright was drunk and belligerent when he touched her in an unwanted and sexual manner while the two rode a bus back to Fremont from an outing with the Fraternal Order of Police in June.

On Thursday, Wright was arraigned in Ingham County on the same charge.

The charge is a high court misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $500 fine. Becker said Wright is expected to turn himself in at some point to be booked on the charge.

On Monday, the city of Fremont said in a statement that Wright would remain on paid administrative leave “until further notice,” and said it was conducting its own investigation.

Fremont city officials also said Sgt. Jon Greeting would remain in charge of the police department while Wright is on leave.

Wright is expected back in court for a probable cause conference on Oct. 16.
















Fremont PD chief fired amid sexual assault case
WOOD TV News
October 08, 2019


FREMONT, Mich. (WOOD) — After being charged with inappropriately touching a woman while on a bus trip, Randall Wright has been fired from his post at chief of police in Fremont.

On Monday, in its first meeting since Wright was charged, the Fremont City Council terminated him effective immediately. The council said in a Tuesday statement it would not be commenting further.

Wright was arraigned last week on two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, one each in Kent and Ingham counties.

A woman says he assaulted her in June while they were returning from a Detroit Tigers game, a trip they took with the Fraternal Order of Police. The woman told News 8 that Wright, who she said was drunk, made inappropriate comments about her body and touched her “aggressively” despite her objections.

Wright was placed on paid administrative leave when the allegations became public last month. Sgt. Jon Getting has been in charge of the Fremont Police Department since then, and will remain so until a replacement is hired.

Wright previously declined to comment to News 8.
















Michigan police chief fired after alleged sexual assault on a party bus 
Metro Times
October 09, 2019



A western Michigan police chief who was charged with sexually assaulting a woman on a party bus has been fired.

The Fremont City Council terminated Randall Wright on Monday. In a news release Tuesday, the city said it “will have no further comment on this matter at this time.”

The 48-year-old chief was charged Oct. 2 with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. A day earlier, he was placed on paid administrative leave.

A woman told Michigan State Police that the chief was intoxicated and forcefully pushed his groin against her butt after making other unwanted sexual advances on June 8. Other women on the bus said the chief "smacked" their butts.

Fremont Mayor James Rynberg initially dismissed the accusations as "a huge misunderstanding" in an interview with Wood-TV8, saying he had "full faith in our chief of police."
















Waterford Township cop charged with sexual assault, but authorities mum about case 
Metro Times
October 24, 2019



A Waterford Township cop has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct, but authorities aren’t saying much about what happened.

Officer Kevin Thompson, 29, was placed on unpaid administrative leave in late May after township officials learned he had been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Thompson is due back in Genesee County’s 67th District on Monday for a preliminary examination to determine whether the evidence is sufficient to warrant a circuit court trial.

The case stems from an alleged incident while Thompson was off-duty in Grand Blanc on Dec. 28, according to court records. But neither police nor the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office would elaborate on the allegations.

Authorities are typically more forthcoming after someone has been charged.

Township officials said they took quick action after learning about the charges. “On Thursday, May 30, 2019 the Waterford Police Department became aware that Officer Kevin Thompson had been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct, 3rd degree, by the Genesee County Prosecutor,” the township said in a news release. “The alleged incident took place while Thompson was off duty and did not occur within the Township of Waterford.

“Kevin Thompson, a two year veteran of the Waterford Police Department, was immediately placed on administrative leave and he will remain on leave without pay until there is some resolution in the pending case.”

In another sexual assault case involving a cop in Michigan, Fremont Police Chief Randall Wright was fired on Oct. 7 after he was charged with sexually assaulting a woman on a party bus. A woman told Michigan State Police that the chief was intoxicated and forcefully pushed his groin against her butt after making other unwanted sexual advances on June 8. Other women on the bus said the chief "smacked" their butts.

















Ex-Fremont police chief weighs plea deal in alleged sex assault on party bus
MLive
November 04, 2019







NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI – Fired Fremont police Chief Randall Wright is considering a plea deal with prosecutors for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on a party bus to a Detroit Tigers game.

Wright, 48, had attended the Tigers’ June 5 “Law Enforcement Night,” when he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on the way back.

He is charged with fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, a two-year high-court misdemeanor. He is accused of making unwanted sexual contact, using force or coercion, with a woman on the outing.

He faces a second fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct charge in Ingham County while on the party bus. He has a preliminary hearing in that case on Nov. 14, court records show.

On Monday, Nov. 4, Wright waived his right to a preliminary examination before 63rd District Judge Jeffrey O’Hara and had his case bound over to Kent County Circuit Court.

Wright acknowledged he would have further negotiations with prosecutors on a plea agreement.

Wright was fired effective Oct. 7.

In the Kent County case, the alleged victim told investigators that Wright “was intoxicated and was making numerous sexually explicit advances toward her while traveling on a ‘party bus’ to a Detroit Tigers game and back,” state police trooper Brian Komm wrote in a probable-cause affidavit.

The bus had stopped so riders could use the bathroom when Wright “forcefully” pushed his groin into the woman’s buttocks area, Komm wrote in court records.

“This contact was unwanted by the victim and she previously told him to stop,” Komm wrote.

“Some of this contact was observed by witnesses as the (defendant) smacked the buttocks of other women on the bus without their consent,” Komm wrote.
















Fired police chief had good reviews before sex-assault allegations, personnel file shows
MLive
November 05, 2019



FREMONT, MI – Before he became police chief, Randy Wright, as a sergeant in 2011, wanted the job so badly he was willing to forego overtime and take on responsibilities of the chief.

He eventually got the job as police chief, along with a raise, later that year.

It all ended eight years later after a “party bus” trip in June to see the Detroit Tigers on “Law Enforcement Night.” On the way home, Wright allegedly sexually assaulted a woman while he was intoxicated.

“Please be advised that this letter serves as your notice of your termination, effective immediately …,” City Manager Todd Blake wrote Oct. 8.

The letter was among documents in Wright’s personnel record obtained by MLive in a Freedom of Information Act request.

Wright was fired less than a week after he was charged with fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, a high-court misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison upon conviction.

Before that, Wright had positive reviews, awards, commendations and letters of praise from those in law enforcement and the community.

“He continues to strive for delivering the best law enforcement department services to the community and I know he is truly committed to it,” Blake wrote in one of his reviews.

Wright had strong leadership skills and worked hard to develop staff, work with other agencies and develop relationships with the community. The city received “many positive comments from the community of his friendliness and community-minded volunteerism,” Blake wrote.

Wright, who has a strong interest in firearms and police tactical skills, was also commended for his work with tactical teams responding to deadly situations.

He has given presentations on how the public should respond to an active-shooter event.

“Your presentation was thoughtful, well organized, informative and interesting,” a Hesperia pastor wrote.

Wright’s attorney, Matthew Vicari, declined to comment.

His client on Monday, Nov. 4, waived his right to a preliminary examination in 63rd District Court while he negotiates a possible plea deal with Kent County prosecutors.

He is accused of having sexual contact, using force or coercion, with a woman on the party bus. He also faces the same accusations in Ingham County - where another alleged crime occurred on the bus.

In the Kent County case, the alleged victim told state police that Wright “was intoxicated and was making numerous sexually explicit advances toward her while traveling on a ‘party bus’ to a Detroit Tigers game and back,” state police Trooper Brian Komm said in a probable-cause affidavit.

After making sexual remarks to the woman, Wright “forcefully” pushed his groin into the woman’s buttocks area when the bus stopped on the way home near 10 Mile Road NW and Peach Ridge Avenue for a bathroom break, Komm wrote.

“Some of this contact was observed by witnesses as the (defendant) smacked the buttocks of other women on the bus without their consent,” Komm wrote.
















Fremont PD chief takes deal in sexual assault case
WOOD TV News
February 16, 2022
The former police chief of Fremont was in court Wednesday as he took a plea agreement in a sexual assault case. 


















Fremont PD chief takes deal in sexual assault case
WOOD TV News
February 16, 2022
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The former police chief of Fremont was in court Wednesday as he took a plea agreement in a sexual assault case.

Randall Wright was accused of inappropriately touching a woman back in June of 2019. The alleged incident happened on a bus trip to Detroit for a Tiger’s game with the Fraternal Order of Police. The victim spoke with News 8 a few months after the alleged assault. She said Wright was intoxicated at the time.

“That is no excuse for behavior. I’ve known many men in my life who were highly intoxicated, and they’ve never been sexually inappropriate with women,” said the victim in the 2019 interview. “(He was) commenting about my body, made sexual comments about what he would like to do with me sexually and he reached back with his hand and grabbed my private area aggressively.”

After Target 8 investigators informed city leaders that the Michigan State Police were investigating the assault, they placed Wright on administrative leave in September of 2019. Wright was later fired once prosecutors issued formal charges in October 2019.

On Wednesday, Wright was in court for the 2019 allegations. He entered a no contest plea to two reduced misdemeanor charges. The first charge is for aggravated assault which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail. The second charge is for disorderly person obscene conduct which could result in up to 90 days in jail. Although the case stems from sexual assault allegations, Kent County judge Christina Elmore said the current charges would mean Wright does not have to register for the Michigan Sex Offenders Registry. The Kent County prosecutor confirms the final charges are a result of a plea deal. 

Judge Elmore read further details about the case during the hearing. She said the police report also showed Wright jerked the victim’s ponytail while making sexual comments and at one point smelled her hair, making her uncomfortable. Elmore said the police report also detailed Wright pressing his genitals against the victim’s backside during the bus ride.

News 8 attempted to get comment from Wright and his attorney following the hearing, but they declined. News 8 also reached out to city and police leaders in Fremont for comment but did not hear back. 

Wright is due back in court for sentencing on April 26th. 
















Ex-West Michigan police chief takes plea deal after woman assaulted on party bus
MLive
February 16, 2022



GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A former West Michigan police chief will avoid the state’s sex offender registry after he entered pleas for allegedly inappropriately touching a woman on a party bus in 2019.

Randall Scott Wright, 50, pleaded no contest Wednesday, Feb. 16 to misdemeanor charges of aggravated assault and disorderly person-obscene conduct.

Wright had attended the Detroit Tigers “Law Enforcement Night” baseball game in June 2019, traveling on a bus from West Michigan to Detroit.

On the return trip, state police alleged he made unwanted sexual contact with a woman on the bus.

Wright initially was charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, carrying a potential two years in prison and registration on the state sex offender registry for 15 years.

The charges of aggravated assault, a one-year misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, a 90-day misdemeanor, carry no registry requirement.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said several factors weighed into the plea deal, including whether the victim would agree to it. She did.

“The victim was on board with it,” he said. “It has been lingering with her to, so just to move it along.”

Becker also said there was no evidence that Wright was involved in any other similar incidents. And the courts are still backlogged from COVID-19 delays, making plea deals in some cases a good option, he said.

“We found this mutually agreeable,” Becker said, referring to discussions with Wright’s attorney.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Kent County Circuit Judge Christina Elmore read parts of a state police report to substantiate the pleas. State police earlier said the woman reported that Wright was intoxicated on the bus.

The victim told police that Wright made comments about her breasts. She said he also leaned over and smelled her hair, making her uncomfortable, Elmore said.

At one point, the woman alleged, Wright grabbed her ponytail and jerked her head back.

“He then started making lewd comments about sexual things that he wanted to do to her,” Elmore said.

The woman also told police that, as she was getting off the bus, Wright was behind her and forcefully pushed his groin area into her back side.

She alleged that Wright asked her if she liked it. She told him no.

Wright was fired from his position as the Fremont police chief in October 2019.

His attorney, Matthew Vicari, declined comment outside the courtroom on Wednesday.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 26.






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Thursday, June 6, 2019

06062019 - Detroit PD Sergeant Elaine Williams Murder Case - Eddie Ray Johnson Charged With First-Degree Murder

 




"The Wayne County Prosecutor said Johnson shot Williams five times in front of her 12-year-old son in 2019 in their Garden City home."




























'Rising star:' Chief Craig remembers off-duty Detroit sergeant killed in domestic shooting
FOX 2 Detroit
June 3, 2019



DETROIT (FOX 2) - Chief James Craig said the department suffered a "tremendous loss" with the death of a sergeant who was shot and killed in Garden City.

Sgt. Elaine Williams was killed in a domestic situation Sunday around 11:45 p.m. at a home in the 200 block of Belton Street, which is near Cherry Hill and Inkster roads. 

Williams was a 14-year veteran with the Detroit police department and was approaching her third year of service in the rank of sergeant. Craig said she was also vigorously studying for the lieutenant exam. 

"There is no doubt in my mind she would've been one of our next lieutenants," Craig added, calling her a "rising star." He said she was currently working major crimes and there wasn't a "dry eye in the room" when he went to speak with her colleagues Monday following her death. 

Craig said he didn't know any other circumstances about the shooting, as Garden City Police and Michigan State Police are leading the investigation. 

Williams was found dead inside the home overnight when police came to the house. A second person was found injured with a gunshot wound outside of the home and taken to the hospital. Police haven't said yet how badly the other person was hurt. 

Williams leaves behind two children, a 4-year-old and a 12-year-old. 

Craig added that Williams was one of those people that could light up a room, and no matter what kind of day he was having she was always able to brighten it. 
















The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office says that Eddie Ray Johnson, 35, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of an off-duty Detroit police officer.

Elaine Williams, 34, has been identified as the officer with the Detroit Police Department killed in the incident. The prosecutor’s office also confirmed that the victim and suspect were “domestic partners at the time of the shooting.”

The incident is said to have occurred at about 11:45 p.m. June 2 in the 200 block of Belton in Garden City. Johnson is charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm, and is expected to be arraigned at a local hospital Thursday, June 6.

The prosecutor’s office says that officers discovered the “lifeless body” of Williams inside the home, and then located the suspect nearby who had suffered an injury.

“It is alleged that the defendant fatally shot the victim multiple times,” the prosecutor’s office writes in its release.

Johnson was then transported to a local medical facility where he remains, according to the update.

“By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in the release.

“We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly.”

Detroit Police Chief James Craig said that Williams is someone who “touched the community” and served as a neighborhood officer supervisor. Craig added that the case is being handled by the Garden City Police Department and Michigan State Police during a news conference.















Man charged with killing off-duty Detroit sergeant in domestic shooting
FOX 2 Detroit
June 6, 2019



GARDEN CITY, Mich. (FOX 2) - The domestic partner accused of shooting and killing a Detroit police officer was charged with murder Thursday.

Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson, 35, has been charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the death of 34-year-old Elaine Williams on Sunday night.

According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, it was around 11:45 p.m. June 2 when Garden City police officers arrived on scene in the 200 block of Belton to find Williams dead in the home. The suspect was found nearby with a gunshot wound outside the home nearby and was taken to the hospital.

It is alleged that Williams shot Johnson many times, killing her. Police say they were domestic partners.

Williams was a 14-year veteran with the Detroit police department and was approaching her third year of service in the rank of sergeant. Detroit Police Chief Craig said she was also vigorously studying for the lieutenant exam, calling her a "rising star" in the department. 

"By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department. We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Williams leaves behind two children, a 4-year-old and a 12-year-old. 

Garden City Police and Michigan State Police are leading the investigation. 















Garden City man charged in fatal shooting of Detroit cop
The Detroit News
June 06, 2019



Garden City — A Garden City man is facing up to life in prison on claims he fatally shot an off-duty Detroit police officer in a domestic incident, authorities said. 

Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson, 35, was arraigned Friday in the fatal shooting of his domestic partner Sgt. Elaine Williams, a 14-year-veteran of the Detroit Police Department.

Officials said Johnson was arraigned in a hospital. He will remanded to the Wayne County Jail once he is discharged from the hospital. A judge also scheduled his next court date for June 17.

Wayne County prosecutors have charged Johnson with first-degree murder and felony firearm. 

Williams, a mother of two children who worked in the Detroit Police Department's Major Crimes Section, lived in Garden City, where the incident occurred. 

Garden City police responded to Williams' home on Belton Street about 11:40 p.m. Sunday. They found Williams dead inside.

They found Johnson, who had sustained an injury, nearby. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital. 

Prosecutors allege Johnson shot Williams multiple times.

"By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a press release. "We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly."

Johnson was expected to be arraigned in the hospital Thursday. 















Man charged in deadly shooting of off-duty Detroit police officer
Click On Detroit - WDIV
Jun 7, 2019

A 35-year-old Garden City man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Elaine Williams, a Detroit police officer.















Garden City man facing murder charge in fatal shooting of off-duty Detroit police officer
Johnson also facing felony firearm charge
Click On Detroit - WDIV
Jun 7, 2019



GARDEN CITY, Mich. – A 35-year-old Garden City man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Elaine Williams, a Detroit police officer.

Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson and Williams, 34, were domestic partners, according to officials. Garden City police officers were sent to the home in the 200 block of Belton Street on Monday at 11:45 p.m.

Williams was dead inside the home when officers arrived, according to police. Officers found Johnson injured nearby. He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital.

Johnson is accused of shooting Williams multiple times.

Johnson is facing a first-degree murder charge and a felony firearm charge. He is expected to be arraigned Thursday in a local hospital.

"By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department. We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.















Hearing reveals chilling details in murder of off-duty officer
Click On Detroit - WDIV
September 04, 2019
















Man accused of killing Detroit police girlfriend faces judge
FOX 2 Detroit
September 4, 2019








(FOX 2) - Doug Fields recalled the night his friends were shot in court Wednesday.

The preliminary exam was held for Eddie Johnson, charged with shooting and killing his girlfriend Elaine Williams in Garden City June 2, shooting her five times. Williams was a Detroit police sergeant.

 "I heard gunshots, there was a pause, then I heard more gunshots as I was crossing the street," said neighbor Doug Fields.

Attorney: "Do you recall any issues arising?"

"Verbal arguing started in my driveway," said Fields.
 
Brought out in a wheelchair, Johnson is charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm for killing Sgt. Williams - inside their home on Belton Street. Elaine Williams was shot five times with four of those shots in her head.

"It would be what we describe as close range," Dr. Mildad Webb, Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. "I would approximate about 8 to 12 inches from her face."

Neighbor Doug Fields says they all had been drinking that day and when they returned from a nearby bar, Williams and Johnson started arguing.  And once inside their home he says he heard two separate rounds of gunshots.

"Eddie came out of the house, he said he'd been shot and was bleeding and holding his stomach," Fields said.
 
Prosecutors say Fields, who says he is Johnson's best friend, initially told police that Eddie asked him to take his son because he "didn't want him to hear the fight." He added that when Eddie came out of the house, he said that Elaine shot first.
 
Prosecutor: "Is that right?"

"While I was under the influence, that's what I wrote," he said. " Yes. I don't remember writing that, is what I'm trying to tell you."

The defense suggesting Wednesday that Elaine and Eddie had gotten into a scuffle - and began wrestling over the gun and it accidentally went off, nothing more.

Attorney: "Did you see any signs of any physical effects bruises, like she'd been in a fight or anything?"

"I did not," Dr. Webb said.

But Garden City police testified that Eddie initially told them that after Williams slapped, then shot him, Johnson grabbed the gun - then shot her while she charged at him. His story later: 

"He picked it up and the two struggled over the gun and that's when the gun went off several more times," said Lt. Billy Smith, Garden City police.















Neighbor describes Garden City shooting that left off-duty Detroit police officer dead
Elaine Williams killed by boyfriend June 3
Click On Detroit - WDIV
September 04, 2019



GARDEN CITY, Mich. – A neighbor was called to the stand Wednesday during the preliminary examination for a man charged with killing his girlfriend in Garden City.

Elaine Williams, a Detroit police officer, was shot dead at her home in the 200 block of Belton Street on June 3. Her boyfriend, Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson, is facing murder charges.

The couple's neighbor, Douglas Fields, described what he knew about the shooting.

Fields testified that Williams, 34, and Johnson, 35, were at a bar drinking with him and another couple. He said they were drunk when they got home about 11 p.m.

"I remember getting my son, hearing the gunshots, one or two at first, then a pause and a couple more, and I was going back across the street myself after I took my son back to my house," Fields said.

Prosecutors said Johnson shot Williams four times in the head and once in the shoulder before shooting himself as a cover-up.

"Eddie came out of the house and said he had been shot and was bleeding, holding his stomach. Looking at him, I didn't know what happened," Fields said.

Fields said he went into the house after the shooting to get Williams' son. Prosecutors claim he had to walk over her body to pull her son out of the home.

In court, Fields said he didn't remember what he told officers the night of the shooting and wouldn't reinforce his written account of events from the night.

Fields called Johnson his best friend and didn't seem anxious to answer questions.















Man accused of murdering police officer released on $10K bond for medical procedure
MLive
Apr. 02, 2021
DETROIT – A man who was being held in jail pending trial for the murder of a Detroit Police officer has been released on a $10,000 bond with a tether for a medical procedure, FOX 2 Detroit reports.

Eddie Ray Johnson is charged with first-degree murder in the 2019 death of 35-year-old Elaine Williams, a 14-year member of the Detroit Police Department and mother of two, the TV station reports. Williams and Johnson were in a relationship and lived together at the time of Williams’ death.

It is alleged that, in June 2019, Johnson shot Williams in the head at close range four times and once in the shoulder before shooting and wounding himself at their home in Garden City, the report said.

Johnson claims that he acted in self-defense. The bond granted by a Wayne County judge allows Johnson to stay out of jail until his trial, which could be in about a year, the report said.

Friends and family of Williams’ told FOX 2 they believe Johnson is a flight risk and a danger to the community. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office called the bond amount “ridiculously low” for a first-degree murder case.



















Detroit Police Chief Craig blasts decision granting bond to man charged with killing DPD sergeant
Click On Detroit - WDIV
April 05, 2021

















Garden City man charged with murder of Detroit officer granted bond
Kym Worthy, James Craig voice opposition to judge’s decision
Click On Detroit - WDIV
April 05, 2021

"This is a ridiculously low bond for a first-degree murder case. It was inappropriate, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will be appealing the court’s bond decision."
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy


WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A Garden City man charged in the shooting death of his domestic partner, a Detroit police officer, was granted bond.

Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson is accused of killing Elaine Williams in their home in Garden City on June 2, 2019. Police said he shot Williams multiple times.

Officers arrived at the home in the 200 block of Belton Street at 11:45 p.m. and found Williams dead inside. Johnson was charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm

On Thursday, Judge Lawrence Talon reduced Johnson’s bond from remand status to a $100,000/10% bond with a GPS tether and house arrest for a medical procedure.

“Her life was worth more than any bail amount and definitely more than $10,000,” Williams’ sister Keisha Kemble said.

Detroit police chief James Craig said he wants to know why a man accused of murdering a police officer in an act of domestic violence was given such a low bond.

“I wish that judge explained to this family and DPD family why that was done. Please let us know,” Craig said.

















Worthy to appeal after court gives $10K bond to man charged in 2019 Garden City murder
FOX 2 News - Detroit
April 5, 2021







GARDEN CITY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said she plans to appeal the bond decision after a man charged with killing a Detroit police officer was released from jail.

Eddie Ray Johnson is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the 2019 murder of Elaine Williams at their Garden City home.

Johnson was given a $100,000/10% bond with a GPS tether and house arrest for a medical procedure after his bond was reduced last week.

Judge Lawrence Talon issued the bond. If he posts bond, Johnson will stay out until the trial, which could be nearly a year from now.

"A compassionate release? Where is the compassion for her family, where's the compassion for her children?" said pastor Maurice Hardwick, a community activist.

Johnson is accused of shooting Williams multiple times before shooting and injuring himself at their home on Belton Street on June 2, 2019.

"She was shot five times. Tragically, one of her sons remained in the home when this incident occurred," Detroit police Chief James Craig said. 

Williams, a sergeant with the Detroit Police Department, was a 14-year veteran of the force when she was killed at 35. She had a son with Johnson.

"I live in Detroit, the county of Wayne, and I am disgusted," said Detroit police Sgt. Mark Young.

Williams' family and Detroit police officials are angry at the decision to let Johnson out on bail.

"Her life was worth more than any bail amount and certainly worth more than $10,000," her said Keisha Kemble said. "Our hearts are forever broke and this decision has opened a wound that will not heal."

The community is calling on the judge to reconsider the bond.

"This is a ridiculously low bond for a first-degree murder case. It was inappropriate, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will be appealing the court’s bond decision," Worthy said.

Talon did not return Fox 2's calls seeking comment, and Johnson's defense attorney declined to comment.


















Slain cop's sister 'horrified' at accused killer's release on bond
The Detroit News
April 05, 2021




Detroit — The sister of slain Detroit Police Sgt. Elaine Williams expressed outrage Monday after the man accused of killing Williams two years ago in an alleged domestic violence shooting was released on bond last week.

During a press conference in Detroit Public Safety Headquarters, Detroit police officials echoed the criticism of Wayne County Circuit Judge Lawrence Talon's decision to release murder suspect Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson on a tether.

Williams, a mother of two and a 14-year Detroit police veteran who worked in the Major Crimes Section, was killed June 2, 2019, in the Garden City home she shared with her domestic partner, Johnson.

Williams' 12-year-old son was home during the incident, in which she was shot five times, although Johnson reportedly removed his biological son from the home prior to the shooting.

Johnson, 35, was arrested and charged last year with first-degree murder and felony firearm. Like most first-degree murder defendants, he was remanded to the Wayne County Jail to await trial.

But on Thursday, Talon reduced the defendant’s bond from remand status to a $100,000/10% bond with a GPS tether and house arrest. 

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy released a statement Monday calling it "a ridiculously low bond for a first-degree murder case. It was inappropriate, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will be appealing the court’s bond decision.” 

Keisha Kemble, the victim's sister, said during Monday's press briefing that she and her family are "horrified by the judge's decision."

Kemble's voice cracked as she addressed the press with her and Williams' father, Roy Binon, at her side. He did not speak to reporters.

"Her life was worth more than any bail amount," Kemble said. "Our hearts are forever broken, and this decision has opened up a wound that hasn't healed.

"I hope and pray that the judge would change his ruling and keep him where he belongs for killing my sister," she said. "He didn't have to look at my 5-year-old nephew and tell him his mother was dead, and watch the tears roll out of his eyes."

Neither Talon nor Johnson's attorney Ray Burkett returned phone calls seeking comment Monday, although police Chief James Craig said Johnson's release was for an unspecified medical condition. 

"I'm told (Johnson) was being treated medically in the Wayne County Jail, but whatever the reasons were, if that individual needed to be released for some higher-level care, that should be done — as long as he's taken right back to jail," the chief said.

"A compassionate release for medical reasons, then directed him home on GPS tether? Unreal," Craig said. "I’ve been doing this job a long time. … I don’t recall a time when a murder suspect, a defendant awaiting trial, was released on a tether."

Johnson's release comes as Wayne County court officials are weighing bond reform and other changes, following a lawsuit filed last year by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan against 36th District Court magistrates.

The lawsuit claims the cash bail system is unconstitutional and discriminates against poor people "by locking them up because they cannot afford to pay while allowing those who have money to go free."

Craig said he supports bail reform for misdemeanors and some nonviolent felonies, "but never for people with histories of violence. It's so annoying, and there's no real accountability."

Craig and other law enforcement officials have long complained about allegedly violent criminals being released with no or low bond, although the chief said Monday a minority of judges and magistrates are making those decisions. 

Last month, two suspects were freed from jail without having to post bond after they allegedly pointed a gun at Detroit officers before leading them on a high-speed chase that ended when the car plowed into a police cruiser.

"This is a conversation that we’re having weekly, when we talk about crime and suspects being released into our community who have a history of violence," Craig said. "When will it stop?"

Detroit police Lt. Donna McCord, who worked with Williams, said during Monday's press conference that she and her co-workers were "offended" at the judge's decision.

"Elaine was an advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves," she said. "Did the judge take into account the emotional effects of his decision on Elaine's sons? What message does it send to other victims who are already afraid to come forward?"

Pastor Maurice Hardwick of Power Ministries Church, who is known as "Pastor Mo," called Williams "a lively, bright spirit."

"I met her in the field; she worked with misguided youth. ...  She was the one who defends and protects others," he said. "Who protects her? I'm upset today. A compassionate release? Well, where is the compassion for her family? Where the compassion for her children? Where is it?"


















Judge grants man charged with murdering Detroit cop $10K bond, tether for medical procedure
FOX 2 Detroit
April 6, 2021







FOX 2 - The family of the murdered Detroit police officer found out Friday that the person accused of killing her could be let out on a $10,000 bond and a tether. They are terrified about what he could do next.

A judge granted the suspect, Eddie Ray Johnson, to get out of jail for a medical procedure - and stay out until the trial which could be nearly a year from now. However, Johnson is still in police custody and has not bonded out. 

"My heart just dropped hurt so bad everybody hurting right now," said Christine Begoski. "I just felt like the system has let us down." 

Christine Begoske is holding her grandchildren close after learning the man accused of killing her daughter, 35-year-old Detroit Police Officer Elaine Williams is free.

"He doesn't need to be out that long," she said. "Let him get his little procedure done and go back to jail. He doesn't need to be out until January, that is a long time. My daughter doesn't get to see any sunshine, I don't get to see her at all."

"For him to be out on a tether, one thing I can say, I worked for the Department of Corrections - I worked for the absconder recovery unit," said family friend Bo Grimm. "I know in two seconds that tether can be cut and he's gone. He could be in Jamaica by tomorrow."

In June 2019, while in their Belton Street home in Garden City, Johnson is accused of shooting Elaine four times in the head at close range and once in the shoulder, before he allegedly shot and wounded himself.

Johnson claims he killed his girlfriend, who was a well-respected 14-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, in self-defense.

But her best friend from childhood, Bo Grimm, says that is nonsense. Just days before, Elaine told her she was leaving him for good.
 
And knowing the couple's history of domestic abuse, Grimm said he fears what he could do next.

"He's a flight risk, a community risk, and the justice system has definitely let us down," he said. "He's going to hurt somebody else and I hope the judge can live with that." 

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office isn't happy with the judge's decision which tried to argue against the reduction of bond in a statement it called "A ridiculously low amount." 

Prosecutor Kym Worthy added, "This is a first-degree murder case. I think the court's bond ruling is completely inappropriate."

"She didn't deserve what she got," Grimm said. "She has two kids that can never see their mother again. They don't deal with this (just) when it happened, they have to deal with it the rest of their lives."
   
"Him coming here and taking my grandson and him running away and getting away with murder - that's my biggest concern," said Begoske. "And I am scared for my grandsons. They were in the house when she was murdered."

Worthy added that the Wayne County Sheriff's Department said it will be closely monitoring the defendant's GPS tether if he is out on bond.

















Prosecutor to appeal release of man accused of murdering Michigan police sergeant
MLive
Apr. 06, 2021
GARDEN CITY, MI – A Michigan prosecutor plans to appeal a judge’s decision to release a man accused of murdering a Detroit Police sergeant in 2019.

Eddie Ray Johnson was being held in jail pending trial for first-degree murder until a judge released him on bond last week. On Thursday, April 1, Wayne Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Talon granted Johnson a $100,000/10% bond with a tether and house arrest for a medical procedure. He will be out of jail until his trial, which could be in about a year.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy told FOX 2 Detroit that she plans to appeal the release. She previously called the bond amount “ridiculously low” for a first-degree murder case.

Johnson is accused in the 2019 death of 35-year-old Elaine Williams, a sergeant and 14-year member of the Detroit Police Department and mother of two. Williams and Johnson were in a relationship and lived together at the time of Williams’ death; they also have a child together.

It is alleged that, in June 2019, Johnson shot Williams in the head at close range four times and once in the shoulder before shooting and wounding himself at their home in Garden City. Johnson claims that he acted in self-defense.















Chief Craig calls judge a coward for compassionate release of accused cop killer
FOX 2 Detroit
April 9, 2021


Accused cop killer gets compassionate release by judge until trial, sparking outrage Judge Lawrence Talon allowed the release of a suspected murderer of a 14-year police veteran on $10,000 bond and a tether.






FOX 2 - Friends, colleagues, and family of the late Detroit Police Sgt. Elaine Williams rallied Friday to criticize the judge who allowed the suspect charged with her murder, to be released on a tether to have a medical procedure. 

Judge Lawrence Talon also set a bond of $10,000 and is letting the accused murderer, Eddie Ray Johnson, stay out on bond until his trial date.

"We are appalled that Judge Talon allowed the defendant who murdered Elaine to bond out on a measly $10,000," said Joanna Ali Johnson, retired Detroit police sergeant. "We prayed that the judge will resend his decision and bring the defendant back where he belongs locked up."

Sgt. Williams was a 14-year veteran of Detroit police at the time she was killed allegedly by her boyfriend Eddie Ray Johnson, who claimed the shooting was in self-defense. 

Documents confirm that Johnson is out on bond with an electronic monitoring unit. 

"We talk about $10,000, this suspect got out for nothing. He's on a tether facing murder," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig.

Detroit's police chief is just one of the many speakers calling for the judge to do the right thing. 

"This despicable action of the judge. Shameful," Craig said. "And I hope he's watching. There's one way to describe when people hide -  it's called cowardly." 

"We know it's not enough Wayne County sheriffs to monitor defendants on tether," said Assistant Police Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Department.

A recording of a message Sgt Williams gave to students was played during Friday's call for action.

Her family said they are praying that this community support will help the judge see he is not delivering justice  

"We all should all be concerned," said LaKeisha Kemble, Sgt. Williams' sister. "Because if this can happen to my sister, a dedicated police sergeant, this injustice can happen to anyone."

FOX 2 contacted Johnson's attorney who has not responded for comment. 

The prosecutor's office requested Judge Talon to reconsider the reduction of bond and he declined.. The prosecutor's office says it is going to appeal that decision. 

"He is held accountable by this community," Craig said. "He sits in that seat because of the community."















Family protests judge's decision to grant bond to man charged with killing Detroit police sergeant
Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV
Apr 15, 2021

















Judge affirms bond for alleged Detroit cop-killer
The Detroit News
April 23, 2021






Detroit — A Wayne County judge denied prosecutors' request Friday to reverse his decision earlier this month to grant bond to a man accused of killing a Detroit police officer, saying the defendant is not a flight risk or danger to society.

Judge Lawrence Talon's April 1 ruling in the case of Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson prompted protests and sharp criticism from Detroit police; Johnson is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the June 2, 2019, shooting death of Detroit police Sgt. Elaine Williams, his domestic partner.

Talon's April 1 ruling ordered the defendant released on a tether because of an undisclosed medical condition, reducing the defendant’s bond from remand status to a $100,000/10% bond. Police chief James Craig and other officers called the judge's decision "cowardly."

Following a nearly two-hour hearing Friday in Wayne County Circuit Court, the judge denied a motion from Wayne County prosecutors asking him to increase Johnson's bond to $250,000 with no 10% provision.

Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Maria Miller said in an email Friday: "A decision will be made about appealing the judge’s ruling in the near future."

After Talon rendered his decision to uphold Johnson's bond conditions, the judge said Craig's "personal attack" against him was a "threat to democracy."

Talon said since he granted Johnson's release from jail, protesters have been picketing outside the Wayne Circuit courthouse in Detroit, and outside his Livonia home. He said someone put a picture of Williams and a letter in his mailbox Friday morning imploring him to change his bond decision.

The judge said someone also sent him text messages about the case, including a link  to an April 9 Detroit News story bearing the headline: "Craig at vigil for slain cop: Judge in bond decision 'cowardly.'" 

"I'm not supposed to read about the case, but you couldn't miss it," Talon said. "Right in the headline, it says my decision was cowardly.

"I believe public officials have the constitutional right to call other public officials cowardly ... but I also believe when government officials make personal attacks on judges, that it’s a threat to the independence of the judiciary, and as such it’s a threat to democracy," the judge said.

Craig responded: "I don't deny what I said. I said it on the record because that's what I felt about him. I'm deeply disappointed in his decision."

Mark Young, president of the Detroit Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association union, who has been picketing outside the judge's house, said after Friday's hearing that the demonstrations will continue in light of Talon's decision.

"I'm just speechless," he said. "This is injustice. What message does this send to domestic violence victims? What message does this send to law enforcement?"

Talon cited several factors that prompted his decision to deny the prosecution's request to increase Johnson's bond, including evidence that suggests Williams shot Johnson first.

"Based on the Medical Examiner's testimony and the state police report, a reasonable conclusion is that the defendant was shot first," the judge said. "He claims Ms. Williams shot him first, and that he got the gun and shot her."

Talon said jurors could find Johnson guilty of crimes ranging from first-degree murder to manslaughter. "I'm not saying those will be the verdicts," he said. "I'm just saying when you look at the likelihood of conviction, they could come up with any number of possible verdicts."

Craig replied: "It sounds like (Talon) is setting up a self-defense claim for (Johnson)."

Williams was a mother of two and a 14-year Detroit police veteran who worked in the Major Crimes Section. Her 12-year-old son was home when she was shot five times, although Johnson reportedly removed his biological son from the home before the shooting.

During his arraignment a week after the killing, Johnson was ordered remanded to the Wayne County Jail. The charges were lowered to second-degree murder following Johnson's two-day preliminary examination, although Talon later reinstated the first-degree murder charge.

"Domestic violence is a terrible thing," Talon said. "But but not all violence between domestic partners means the person accused of the domestic violence is a danger to the public. They are often a danger to the other partner."

Talon said he doesn't take the protests against him personally.

"Based on the Judicial Code of Conduct, I cannot talk to you," he said to the demonstrators. "I cannot come outside. I cannot read your signs or listen to the chants, and I cannot look at the picture of Elaine Williams and the letter that was left in my mailbox this morning.

"In every case that comes before the court, when the court makes a decision, one side is going to be unhappy," Talon said. "No judge is insensitive to the pain and grief we've seen on both sides of the aisle.

"But it's my hope that, even if you disagree with my decision, I hope and trust that you'll feel you received a fair hearing. The defendant is presumed innocent."



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