05282009 - Officer Robert Vargas - Sentenced - Lansing PD

Officer Robert Vargas sentenced for stalking police officer who arrested him for May 2007 stalking incident.

Lansing police officer sentenced to probation for stalking officer in Jackson County
by Danielle Quisenberry
Jackson Citizen Patriot
Thursday May 28, 2009, 3:27 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/05/lansing_police_officer_sentenc.html

A former Lansing police officer convicted of stalking a Blackman Township public safety officer was sentenced Thursday to five years probation.

As a condition of his probation, Robert Vargas, 39, is not to have any contact with Officer Joseph Merritt or his family, said Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson.

A jury convicted Vargas, who recently retired as an officer after he was given a duty disability pension, of misdemeanor stalking and acquitted him on a charge of malicious use of a telephone.

Merritt testified at the trial that Vargas twice called him and made threatening statements after Merritt arrested Vargas in 2007 on misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and telephone harassment.

In that case, Vargas was convicted of telephone harassment and was sentenced in October 2007 to 15 months probation.

Four days after his probation ended, Vargas first called Merritt and said, "You are going to need an attorney ... you're dead," according to testimony.

Thursday, Vargas turned to Merritt, who was sitting in the courtroom, and apologized. "Joe, I am truly sorry that things got to this point," he said. "I wish you all the best in the future."

His lawyer, Fred Blackmond, said Vargas is "changing his life."

Merritt said it did not seem as though Vargas had gotten over Merritt arresting him.

According to you, I have some general disdain for you. That's not true," Merritt said.

He said he never wanted to arrest a police officer, but had to make a difficult decision, which, as a former police officer, Vargas should understand.

Merritt said Vargas deserved jail time, but asked Wilson not to send him to jail. "I would ask Mr. Vargas to move on with his life and get past all this."

Wilson said he had planned to order Vargas to jail for "impact purposes," but did not.

A few years down the road, if Vargas has done well, Wilson said he may consider taking Vargas off probation.

Vargas was placed on paid administrative leave from the police department after he was first charged with crimes in 2007. Since then he was granted the pension.

In April 2004, Vargas was shot four times and killed one suspect during what authorities said was a robbery in progress.












Jackson County jury finds former Lansing police officer guilty of misdemeanor stalking
by Danielle Quisenberry
Jackson Citizen Patriot
Tuesday April 21, 2009, 5:23 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/04/jackson_county_jury_finds_form.html

A jury found a former Lansing police officer guilty on Tuesday of stalking a Blackman Township public safety officer who arrested him in 2007.

After nearly a day of deliberations, jurors acquitted Robert Vargas, 39, of Mason of aggravated stalking, a felony, and convicted him of the lesser charge of misdemeanor stalking.

They also found him not guilty of malicious use of a telephone, a misdemeanor.

Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson is to sentence Vargas May 28. His crime is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Public Safety Officer Joseph Merritt testified that Vargas twice called him in April 2008 and made threatening statements.

The threats occurred after Merritt arrested Vargas in 2007 in Blackman Township on a domestic violence charge.

A Jackson County jury found Vargas not guilty of domestic violence, but guilty of harassing his former girlfriend with a telephone. He was sentenced to probation.

Soon after his probation ended, Vargas called Merritt, according to Merritt and cell phone and court records.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer argued the threats "terrified" Merritt, who sent his wife and children from their home after he received the first call.

Merritt testified he worried often about Vargas, who lives within a half mile of Merritt's home.

"I think about it when I am out plowing snow, I think about it when I am weeding flower beds. I think about it all the time," Merritt testified.

Defense lawyer Fred Blackmond argued Merritt was not really afraid of Vargas.

Blackmond said the elements to prove the felony charge of aggravated stalking "weren't really there."

Blackmond said Vargas, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, is retired from the Lansing Police Department. He received a duty disability pension after he was shot four times and killed one of the suspects during a robbery in progress in April 2004.









Jury deciding if former Lansing police officer was stalking Blackman Township officer
Published: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 7:53 AM
Updated: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 7:55 AM
By Mike D. Lammi
The Jackson Citizen Patriot
http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/04/jury_deciding_if_former_lansin.html

When Blackman Township Officer Joseph Merritt picked up his cell phone in April 2008, a male voice told him, "You are going to need an attorney. ... You're dead."

He was so bothered by the threat, Merritt sent his wife and two daughters away from their home, he testified Monday at the trial for Robert Vargas, who is accused of stalking Merritt.

Both sides rested their cases Monday. A jury is to continue deliberations today.

Vargas, 39, a retired Lansing police officer, is charged with aggravated stalking, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and malicious use of a telephone, a misdemeanor.

Merritt said Vargas twice called him on his personal cell phone and made foreboding statements, first on April 21, 2008, and again four days later.

In the second call, Vargas said, "Judgment day is coming, Joe," and hung up the phone, Merritt testified.

Merritt arrested Vargas in spring 2007 in Blackman Township, where Vargas' former girlfriend lived. He was arraigned in May 2007 on misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and telephone harassment. A jury acquitted Vargas of domestic violence but found him guilty of telephone harassment, and he was sentenced in October 2007 to 15 months probation.

Four days after Vargas' probation ended, Merritt received the first call, said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer, who showed court and telephone records to the jury.

Prior to that call, Merritt said Vargas followed him around Meijer in Mason while Merritt, who lives in Mason, shopped there with his family.

When questioned by defense lawyer Fred Blackmond, Merritt said he was not intimidated by Vargas at that time. "He was being a jerk," Merritt said.

Blackmond contended Merritt was not seriously threatened by Vargas, who Merritt learned during his domestic violence investigation lived within a half mile of Merritt's home.

Merritt said Monday he did not know if Vargas still lived in such close proximity.

If he was seriously frightened of Vargas, he would know this, Blackmond said.

"He is not scared of Mr. Vargas; he thinks he is a jerk," Blackmond said in his closing argument.

Merritt said he knew, through his work on the domestic violence case, Vargas had a cabinet full of guns in his home.

Vargas was placed on paid administrative leave after he was first charged with the crime in May 2007. He is now retired, his lawyer said. Vargas applied last year for a duty disability pension.

On April 29, 2004, Vargas was shot four times and killed one suspect in what authorities called a robbery in progress in Lansing.









Former police officer's fate in hands of jury
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
By Danielle Quisenberry
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-28/1240322711224300.xml&coll=3

When Blackman Township Officer Joseph Merritt picked up his cell phone in April 2008, a male voice told him, ``You are going to need an attorney. ... You're dead.''

He was so bothered by the threat, Merritt sent his wife and two daughters away from their home, he testified Monday at the trial for Robert Vargas, who is accused of stalking Merritt.

Both sides rested their cases Monday. A jury is to continue deliberations today.

Vargas, 39, a retired Lansing police officer, is charged with aggravated stalking, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and malicious use of a telephone, a misdemeanor.

Merritt said Vargas twice called him on his personal cell phone and made foreboding statements, first on April 21, 2008, and again four days later.

In the second call, Vargas said, ``Judgment day is coming, Joe,'' and hung up the phone, Merritt testified.

Merritt arrested Vargas in spring 2007 in Blackman Township, where Vargas' former girlfriend lived. He was arraigned in May 2007 on misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and telephone harassment. A jury acquitted Vargas of domestic violence but found him guilty of telephone harassment, and he was sentenced in October 2007 to 15 months probation.

Four days after Vargas' probation ended, Merritt received the first call, said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer, who showed court and telephone records to the jury.

Prior to that call, Merritt said Vargas followed him around Meijer in Mason while Merritt, who lives in Mason, shopped there with his family.

When questioned by defense lawyer Fred Blackmond, Merritt said he was not intimidated by Vargas at that time. ``He was being a jerk,'' Merritt said.

Blackmond contended Merritt was not seriously threatened by Vargas, who Merritt learned during his domestic violence investigation lived within a half mile of Merritt's home.

Merritt said Monday he did not know if Vargas still lived in such close proximity.

If he was seriously frightened of Vargas, he would know this, Blackmond said.

``He is not scared of Mr. Vargas; he thinks he is a jerk,'' Blackmond said in his closing argument.

Merritt said he knew, through his work on the domestic violence case, Vargas had a cabinet full of guns in his home.

Vargas was placed on paid administrative leave after he was first charged with the crime in May 2007. He is now retired, his lawyer said. Vargas applied last year for a duty disability pension.

On April 29, 2004, Vargas was shot four times and killed one suspect in what authorities called a robbery in progress in Lansing.









Lansing officer arrested for stalking
WWMT News, Channel 3
July 9, 2008 - 8:08AM
http://www.wwmt.com/news/lansing_1351025___article.html/officer_side.html

LANSING, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A Lansing police officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law.

It's not the first time he's been there.

Officer Rob Vargas, an eleven year veteran of the LPD, is accused of aggravated stalking and making harassing phone calls.

He was placed on paid administrative leave last year after being arrested on similar charges. At that time he was charged with domestic assault, but the court only found him guilty of verbally abusing his girlfriend.

Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley says he can't discuss any specifics of the case while it's in the courts, but he is very disappointed by what has happened.

Officer Vargas is out on a $5,000 personal bond. He is expected back in court later this month.








Reaction to Officer Arrested
WLNS NEWS, TV 6 Lansing Michigan
Posted: July 9, 2008 06:52 AM CDT
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=8645553&nav=0RbQ

Instead of being out on the streets stopping crimes, one local police officer is charged with one.

It's not the first time the Lansing officer has had a brush with the law. Officer Rob Vargas faces stalking and harassing charges. It all stems back to another incident that happened last year. That's when Vargas was arrested after an altercation with his girlfriend and was later convicted of a misdemeanor harassment charge. Now the Jackson County assistant prosecutor says Vargas stalked the same officer that originally arrested him.

He wore the badge for 11 years, and even became a hero when he was shot 4 times during a robbery gone bad. Now Lansing Police Officer Rob Vargas is on the other side of the law.

Chief Mark Alley, Lansing Police Department: "Obviously not only myself, but the organization are very disappointed that we find ourselves in this position."

It's a position not many are used to. The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office says they've never seen a case like it.

Mark Blumer, Assistant Prosecutor: "Handled a number of cases against corrupt police officers, and I've never had one alleging stalking by a police officer, that's a new one."

It might be unusual, but officials say they're treating it like just any other case.

Chief Mark Alley: "I'm not here to make a judgement about Officer Vargas, other than we're disappointed that he's been charged by the Jackson County prosecutor, but once again, we know that we need to do an investigation to get all the facts before we make judgements about what happened."

While the Lansing police department conducts its own investigation, Vargas is on paid administrative leave. Meantime, he's expected back in court on July 29th for his preliminary hearing.




Lansing cop faces charges of stalking, threatening officer who arrested him
Jackson Citizen Patriot
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
By Danielle Quisenberry
http://www.mlive.com/jackson/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1215612316178030.xml&coll=3

A Lansing police officer is facing charges he stalked a Blackman Township public safety officer who arrested him last year on a domestic violence charge.

Robert Vargas, 38, of Mason was arraigned late last week in Jackson County District Court on charges of aggravated stalking, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and malicious use of a telephone, a misdemeanor.

Vargas, who is on paid administrative leave, is accused of making life-threatening phone calls to Blackman Township Public Safety Officer Joseph Merritt.

Merritt arrested him last spring in Blackman Township, where Vargas' former girlfriend lived; Vargas was arraigned May 23, 2007, on misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and telephone harassment.

In September, a Jackson County jury acquitted him of domestic violence, but found him guilty of telephone harassment; he was sentenced in October to 15 months probation.

Jackson County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer said Tuesday that Vargas' probation was reduced to six months, and he began calling Merritt in mid-April, shortly after he came off probation.

Merritt, through Blackman Township Public Safety Director Mike Jester, declined comment.

Michigan State Police Lt. Jim Shaw, who commands the Jackson post, which handled the investigation, said the calls were ``threatening in nature.''

As defined in the Michigan statute, aggravated stalking involves threats to kill another individual or inflict physical injury.

At one time, Merritt, who has been a public safety officer for five years, ran into Vargas in a store and had concerns Vargas was following him, Shaw said.

Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley said Vargas has been on paid administrative leave since he was first charged with crimes in May 2007.

At that time, the department launched an internal investigation, but Vargas has since applied for a duty disability pension, which is under review by the department pension board.

The investigation was put on hold pending the board's review of his application. A decision is expected this month, Alley said.

If his request is granted, he will no longer be employed by the Lansing Police Department, Alley said. If the application is accepted, the investigation will resume, the chief said.

On April 29, 2004, Vargas was shot four times and killed one of the suspects, Alley said.

Vargas had interrupted what authorities called a robbery in progress at a town home in Lansing, according to news reports at the time.










Policeman accused of stalking another cop
Lansing officer faces felony charge in Jackson Co.
July 9, 2008
Christine Rook
Lansing State Journal
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/NEWS01/807090347

A Lansing police officer is accused of stalking and harassing a Blackman Township police officer who arrested him on a criminal complaint in 2007.

Robert Vargas, 38, was arraigned July 3 on one count of felony aggravated stalking and one count of misdemeanor telephone harassment, according to prosecutors in Jackson County.

He has been released on a personal bond of $5,000.

The accusations come less than a year after Vargas was convicted of misdemeanor telephone harassment involving a former girlfriend and sentenced to probation.

During that September conviction, Vargas was acquitted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in the May 2007 incident, Jackson County officials said.

Vargas completed his probation in that case.

Mark Blumer, chief assistant prosecutor for Jackson County, said that in April, Vargas began harassing the Blackman Township police officer who had arrested him on the previous case.

Authorities wouldn't comment further about what form the harassment took.

"We're disappointed that we find ourselves in the position of these charges being filed," Lansing police Chief Mark Alley said Tuesday.

Vargas has been on paid administrative leave since the original incident with his former girlfriend in May 2007. Vargas and union representatives could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening.

Vargas has worked for the Lansing Police Department since the summer of 1997.

Following his conviction, he had applied for duty disability pension, the chief said, and was awaiting an official ruling on both the pension and possible disciplinary action from the department.

Vargas' preliminary exam on the new charges is set for July 29 before 12th District Court Judge R. Darryl Mazur in Jackson.

The felony stalking charge carries a possible maximum sentence of five years in prison, Blumer said. The harassment charge carries a maximum of six months.

In addition, a police internal affairs review is likely to go over the entire series of events and determine how it might affect Vargas' work status, said Lansing police spokesman Lt. Noel Garcia.

"It has to be determined on a case-by-case basis," Garcia said.

Vargas made headlines as an officer in 2004 when he was shot four times after he interrupted a robbery.

While wounded, he shot and killed one of two men involved in the break-in. It was determined that Vargas' use of deadly force was justified.







LANSING COP ARRESTED FOR STALKING
WKHM 970AM, Jackson Michigan
July 09, 2008
http://www.wkhm.com/story.php?more_group=83&more_block=news&more_item=70540

AN ELEVEN YEAR VETERAN OF THE LANSING POLICE DEPARTMENT IS FACING UP TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR ALLEGEDLY STALKING JOSEPH MERRITT, AN OFFICER WITH THE BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

ACCORDING TO POLICE REPORTS MERRITT ARRESTED ROBERT VARGAS IN MAY OF 2007 FOR A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT INVOLVING HIS GIRLFRIEND.

HE WAS LATER ACQUITTED OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES, BUT HE WAS CONVICTED ON THE MALICIOUS USE OF A TELEPHONE CHARGE.

ONCE HE COMPLETED HIS PROBATION FROM THAT CASE, IT IS ALLEGED THAT VARGAS STARTED STALKING MERRITT WITH PHONE CALLS. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED AND VARGAS TURNED HIMSELF INTO THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE LAST WEEK.

HE IS NOW FACING THE SAME CHARGES HE WAS CONVICTED OF LAST YEAR. VARGAS WAS RELEASED ON $5,000 BOND. HIS PRELIMINARY HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR THE END OF THE MONTH. CURRENTLY VARGAS IS ON PAID LEAVE FROM THE LANSING POLICE DEPARTMENT SINCE HIS FIRST ARREST IN 2007.









Lansing Police Officer Charged With Stalking
WLJA News, Lansing Michigan
July 8, 2008 - 8:18PM
http://www.wlaj.com/news/officer_12501___article.html/vargas_lansing.html

ABC 3 News has learned a Lansing Police officer has been charged with stalking.

Officer Rob Vargas was arrested in Jackson County.

Here is a statement from the Lansing Dept:
On July 1, 2008 the Jackson County Prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for Lansing Police Officer Rob Vargas. On July 3, 2008 Officer Vargas was arraigned on charges of Felony Aggravated Stalking and Misdemeanor Malicious Use of Telecommunications.

Officer Vargas was hired on August 22, 1997 and was most recently assigned to the uniform patrol division. Officer Vargas was placed on paid administrative leave on May 23, 2007 due to a criminal investigation in Jackson County. Since that time Officer Vargas has applied for a duty disability pension. The Pension Board is currently reviewing his request.

Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley said today that the Lansing Police Department does not tolerate criminal misconduct by any of its members and that allegations of wrongdoing by any member of the agency are thoroughly investigated.

"We have and will continue to hold ourselves to the highest possible standards of integrity and professional conduct in law enforcement," Chief Alley said. "We will not compromise our core values and will assure that those values are applied to all our personnel on or off duty. The Lansing Police Department will maintain the integrity of our disciplinary process by following the policies, procedures and union contract, which details the disciplinary process."

Chief Alley noted that Officer Vargas's situation remains in the criminal justice system and therefore it would be inappropriate to discuss the details of his case.







Lansing Police Officer Charged with Stalking Another Officer
Posted: 5:24 PM Jul 8, 2008
Last Updated: 11:54 PM Jul 8, 2008
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/24079909.html

Thirty-eight year old Robert Q Vargas - a Lansing police officer for 11 years - was charged Thursday in Jackson County with felony stalking and illegal use of a telephone... a misdemeanor.

The alleged victim in this case? Another police officer.

"The victim of the alleged stalking is the Blackman Township police officer who arrested Mr. Vargas," Jackson County Prosecutor Mark Blumer said.

Back in May 2007, Vargas was arrested and charged with domestic violence and malicious use of a telephone - the same misdemeanor charge he faces this time around.

The victim that case was his girlfriend.

"He was convicted by a jury on the malicious use of a telephone," Blumer said, "but he was acquitted on the domestic violence charge."

Blumer said Vargas had just completed his probation from that case in April when he began stalking the arresting officer from Blackman Township.

"Part of the stalking crime occurred here in Jackson," he said. "If I call you and your in Jackson, then part of the crime occurred in Jackson."

Vargas was on paid administrative leave from the Lansing Police Department since his previous criminal case, but before the Lansing Police Department made any decision on his future, Vargas filed for medical pension relating to a shooting in 2004.

"The most appropriate thing to do was to put a hold on the internal investigation until the medical doctors could do a review of Mr. Vargas," Lansing Chief Mark Alley said.

Which means Vargas is still on paid leave from the department.

He's also out on $5,000 bond in Jackson County until his preliminary hearing on the new charges at the end of this month.

Vargas could face up to five years in prison.








Lansing cop facing charges he stalked Blackman officer
Jackson Citizen Patriot
Posted by Danielle Quisenberry
July 08, 2008 23:32PM
http://blog.mlive.com/citpat/2008/07/lansing_cop_facing_charges_he.html

A Lansing police officer is facing charges he stalked a Blackman Township public safety officer who arrested him last year on a domestic violence charge.

Robert Vargas, 38, of Mason, was arraigned late last week in Jackson County District Court on charges of aggravated stalking, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and malicious use of a telephone, a misdemeanor.

Vargas, who is on paid administrative leave, is accused of making life-threatening phone calls to Blackman Township Public Safety Officer Joseph Merritt.













Lansing police officer charged
WLNS NEWS
Posted: July 8, 2008 05:13 PM CDT
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=8643322&nav=0RbQ

Vargas is free on a $5,000 dollar bond and will have a preliminary hearing on July 29th.












Lansing Police Officer Charged with Stalking Another Officer
WILX News, Lansing Michigan
Posted: 4:24 PM Jul 8, 2008
Last Updated: 10:54 PM Jul 8, 2008
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/24079909.html

Thirty-eight year old Robert Q Vargas - a Lansing police officer for 11 years - was charged Thursday in Jackson County with felony stalking and illegal use of a telephone... a misdemeanor.

The alleged victim in this case? Another police officer.

"The victim of the alleged stalking is the Blackman Township police officer who arrested Mr. Vargas," Jackson County Prosecutor Mark Blumer said.

Back in May 2007, Vargas was arrested and charged with domestic violence and malicious use of a telephone - the same misdemeanor charge he faces this time around.

The victim that case was his girlfriend.

"He was convicted by a jury on the malicious use of a telephone," Blumer said, "but he was acquitted on the domestic violence charge."

Blumer said Vargas had just completed his probation from that case in April when he began stalking the arresting officer from Blackman Township.

"Part of the stalking crime occurred here in Jackson," he said. "If I call you and your in Jackson, then part of the crime occurred in Jackson."

Vargas was on paid administrative leave from the Lansing Police Department since his previous criminal case, but before the Lansing Police Department made any decision on his future, Vargas filed for medical pension relating to a shooting in 2004.

"The most appropriate thing to do was to put a hold on the internal investigation until the medical doctors could do a review of Mr. Vargas," Lansing Chief Mark Alley said.

Which means Vargas is still on paid leave from the department.

He's also out on $5,000 bond in Jackson County until his preliminary hearing on the new charges at the end of this month.Vargas could face up to five years in prison.

Lansing officer faces stalking charge
Midday update
Lansing State Journal
July 8, 2008
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080708/NEWS01/807080365/1002/NEWS01

JACKSON - A Lansing police officer is accused of stalking and harassing a Blackman Township officer.

Robert Vargas, 38, was arraigned July 3 on one count of felony aggravated stalking and one count of misdemeanor telephone harassment, according to prosecutors in Jackson County.

Vargas also was found guilty in 2007 of verbally abusing his former girlfriend over the telephone and was sentenced to 15 months of probation.

Vargas now is accused of harassing the Blackman Township officer who investigated the case against him last year.

Since 2007, Lansing police said, he has been on paid administrative leave. Vargas has since applied for a duty disability pension.

Vargas could not be reached for comment.

05132009 - BlogTalk Radio - "Married To A Cop? No Place To Turn For Help?" With Cloud/Behind The Blue Wall AND Renee' Harrington/MI OIDV

"Married to A Cop? No Place To Turn For Help?"
Where Do You Turn When Your Husband is A Cop?
Susan Murphy Milano on Blogtalk Radio
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Call-in Number: (347) 326-9337
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/SusanMurphyMilano

[OIDV OFFICER INVOLVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RADIO RENEE HARRINGTON CLOUD WRITER]

05052009 - Deputy Carl Jones - Sentenced - Berrien County SD

Also See:

Deputy Carl Jones - Charged with domestic violence [Jan 15, 2009]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/04/mi-deputy-jones-guilty-of-assaulting.html

DEPUTY SENTENCED TO PROBATION FOR ASSAULT

St. Joseph Herald Palladium
May 5, 2009
[Excerpt] A Berrien County sheriff's deputy was sentenced Monday to serve nine months on probation for assaulting a man in a domestic violence situation. As part of the sentence, Carl E. Jones, 46, of St. Joseph Township was ordered to pay a fine, costs and restitution totaling $1,426. Jones was sentenced under a law that provides for the misdemeanor offense to be erased from his record if all probation terms are met...
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2009/05/mi-deputy-carl-jones-who-escaped-dv.html










Sheriff's deputy found guilty of assault

Posted: Saturday, April 4, 2009 12:00 am
Updated: 8:18 pm, Tue Nov 15, 2011.
By SCOTT AIKEN - H-P Staff Writer
The Herald-Palladium
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/sheriff-s-deputy-found-guilty-of-assault/article_d5b92f20-07cf-5904-b58f-ea40df1e4f8c.html

ST. JOSEPH - A jury on Thursday found a Berrien County sheriff's deputy guilty of assault and battery for shoving the son of a woman he was dating.

Carl Jones, 46, was acquitted of a related charge of domestic violence against the woman, Linda Smith, during a Jan. 15 altercation in the garage of his residence in St. Joseph Township.







SHERIFF'S DEPUTY FOUND GUILTY OF ASSAULT
St. Joseph Herald Palladium
By Scott Aiken - H-P Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, April 4, 2009 1:08 PM EDT

ST. JOSEPH - A jury on Thursday found a Berrien County sheriff's deputy guilty of assault and battery for shoving the son of a woman he was dating. Carl Jones, 46, was acquitted of a related charge of domestic violence against the woman, [LS], during a Jan. 15 altercation in the garage of his residence in St. Joseph Township
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2009/05/mi-deputy-carl-jones-who-escaped-dv.html
Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

05012009 - Deputy Steven Fresorger - Saginaw County SD

DEPUTY FRESORGER'S PLEA BARGAIN AND SENTENCING ON ALL LEIN CHARGES:


SAGINAW DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER: ALL L.E.I.N. CHARGES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-all-lein-charges.html









DEPUTY STEVEN T. FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD : MAY - JULY 2009

Between May and July 2009, Deputy Fresorger ran John Warner on the Saginaw County Sheriff Department LEIN system. At the time, Warner was dating Fresorger's ex-girlfriend.

In June 2011, criminal charges were filed against Deputy Fresorger for his missue of the LEIN system. Fresorger faces five counts of unlawfully using the LEIN system; felony charge for using a computer to commit a crime; and five misdemeanor charges for forgery of a motor vehicle certificate. To date, those criminal charges are still pending.

In March 2012, Fresorger's attorney asked the court to drop the felonycriminal charges against the Deputy.

"Elizabeth Canfield, a state police analyst of LEIN, testified that Fresorger...searched for a “John Warner” once between May and July 2009 and followed that by searching more specifically for John A. Warner and John P. Warner.
John P. Warner testified that he has never been to Saginaw County and didn’t know Fresorger, while John A. Warner now lives in San Francisco, Moore said.

"Fresorger’s ex-girlfriend, Tracy Moore, testified that she dated John A. Warner in 2009..."


ALSO SEE:

DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD: JULY 17, 2010.
Criminal charges for misuse of the LEIN. July 17, 2010.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/07/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html




DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD: SEPT. 6 - 7, 2010
Criminal charges for misuse of the LEIN. September 6 - 7, 2010.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/09/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html




DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD: MAY 07, 2011
Allegation of domestic violence assault.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html




DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD: JUNE 2011
Stalking charges filed against Deputy Fresorger.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html







Attorney for suspended Saginaw sheriff's deputy asks judge to dismiss felony LEIN use charges

Published: Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 7:19 AM
By Andy Hoag
The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2012/03/attorney_for_suspended_saginaw.html

SAGINAW, MI — The attorney for a former Saginaw County sheriff's deputy Monday asked a judge to dismiss charges that he improperly used a statewide computerized information system for personal use.

Steven T. Fresorger, 41, appeared along with his attorney, James F. Piazza, before Saginaw County Circuit Judge James T. Borchard, who heard arguments on Piazza's motion to “quash,” or dismiss, the six felonies that Fresorger faces.

The Saginaw Township resident is charged with five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information he obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN, and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

Piazza argued that testimony from Fresorger's preliminary hearing in August did not indicate that he accessed information about his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriends — as well as two individuals with similar names as the new boyfriends — for personal use and did not indicate what, if anything, Fresorger did with the information.

Borchard, who said he was only “halfway” through the transcripts from the two-part hearing and would make a decision once he finishes reading them, indicated that his impression was that Fresorger was accessing the information to find out more about the men with whom his ex-girlfriend was bringing their child into contact. Piazza argued that there also was no indication of that from the testimony.

Piazza added that while Fresorger's ex-girlfriend, Tracy Moore, testified that Fresorger told her of her new boyfriends' past drug use, that type of information, including criminal history, is not accessible through in-car LEIN consoles, which Fresorger used.

County Assistant Prosecutor Jon Sahli countered that testimony showed that some in-car LEIN consoles can access criminal history, while others cannot.

Fresorger was suspended May 10 with pay and suspended June 24 without pay in connection with the charges. He remains suspended without pay until the conclusion of this case, said county Sheriff William L. Federspiel.

The charge of using computers to commit a crime carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, while the impermissible use of personal information charge carries a five-year maximum penalty. The misdemeanors carry maximum penalties of 93 days in jail.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond.







Trial ordered for sheriff's deputy charged with improper LEIN use

Published: Monday, November 07, 2011, 9:24 AM
By Andy Hoag
 The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/11/trial_ordered_for_sheriffs_dep.html

SAGINAW — A suspended Saginaw County sheriff’s deputy accused of improperly using a statewide computerized information system for personal use will stand trial on six felonies and five misdemeanors.

Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark on Wednesday concluded the second part of the preliminary hearing for Steven T. Fresorger, 41, by ruling that prosecutors had shown probable cause to take him to trial in Circuit Court.

Fresorger, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information he obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

Fresorger is accused of using LEIN to access information about his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriends as well as two individuals with similar names as the new boyfriends.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond.









Witness: Saginaw County sheriff's deputy ran names of ex-girlfriend's new boyfriends through LEIN system; discipline hearing coming soon

Published: Monday, August 22, 2011, 4:39 PM
Updated: Monday, August 22, 2011, 8:42 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/witness_saginaw_county_sheriff.html

SAGINAW — A Saginaw County sheriff’s deputy ran the names of his child’s mother’s new boyfriends through a statewide computerized information system, a witness testified today.

A decision on whether Steven T. Fresorger will stand trial on six felonies and seven misdemeanors for, prosecutors say, improperly running the names will have to wait until a later date, though.

Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark this afternoon heard testimony from six witnesses in the preliminary hearing for Fresorger, 41, of Saginaw Township. Because Fresorger’s attorney, James F. Piazza, had another scheduled hearing, Clark postponed the remainder of the hearing until a later date.

The hearing is intended for a judge to determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Fresorger is charged with five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information he obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

Elizabeth Canfield, a state police analyst of LEIN, testified that Fresorger — or, at least, someone using Fresorger’s user identification and password — used LEIN terminals to run information checks, but not criminal history checks, on John A. Warner, John P. Warner, Michael Stoll, Michael M. “Marty” Stoll, and Brandon Wakeman.

Fresorger’s ex-girlfriend, Tracy Moore, testified that she dated John A. Warner in 2009 and “Marty” Stoll and Wakeman in 2010. Moore said that Fresorger told her that each of the three men had drug charges.

Canfield testified that Fresorger searched for a “John Warner” once between May and July 2009 and followed that by searching more specifically for John A. Warner and John P. Warner. John P. Warner testified that he has never been to Saginaw County and didn’t know Fresorger, while John A. Warner now lives in San Francisco, Moore said.

Fresorger on July 17, 2010, searched 11 times for “Marty” Stoll and once for Michael Stoll, Canfield said. On Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, he searched for Wakeman’s name four times, Canfield said.

“Marty” Stoll testified he knew of Fresorger “through mutual friends” but never had contact with him a sheriff’s deputy. Stoll testified that he possessed marijuana with Moore at one time, but Clark did not allow him to answer further questions from Piazza to avoid incriminating himself.

Somebody from either the Saginaw Police Department or Michigan State Police searched for Wakeman on Sept. 4, Canfield said. Wakeman, who said he never met or had contact with Fresorger, said he was arrested for drunken driving by a state police trooper that day.

Piazza said one of Fresorger’s defenses will be that as a deputy, he could check on Stoll’s and Wakeman’s backgrounds. A defense regarding Warner was not mentioned today, but Piazza likely will address it at the continuation of the hearing.

Canfield testified that the searches Fresorger conducted were only for driver’s license information, such as date of birth and an individual’s driver’s operator code — information protected through the state LEIN statute.

Days after Fresorger filed an “emergency petition” for sole custody of their 5-year-old son, based on accusations that Moore sexually assaulted the child, Moore sent a letter to county Sheriff William L. Federspiel, claiming that Fresorger was stalking her.

Fresorger was charged in late June. Joan Hogenson, who provides custody and parenting recommendations for the Saginaw County Friend of the Court, testified she interviewed Fresorger and Moore. When she asked Fresorger if he used LEIN to research Warner, he said, “I’ll check on people my son is around,” Hogenson said.

Hogenson acknowledged, however, that Fresorger did not actually admit to using LEIN to “check on” those people.

Federspiel on June 24 suspended Fresorger without pay in connection with the charges.

That suspension was pending the completion of an internal investigation, Federspiel said. He gave Fresorger notice of possible discipline earlier this month, he said, to which Fresorger had 14 days to respond.

Those 14 days expired “late last week,” Federspiel said, and Fresorger did not respond. The sheriff now must conduct a “Loudermill hearing” to “determine what I’m going to do with any type of discipline,” he said.

Federspiel said he will conduct the hearing “in the next 10 days” and will “make a decision based on the outcome of the internal investigation.” Discipline could include termination, he said.

The charge of using computers to commit a crime carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The charge of impermissible use of personal information carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and the charge of unauthorized disclosure of information from the LEIN system carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond







Hearing delayed for Saginaw County sheriff's deputy accused of improper use of statewide data

Published: Tuesday, July 05, 2011, 3:44 PM
Updated: Wednesday, July 06, 2011, 8:47 AM
By Andy Hoag
The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/07/hearing_delayed_for_saginaw_co.html

SAGINAW — A Saginaw County sheriff’s deputy accused of using a statewide computerized information system for personal use will have to wait longer to see if he’ll stand trial on six felonies and seven misdemeanors.

Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark this afternoon postponed the preliminary hearing for Steven T. Fresorger, 41, of Saginaw Township.

Fresorger is charged with five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information he obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN, and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

The deputy, whom county Sheriff William L. Federspiel suspended without pay June 24 in connection with the charges, appeared today before Clark for a conference to prepare for a preliminary hearing, intended for the judge to hear evidence and decide whether probable cause exists for trial.

The hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, but Fresorger’s attorney, James F. Piazza, will be in Saginaw County Circuit Judge Fred L. Borchard’s courtroom for the continuation of the trial against brothers Ronald and Steven Owens.

Piazza said Fresorger would waive his right to have the hearing within 14 days of his arraignment. The attorney also said he still is receiving discovery materials.

Fresorger’s arrest warrant states the crimes he’s charged with committing occurred between June 29, 2009, and Sept. 7, 2010.

Federspiel said investigators believe five individuals had their information compromised by Fresorger. The sheriff has not revealed a motive.

Federspiel said the investigation began after a citizen filed a complaint against the deputy April 6. The citizen was not one of the five people whose information was compromised, according to the sheriff.

The charge of using computers to commit a crime carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The charge of impermissible use of personal information carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and the charge of unauthorized disclosure of information from the LEIN system carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sheriff's deputy charged for misusing department's computers

by Dan Armstrong
Posted: 06.24.2011 at 5:30 PM
http://www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=633667

Today the Saginaw County sheriff puts one of his own on unpaid leave while that deputy is investigated internally and criminally.


Deputy Steve Fresorger has been charged with six felonies and five misdemeanors.

The investigation started months ago.

He's accused of unlawfully using the LEIN system, a database of public criminal records run by law enforcement.

The prosecutor says the deputy used it for personal use and not official business.

"We must maintain a high level of professionalism when using LEIN and if it's alleged that someone has abused or utilized it for personal use it is our duty, my duty as sheriff especially, to look into that matter," says Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel.

Some county commissioners have criticized the sheriff's handling of the case because the deputy has been paid from May 10th until June 24.

The sheriff says that's because he has to follow proper procedure and collective bargaining agreements






UPDATE: Saginaw County deputy suspended without pay, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of using computers to commit crime

Published: Friday, June 24, 2011, 4:25 PM Updated: Friday, June 24, 2011, 4:36 PM
By Tom Gilchrist
The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/06/update_saginaw_county_deputy_f.html

SAGINAW — Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel today suspended Deputy Steven T. Fresorger without pay after the deputy was charged with six felonies and five misdemeanors on Wednesday.


"This is a sad day for Saginaw County, but we're doing what is right," said Federspiel, announcing the change in the status of Fresorger, 41, who was suspended May 10 but had been receiving pay since then.

"It's a form of discipline when you suspend a person without pay, and in order to impose discipline, I like to follow everything to the letter in the collective bargaining agreement (with unionized officers)," Federspiel said.

Fresorger is accused of five counts of impermissible use of personal information he obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN system.

He also faces five counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from the LEIN system, and one count of using computers to commit a crime.

Prosecutors allege the acts occurred between June 29, 2009, and Sept. 7 of last year.

The LEIN system is a statewide computerized information system established to serve Michigan’s criminal justice agencies. It is designed to provide a computerized filing system of accurate and timely documented criminal justice information. The system contains information such as addresses and dates of birth of motorists, owners of vehicles and driving records.

"We are looking at five individuals we believe had their information compromised" by Fresorger, the sheriff said. Federspiel didn't reveal Fresorger's motive in allegedly using the information, but said he would disclose that eventually.

Federspiel said the investigation of Fresorger began after a citizen filed a complaint against the deputy on April 6. The citizen was not one of the five people who had their information compromised, according to the sheriff.

The charge of using computers to commit a crime carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The charge of impermissible use of personal information carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and the charge of unauthorized disclosure of information from the LEIN system carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail.

In arraigning Fresorger on Wednesday, Saginaw County District Judge M.T. Thompson entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and held him on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond. Fresorger posted the bond Wednesday.

Fresorger’s July 6 preliminary hearing is scheduled before District Judge Terry L. Clark.

Sheriff's Department Lt. Robert B. Phelps said that before the sheriff could suspend Fresorger without pay, Federspiel was required to follow protocol related to the collective bargaining agreement and fair labor standards.

 
 
 
 
 

Saginaw County Commissioners









County Commissioners: Deputy should be suspended without pay

Posted: Jun 24, 2011 8:47 AM CDT
Updated: Jul 22, 2011 9:00 AM CDT
By Tom Plahutnik, Web Editor/Produce
http://www.wnem.com/story/14970163/commissioners-call-for-sheriffs-deputy-to-be-suspended-without-pay

County Commissioners Tim Kelly and Kirk Kilpatrick said in a news release Friday that they disagree with the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department's decision to pay Steven T. Fresorger while he is suspended from his job.

County prosecutors have charged Fresorger with six felonies and five misdemeanors for allegedly forging motor vehicle certificates and using government property to commit those crimes.

"I don't care what collective bargaining agreement or union contract this guy is working under, taxpayers should not have to pay for this guy to sit at home while he builds a defense for defrauding us all," Kelly said. "We have thousands of law abiding people out of work, trying to scrape a life together and somehow they see fit to continue to pay this guy?"

The commissioners said it appears there was a lengthy and ongoing investigation leading up to Mr. Fresorger being charged with six felonies and five misdemeanors.

"Law enforcement personnel are paid quite well for their service, partially to avoid this kind of behavior," said Kilpatrick. "I do not believe we should be paying criminals to protect us from criminals"

Kelly and Kilpatrick said they understand that an investigation is pending, but believe that Fresorger, while presumed innocent, should nevertheless be suspended without pay.

According to Sheriff William Federspiel, Fresorger has been on paid administrative leave since early May while the Sheriff Department's Internal Affairs unit investigated. He will have a hearing Friday and his employment status may change at that hearing.

Fresorger is due back in court on July 6.







Saginaw County Sheriff's deputy charged and arraigned
Posted: Jun 23, 2011 1:16 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 21, 2011 1:49 PM CDT
By Doug Moiles, Assignment Manager
http://www.wnem.com/story/14964825/saginaw-county-deputy-charged-and-arraigned?clienttype=printable

A Saginaw County Sheriff's deputy has been charged with six felonies and five misdemeanors following an internal investigation by the department.

Deputy Steve Fresorger was charged with five counts of unlawfully using the LEIN system, a database of public and criminal records run by law enforcement in a Saginaw courtroom Wednesday. The other felony charge was for using a computer to commit the alleged crime. The five misdemeanor charges are for "forgery of a motor vehicle certificate."

The police database crime charge means the deputy may have accessed the system for a use other than law enforcement purposes. The system may only be used for official business and for nothing of a personal nature.

According to Sheriff William Federspiel, Fresorger has been on paid administrative leave since early May while the Sheriff Department's Internal Affairs unit investigated. He will have a hearing tomorrow and his employment status may change at that hearing.

Fresorger is due back in court on July 6.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sheriff's deputy could face 11 criminal charges

Friday, June 24, 2011
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8213379

SAGINAW COUNTY -- (06/24/11) -- A Saginaw County sheriff's deputy could be fired now that he is facing 11 criminal charges.

He's accused of using a state-wide Law Enforcement Information Network for personal purposes, but he might also be charged in another case.

Steve Fresorger was formally charged on Wednesday, but the Saginaw County prosecutor is reviewing another criminal complaint involving the deputy.

In 2008, Fresorger was featured in an ABC12 story for helping save the life of a man who collapsed in a meeting. But now, the 41-year-old deputy is free on bond after being charged with six felonies and five misdemeanors.

"It's very difficult. It's never easy for anyone, but especially for one of your own. It's a sad day for Saginaw County," said Saginaw County Sheriff Bill Federspiel.

All of the criminal charges pertain to Fresorger's alleged personal use of the state's Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, a system used by law enforcement agencies across the state.

"Run secretary of state information, license plates, we can find out owner information on vehicles. It must be utilized for professional purposes only, it cannot be utilized for personal purposes at all," Federspiel said.

While the sheriff won't disclose what Fresorger was allegedly looking for in the LEIN system, Fresorger is also under investigation for a domestic situation involving an ex-girlfriend at a Saginaw Township little league field on May 7.

"She alleges that there was a confrontation on the field between him and her and he grabbed her right arm and pulled her off the field," said Saginaw Township Police Chief Don Pussehl.

That incident was investigated by the Saginaw Township Police Department.

"This is a separate incident that was reported to us. It was investigated and this case has been turned over to the prosecutor for review," Pussehl said.

Federspiel says Fresorger will be put on unpaid administrative leave today, and a decision on whether he will be fired will be made next week following an internal affairs investigation.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Saginaw County deputy charged with six felonies, accused of forging motor vehicle certificates

Published: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 4:08 PM
Updated: Friday, June 24, 2011, 8:26 AM
By Tom Gilchrist
The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/06/saginaw_county_deputy_charged.html

SAGINAW — Prosecutors have charged a Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department deputy with six felonies and five misdemeanors in connection with allegations he forged motor vehicle certificates and committed unauthorized use of a statewide computerized information system.

Steven T. Fresorger, 41, of Saginaw Township was arraigned on the charges Wednesday in front of Saginaw County District Judge M.T. Thompson.

Fresorger faces five felony counts of forging motor vehicle certificates and one felony count of using a computer to commit those crimes.

He also faces five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized use of the Law Enforcement Information Network, a statewide computerized information system established to serve Michigan’s criminal justice agencies.

Fresorger is suspended with pay, said department Lt. Robert B. Phelps. The department's Internal Affairs officers investigated Fresorger and the probe continues, according to Phelps.

Thompson set bond at $1,000. Fresorger posted bond and remains free awaiting a July 6 hearing on the evidence before Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark.

The Law Enforcement Information Network, known as LEIN, is designed to provide a computerized filing system of accurate and timely documented criminal justice information.

The system also contains driver information.



Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

05012009 - Officer James Joseph DaDeppo - Grosse Pointe Woods PD

...Police said he wouldn’t put his hands behind his back, kept pulling away and tried to walk away. They had to take him to the ground to arrest him...


GROSSE POINTE POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED IN DOMESTIC ABUSE INCIDENT

The Detroit News
Charles E. Ramirez
Monday, May 4, 2009
[Excerpts] A Grosse Pointe Woods police officer has been arrested for shoving his girlfriend and resisting arrest, officials said today. James Joseph Dadeppo, 53, of St. Clair Shores was arrested Friday... The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has issued a two-count misdemeanor warrant for Dadeppo on charges of domestic violence and obstructing a police officer... He was released Saturday on a $2,500 bond... Police say they were called to the home on Lane Court to respond to a domestic dispute complaint. Officers spoke to a 53-year-old Warren woman who said Dadeppo became verbally abusive to her while they were having a few drinks at a Sterling Heights restaurant. The woman told police she left the restaurant and returned home. Dadeppo later showed up at the home and argued with the victim, police said. He also pushed and shoved the woman around her kitchen, she told investigators. The suspect then started collecting some of his personal belongings from the home and the victim called police. When Warren police officers arrived, they confronted Dadeppo in the home's driveway and retrieved his firearm, Dwyer said. He said when the officers questioned Dadeppo, he became upset and refused to comply with their requests. A struggle ensued as officers attempted to handcuff him and take him into custody... [Full article here]






OFFICER SUSPECTED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN WARREN SET TO BE ARRAIGNED
freep.com
By Christina Hall
May 4, 2009
[Excerpts] ...During questioning, DaDeppo became upset with the officers and refused various requests, [Warren Police Lt. Michael] Torey said. There was a brief struggle when they tried to handcuff DaDeppo, Torey said. Police said he wouldn’t put his hands behind his back, kept pulling away and tried to walk away. They had to take him to the ground to arrest him, Torey said. The woman was not hurt. Torey said DaDeppo is a 32-year officer with Grosse Pointe Woods public safety. DaDeppo has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, according to Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Director Michael Makowski. “The department takes these charges very seriously and will ensure that this matter will be dealt with professionally and according to department policy,” according to a statement from Grosse Pointe Woods public safety. [Full article here]







Grosse Pointe Woods
Officer Arrested
Updated: Monday, 04 May 2009, 6:19 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 04 May 2009, 6:19 PM EDT
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/Grosse_Pointe_Woods_Officer_Arrested

WARREN, Mich. - Grosse Pointe Woods Police are saying they regrettably acknowledge that Sgt. James DaDeppo, a 32 year veteran of the force, is facing criminal charges in Warren.

"Domestic violence is on the increase in this country and we really expect a little bit more from public safety officers," said Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer.

Police say DaDeppo became physically abusive with his girlfriend of seven months at a home on Lane Court. The two had been drinking earlier at a restaurant. She left upset and he followed. They argued, she called police and a neighbor says seven Warren cop cars filled the street.

"I looked over there and they had him wrestled to the ground. There's like three officers; something like that," said Steve Olshove.

"The officers actually had to take him down using one of their obviously police trained maneuvers. The concern is that no one's above the law," Dwyer said.

According to his supervisors, DaDeppo is on leave and facing review. He faces two counts, domestic violence and obstructing a police officer, and is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday.






G.P. Woods officer arrested in Warren
Published: Monday, May 4, 2009
The Macomb Daily
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/05/04/news/doc49ff4bd753712495324836.txt

By Norb Franz. Macomb Daily Staff Writer

A Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety officer faces charges of domestic violence and obstructing Warren police who arrested him following allegations that he pushed and shoved his girlfriend.

Warren officers confronted Sgt. James Joseph DaDeppo, 53, in the driveway of his girlfriend's home on Lane Court on Friday night. Officers ordered DaDeppo to raise his hands so they could remove the pistol he admitted he was carrying, Warren Detective Lt. Michael Torey said.

"He defiantly asked, 'Why are you holding my arm?' as they continued to pat down the rest of his body," Torey said. "He pulled away several times. Officers had to use some force to place him under arrest."

The Warren officers managed to arrest DaDeppo, who resides in St. Clair Shores, without using pepper spray or a Taser.

Police said DaDeppo, a member of the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department for 32 years, had been arguing with the 53-year-old woman while they were "having a few drinks" at Great Baraboo Brewing Company in Clinton Township.

She left the restaurant/bar without DaDeppo and went home. After DaDeppo arrived at the house, located near Common and Hayes roads, the argument resumed and the suspect began pushing and shoving her around the kitchen, Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said.

When the squabble stopped, DaDeppo began retrieving some of his belongings. That's when the woman, who reported she had been dating the Grosse Pointe Woods officer for seven months, dialed 911, officials said.

"She feared that as he was taking things to his car, she thought he would become more abusive," Torey said.

No injuries were reported, police said.

DaDeppo was released from custody Saturday after posting a $2,500 surety bond.

"It is unfortunate these incidents occur. However, our department takes all domestic violence complaints seriously," Dwyer said. "I will ensure that this matter will be handled professionally and in accordance with our department's established procedure."

On Monday, the Warren City Attorney's Office issued a warrant charging DaDeppo with domestic violence and obstructing police -- both misdemeanors punishable by up to 93 days in jail. He is due in 37th District Court on Wednesday for arraignment.

Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Director Michael Makowski said DaDeppo has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.









Public safety officer arrested
Published: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Macomb Daily
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/05/05/news/srv0000005262763.txt

By Norb Franz, Macomb Daily Staff Writer
A Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety officer faces charges of domestic violence and obstructing Warren police who arrested him following allegations that he pushed and shoved his girlfriend.

Warren officers confronted Sgt. James Joseph DaDeppo, 53, in the driveway of his girlfriend's home on Lane Court on Friday night. Officers ordered DaDeppo to raise his hands so they could remove the pistol he admitted he was carrying, Warren Detective Lt. Michael Torey said.

"He defiantly asked, 'Why are you holding my arm?' as they continued to pat down the rest of his body," Torey said. "He pulled away several times. Officers had to use some force to place him under arrest."

The Warren officers managed to arrest DaDeppo, who resides in St. Clair Shores, without using pepper spray or a Taser.

Police said DaDeppo, a member of the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department for 32 years, had been arguing with the 53-year-old woman while they were "having a few drinks" at Great Baraboo Brewing Co. in Clinton Township.

She left the restaurant/bar without DaDeppo and went home. After DaDeppo arrived at the house, located near Common and Hayes roads, the argument resumed and the suspect began pushing and shoving her around the kitchen, Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said.

When the squabble stopped, DaDeppo began retrieving some of his belongings. That's when the woman, who reported she had been dating the Grosse Pointe Woods officer for seven months, dialed 911, officials said.

"She feared that as he was taking things to his car, she thought he would become more abusive," Torey said.

No injuries were reported, police said.

DaDeppo was released from custody Saturday after posting a $2,500 surety bond.

"It is unfortunate these incidents occur. However, our department takes all domestic violence complaints seriously," Dwyer said. "I will ensure that this matter will be handled professionally and in accordance with our department's established procedure."

On Monday, the Warren City Attorney's Office issued a warrant charging DaDeppo with domestic violence and obstructing police — both misdemeanors punishable by up to 93 days in jail. He is due in 37th District Court on Wednesday for arraignment.

Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Director Michael Makowski said DaDeppo has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.






Veteran cop faces domestic assault, obstructing chargesGrosse Pointe Woods
Kathy Ryan
write the author
May 07, 2009
http://www.grossepointenews.com/Articles-i-2009-05-07-234394.112112_Veteran_cop_faces_domestic_assault_obstructing_charges.html



A 32-year veteran sergeant with the Grosse Pointe Woods public safety department was arrested on charges of domestic assault and obstructing a police officer.

James DaDeppo, 53, of St. Clair Shores, is to be arraigned Wednesday, May 6, in Warren's 37th District Court.

DaDeppo was arrested at 8 p.m. Friday, May 1, after police were called to a house in the 29800 block of Lane Court in Warren by a 53-year-old woman who claims DaDeppo had been pushing her and shoving her in the kitchen of the house during an argument.

The woman, who told police she and DaDeppo had been dating for several months, said DaDeppo attempted to leave her house with "some personal items."

Warren police confronted DaDeppo in the driveway of the house, where he turned over his firearm, but refused to comply with other requests. When police attempted to handcuff him, a brief struggle ensued.

He was taken to police headquarters, and was released after posting a $2,500 surety bond. He has been charged with two misdemeanors, domestic violence and obstructing a police officer. Both charges carry penalties of 93 days in jail.

In a written statement, Woods Public Safety Director Michael Makowski acknowledged DaDeppo's arrest and said that the sergeant had been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation into the incident.

"The department takes these charges very seriously and will ensure that this matter will be dealt with professionally and according to department policy," Makowski said.

Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer, in a written statement, said, "It is unfortunate that these incidents occur; however, our department takes all domestic violence complaints seriously. I will ensure that this matter will be handled professionally and in accordance with our department's established procedure."

See grossepointenews.com for an update after the scheduled arraignment and more on the story in the May 14 edition of the Grosse Pointe News.






Woods police sergeant accused
in Warren incident leaves force
By: 06.08.2009
http://grossepointetoday.com/news/cities/00264-woods-police-sergeant-accused-zxzin-warren-incident-leaves-force

James J. DaDeppo, the Grosse Pointe Woods police sergeant charged with domestic violence last month in Warren, has left the force. Michael Makowski, public-safety director for the Woods, confirmed that DaDeppo opted to retire after 32 years of service. DaDeppo was planning to leave at the end of 2009, and moved his severance date up after the incident in Warren.

In May, DaDeppo was arrested after an argument with his girlfriend at her Warren apartment turned physical, according to police. He was also charged with resisting arrest. The matter is still pending. DaDeppo was placed on paid administrative leave at the time of the incident, and left the force two weeks later, Makowski said.




Grosse Pointe Woods cop pleads guilty to misdemeanor
Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090805/METRO03/908050423/1361/Grosse-Pointe-Woods-cop-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor

Warren -- A Grosse Pointe Woods police officer pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest following a domestic dispute in May.

James Dadeppo of St. Clair Shores pleaded guilty in 37th District Court to one count of hindering and was sentenced to community service and one year of probation. He was also ordered to pay $600 in fines and costs.

In exchange for the plea, one misdemeanor charge of domestic assault was dismissed, court officials said.

On May 1, Warren police were called to a home in the 28900 block of Lane Court near Common and Hayes roads for a domestic dispute.

At the home, a 53-year-old Warren woman said Dadeppo became verbally abusive to her while they were having a few drinks at a Sterling Heights restaurant.

Police said Dadeppo later showed up at the home, argued with the woman and shoved her. And when police attempted to question Dadeppo, he refused to comply and struggled when officers attempted to handcuff him and take him into custody.
cferretti@detnews.com (586) 468-0343







Ex-officer sentenced in domestic assault case
Detroit Free Press
August 06, 2009
http://www.freep.com/article/20090806/NEWS04/908060472/1006/NEWS/Macomb-County-news-briefs--No-more-gifts-for-city-hall--Warren-mayor-says

A former Grosse Pointe Woods public safety sergeant pleaded no contest to a hindering charge in a domestic assault case involving his girlfriend, but the misdemeanor is to be dismissed and removed from his record in a year if he complies with the terms of the court, authorities said.

James DaDeppo, 53, of St. Clair Shores was sentenced Wednesday in 37th District Court in Warren, where a domestic assault charge was dismissed. DaDeppo was given probation and ordered to attend anger management classes, perform 20 hours of community service and pay about $600 in fines and costs, authorities said.

DaDeppo was placed on administrative leave and has since retired.



Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

04222009 - Officer Renny Shelby - LE License Revoked - Detroit PD

Also See:

Officer Renny Shelby - Broke into ex-girlfriend's home and held her at gunpoint [May 10, 2008]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/05/officer-renny-shelby-may-10-2008.html

     



Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards
Commission Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2009
Gaylord Police Department – City Hall, Gaylord, Michigan
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mcoles/1_April_22_2009__Meeting_Minutes_279856_7.pdf

Renny Shelby – Mr. Shelby was convicted by a plea of nolo contendere of Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm, less than Murder (MCL 750.84). MCL 750.84 defines

Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm, Less than Murder, as a felony. Mr. Shelby’s conviction was issued and entered on October 8, 2008.

A MOTION was made by Sheriff Pickell and supported by Sheriff Wriggelsworth to accept the Proposal for Decision of the Administrative Law Judge and revoke the law enforcement license of Mr. Renny Shelby.

A VOTE was taken. The MOTION carried

04172009 - Commissioner James Vaughn - Sentenced - Kent County

Also See:

Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn charged with domestic violence [June 17, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/06/kent-county-commissioner-james-vaughn.html

Commissioner Vaughn was found guilty of aggravated assault and domestic violence [March 2009 trial]. Vaughn was sentenced to 30 days in jail; ordered to pay $2,388 in fines; ordered to pay Ida Cross's medical expenses; ordered to submit to domestic violence counseling and drug testing; ordered to one year probation; and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
Judge Jeannie LaVille refused to allow Vaughn to post bail and ordered him to begin his jail sentence immedidately. "The court finds his attitude and lack of acceptance of responsibility is a serious aggravating factor in this sentence," Judge LaVille said. [April 2009 setencing hearing]






Commissioner Vaughn released from jail
Spent 3 weeks behind bars for assault
Updated: Monday, 11 May 2009, 4:13 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 11 May 2009, 4:13 PM EDT
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/Commissioner_Vaughn_released_from_jail





GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Kent County commissioner James Vaughn is out of jail, about three weeks into a 30-day sentence for assault.

Vaughn was sent to jail after being convicted of beating Ida Cross, who wanted to back out of a three-way tryst with Vaughn and another woman.

Vaughn still will be on probation for one year, must perform 100 hours of community service and must pay $2,300 in restitution.










Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn taken to jail straight from court to begin 30-day sentence
Published: Friday, April 17, 2009, 2:17 PM
Updated: Friday, April 17, 2009, 8:05 PM
The Grand Rapids Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/04/kent_county_commissioner_james_5.html




Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn, right, was sentenced by Judge Jeanine LaVille in Grand Rapids District Court on Friday afternoon. Vaughn was convicted on misdemeanor charges of assault and domestic violence charges against victim Ida Mae Cross. Vaughn was taken to the Kent County Jail from the courtroom after being sentenced to 30 days behind bars. [Lance Wynn. The Grand Rapids Press]




Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn was taken to the Kent County Jail straight from court today after being sentenced to 30 days behind bars for an assault case that included graphic details about three-way sex.

Vaughn's girlfriend at the time, Cassandra Mitchell, 39, was also sent straight to jail to serve a 30-day sentence, with credit for one day served.

Grand Rapids District Judge Jeanine LaVille declined to allow Vaughn, 66, to post bail while he considers an appeal. She also declined to allow Mitchell time to make arrangements for her children.

After sentencing, Vaughn attempted to reach for his hat, but a deputy began taking him away to jail and a family member grabbed it to give it to an officer.

LaVille said even though Vaughn has no prior criminal history, his lack of remorse after an assault conviction contributed to her decision to have him begin his sentenced immediately.

"The court finds his attitude and lack of acceptance of responsibility is a serious aggravating factor in this sentence," LaVille said.

Vaughn told the judge "this whole incident didn't play out right."

"I respect the court's decision," he said, then added. "It's hard for me to swallow this, because it's not truth, and it's not fair, and a lot of it is fabricated."

The judge also said he must pay $2,388 in fines, and make joint payments with Mitchell to Cross to cover her medical expenses. She also said Vaughn must submit to domestic violence counseling, serve a year of probation, submit to drug testing, and perform 100 hours of community service.

Vaughn, a Grand Rapids Democrat who was re-elected to his county post in November, was convicted of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor, for an attack on Ida Mae Cross, 47, a woman he had dated for years. The incident happened after a proposed three-way sexual rendezvous at his Southeast Side home in June 2008 turned sour.

The charge carried a penalty of up to a year in jail.

Mitchell was found guilty of a lesser charge, assault and battery.

Cross spoke before Vaughn's sentencing and asked for both to be given the maximum penalty. She declined to make a statement before Mitchell was sentenced.

"The wounds James Vaughn and Cassandra Mitchell inflicted upon me continue to haunt me," said Cross, saying she suffers from flashbacks and depression, and lost her job.

LaVille said Mitchell's prior convictions, and prison and jail time contributed to her decision to the send her to jail immediately.

"You do not come to this court with a clean slate," LaVille said. "Both (prior convictions) reflect an inability to control your temper and conform to the law."

Mitchell was also ordered to pay $545 in fines and joint-restitution to Cross.
Before her sentencing, Mitchell told LaVille she was sorry for her part in the matter, but said she was provoked.

"I would have seriously been harmed," Mitchell said. "I was thinking of my children all along."

Cross and friends and family of Vaughn declined to comment after the sentencing.
Reached after the sentencing, Kent County Corporate Counsel Dan Ophoff said there was no action the County Commission could take to remove Vaughn from office.

"The research suggests that the governor might have some ability here, but I don't even think it triggers at this point because it's generally for a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor," he said.

Ophoff said all the of the county commissioners are "of a mind this is an unfortunate incident."

Kent County Commissioner Brandon Dillon, a Grand Rapids Democrat, said the commission doesn't have any authority to do anything.

"I can't speak for everybody, but I certainly respect the decision of both the jury and judge," Dillon said. "Ultimately, Jim is going to have to be accountable to the people who elected him."











Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn found guilty of assault charges
Published: Thursday, March 05, 2009, 11:30 AM
Updated: Thursday, March 05, 2009, 6:24 PM
By John Agar
The Grant Rapid Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/03/kent_county_commissioner_james_2.html




Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn talks to his attorney Charles Chamberlain after he was found guilty today of aggravated assault and domestic violence in a case that involved two girlfriends. Jon M. Brouwer. The Grand Rapids Press




Update, 11:35 a.m.
Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn said he will appeal.
"We'll be appealing tomorrow," he said after the verdict. He said there are "people in jail for nothing. I see why."
He said he will continue in his post as county commissioner. "This was a misunderstanding, and the misunderstanding is still going to be cleared up."
Vaughn's lawyer said he respects the jury's verdict but is disappointed with it.

GRAND RAPIDS -- Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn was found guilty today of aggravated assault and domestic violence in a case that involved two girlfriends.

The jury verdict came in just before 11:30 a.m. The assault is a one-year misdemeanor, and the second charge a 93-day misdemeanor.

One of the women, Cassandra Mitchell, 39, who was tried with Vaughn before separate juries, was convicted Wednesday of a lesser charge, assault and battery, in the alleged attack on Ida Mae Cross, 47.

The trouble started after a proposition for three-way sex between Vaughn and Cross, his long-time girlfriend, and Mitchell, whom he met in September, testimony showed.

Vaughn, 66, was charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence in the mid-June fight at his home. Vaughn contended he was only trying to break up a fight between the two women.

The six-man jury deliberated for an hour Wednesday and almost three hours today.

Defense attorneys contended that Cross was just as culpable in the dispute as anyone else.

The lurid details elicited in trial testimony devastated those involved in the case.
Cross, in her testimony, said: "I'm a lady, not a whore."

The three provided conflicting statements during testimony, with Cross blaming the defendants for attacking her, and Mitchell blaming Cross.

They had met at Vaughn's home late on June 16 after he and Cross attended a family gathering after his brother died.

Cross said Vaughn propositioned her about a three-way sexual encounter, while witnesses at the family gathering said she sounded OK with it, and talked loudly about going to Vaughn's home for the tryst.

Vaughn testified that trouble"(Cross) popped Ms. Mitchell in the head. Then, it was on," Vaughn testified.

"After Ms. Mitchell got popped, she started swinging. They were swinging, and I was in between them. ... I just broke up a fight."

Assistant Ionia County Prosecutor Aubri Sheremet told jurors Vaughn was no peacemaker.

She prosecuted the case so that there was no appearance of conflict of interest with Vaughn serving as a county commissioner.

Defense attorney Charles "Chip" Chamberlain attacked the credibility of the alleged victim, and said she would not have stayed at his home three hours after the fight if she feared Vaughn.

04092009 - Firefighter Michael Boyd - 2nd Count - Charges dismissed - Southgate FD

August 23, 2008 assault charges against Firefighter Michael Boyd, were dismissed [April 09, 2009]


Firefighter Michael Boyd [Southgate PD] : August 23, 2008 assault charge

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html

   

04092009 - Firefighter Michael Boyd - 1st Count - Sentence suspended - Southgate FD

On April 09, 2009 the jail sentence for Firefighter Michael Boyd's disorderly person charge [August 23, 2008] was suspended.

Firefighter Michael Boyd [Southgate FD] : August 23, 2008 assault

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/firefighter-michael-boyd-southgate-fire.html