DV/OIDV cases tried under MCL 769.4a are closed to public inspection
MCL 769.4a Sec. 4a. (6) "Unless the court enters an adjudication of quilt under this section, all proceedings regarding the disposition of the criminal charge shall be closed to the public inspection..."
DV/OIDV cases tried under MCL 769.4a are closed to public inspection
MCL 769.4a
Sec. 4a. (6) "Unless the court enters an adjudication of quilt under this section, all proceedings regarding the disposition of the criminal charge shall be closed to the public inspection..."
Kenneth Norton Jr., the former prison guard convicted of murdering his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter 18 years ago, has been denied parole in his first opportunity for early release.
Norton was the central figure in a tragic case that riveted much of Michigan in the summer of 1993.
Monday was the first day Norton was eligible for parole, but after a hearing several months ago he was denied release by the Michigan Parole Board.
"The board looked at him and denied him parole," said Russ Marlan, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Corrections. "They gave him a standard code that means he's still considered a risk to the community."
Norton's next parole review was set for 18 months after the first, or the fall of 2012.
Isabella County Prosecutor Larry Burdick's office monitors parole processes for certain cases and can also appeal early releases.
"It's extremely unlikely somebody convicted of murder would be paroled on their first time up," Burdick said. "I could see it possibly happening the next time he's up."
Norton was convicted of killing Tabatha Horn and sentenced to 22 to 35 years by Isabella Circuit Court Judge Paul Chamberlain after a two-week trial in January 1994. His maximum release date is in 2022.
Trial testimony indicated that disciplining of Tabatha, who died of suffocation, was a source of conflict between Norton and the girl's mother, Wendy Gokee.
Tabatha's case gripped much of Michigan in July 1993 when Norton reported her missing and presumably kidnapped from a Brighton convenience store.
Norton told police he was headed from Vestaburg to Ann Arbor with Tabatha to visit the girl's hospitalized mother.
Searches for Tabatha continued for several days, but investigators became increasingly suspicious and eventually started to also look for her body.
Tabatha's case took another bizarre twist when a woman claiming to be a psychic called police and said her body would be found in a green duffle bag near a wishing well.
Investigators found Tabatha's naked body, wrapped in a towel and baby blanket, at the end of a two-track road, 150 feet from a wishing well.
The makeshift grave was about two miles from the house Norton shared with Gokee and nine children, two belonging to Gokee, three to Norton and four to Norton's brother.
Norton, then 34, was a state prison guard working at the Carson City Correctional Facility at the time.
Now 52, Norton is imprisoned at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, a dormitory-style facility for prisoners who have displayed good behavior while incarcerated.
A former Isabella County man is free after serving two decades in prison for the second-degree murder of a 3-year-old girl. Kenneth Monroe Norton Jr., 54, was released from a prison in Muskegon County Dec. 11, after serving nearly 19 years of a 22- to 35-year sentence. Norton, who will be on supervised release in Muskegon County for two years, was convicted in Isabella County of killing his girlfriend’s daughter, Tabatha Horn, in July 1993. He was sentenced Feb. 10, 1994, four years prior to the passage of Truth in Sentencing by the Michigan Legislature, which mandates that prisoners serve maximum minimum sentences before being eligible for parole. Because Norton, who lived in Fremont Township at the time of the murder, was incarcerated before Truth in Sentencing, he was eligible for time off for good behavior. Norton was denied parole in June 2011 but served less than the maximum-minimum sentence, Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman John Cordell said. Former Isabella County Prosecutor Larry Burdick, who handled the murder case, contacted the Michigan Parole Board in June to comment on the “tragic and disturbing aspects of” Tabatha’s murder, and cautioned the board to “look carefully at the case and Norton’s record when reviewing the matter for parole.” “In the end, his release is a function of his sentence, which makes him eligible, and the parole board’s determination that he is not a risk to the public,” said Burdick, who retired in September after being prosecutor for 24 years. Early releases were the one of the driving forces behind the Truth in Sentencing law, Burdick said. An Isabella County jury found Norton guilty of second-degree murder in January 1994. Tabatha disappeared in July 1993; her body was found less than two miles from Norton’s home, just inside Montcalm County. Norton reported the girl missing July 5, 1993, telling authorities that she vanished from his car at a convenience store in Livingston County’s Brighton while the two were headed to Ann Arbor to visit Tabatha’s mother, Wendy Gokee. At the time of the disappearance, Norton was a corrections officer at the Carson City Correctional facility, and Gokee was in the University of Michigan Hospital undergoing tests. Norton told police in Brighton that he didn’t remember when he last saw Tabatha but that he was certain she started the trip with him. Norton’s car yielded no clues, and nobody at the convenience store saw the girl. Norton was arrested July 8, 1994 after police discovered her body the same day in a shallow grave. A woman who wanted to remain anonymous offered a tip that the girls’ body would be found in or by a green duffle bag near a wishing well, police said at the time of the investigation. Police followed a two-track road and discovered the grave, about 150 yards away from a wishing well, on land near County Line Road, according to previous reports. Tabatha’s body was identified later than night. Police said at the time that Norton was linked to the murder because he was the last person to see Tabatha and because there were inconsistencies in his account to police about what happened. Although not admissible in court, Norton also refused to take a polygraph test.
In December 2012, Deputy Ryan Salisbury was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend at a bar. He was charged with disorderly conduct and domestic violence. In January 2013, the domestic violence charge was dropped and Deputy Salisbury pled guilty to disorderly conduct. This was not Deputy Salisbury's first rodeo in escaping accountability for domestic violence. In late 2011, he was investigated for a domestic violence altercation with his ex-wife. The prosecutor did not file charges against Deputy Salisbury for that incident.
A Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy will spend a year on probation for disturbing the peace.
As part of a plea deal last month, the domestic violence charge against Ryan Salisbury was dropped. He was accused of assaulting his Girlfriend near a bar in downtown Traverse City back in December. Deputy Salisbury has been on unpaid suspension since January 2nd.
Grand Traverse deputy takes plea bargain Domestic violence charge dropped as part of the deal BY ART BUKOWSKI The Record Eagle Thu Jan 10, 2013, 07:14 AM EST
TRAVERSE CITY — A Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy had a domestic violence charge dismissed as part of a plea deal. Sheriff's officials have yet to determine what, if any, discipline they'll hand out to Ryan Scott Salisbury, 35. Salisbury pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace for his role in a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station in Traverse City. He initially was charged with disturbing the peace and a misdemeanor count of domestic violence. Salisbury will receive a delayed sentence as part of the deal. If he completes a series of court-ordered terms during the next year, the disturbing the peace conviction will be vacated. He also won't be charged with any other crimes tied to the bar incident. Antrim County Prosecutor Charlie Koop handled the case as a special prosecutor. He said Salisbury didn't receive special treatment. The type of plea deal Salisbury received is commonly offered in domestic violence cases, Koop said. "It's the same offer that would have been offered to any other defendant in his situation," he said. Authorities previously said Salisbury assaulted his girlfriend by striking her with an elbow to the neck, and he also made contact with a man sitting near Salisbury's girlfriend. Koop said it appears Salisbury shoved his girlfriend aside as he confronted a man who sent her texts over a period of time. "The girlfriend was really not the target of his actions," Koop said. "(She) happened to be standing between where the deputy came in and this guy." Koop said there were some problems with the case. Some witnesses changed their stories, he said, and the two alleged victims claim they aren't victims at all. "We've got witnesses who don't want to testify, we've got both victims claiming they were never touched, and we have a 30-second incident in a bar," he said. Witnesses initially told Traverse City Police Salisbury yelled profanities at his girlfriend and appeared to make a punching motion toward her after elbowing the woman in the neck, according to a police report. He also made contact with the man nearby, witnesses said. The male victim initially told police he was reluctant to talk about the incident because he was intimidated by Salisbury, a report shows. Salisbury's girlfriend denied being injured and repeatedly asked the court to lift a no-contact order in the case. On Wednesday, she told a judge she didn't feel threatened by Salisbury and the bar situation "had nothing to do" with her. Sheriff Tom Bensley said his office's review of the situation continues. He wouldn't say what disciplinary action could or will be taken, and he wouldn't comment on Salisbury's disciplinary history — or lack thereof — at the department. "When we've completed our internal investigation as quickly as possible, we'll take the appropriate action," he said. Salisbury has worked for the department for about 10 years. He is currently a K-9 handler. He was on paid suspension for a few weeks but has been on unpaid suspension since Jan. 2, Bensley said. Salisbury's attorney, Dena Horvath, said Salisbury wants to keep his job. He pleaded guilty against the advice of his attorneys, Horvath said. She believed Salisbury would be acquitted of all charges had he gone to trial. In late 2011, Leelanau County assistant prosecutor Doug Donaldson declined to issue a domestic violence charge against Salisbury for an alleged assault on a different woman in Grand Traverse County. That woman, Salisbury's then-wife, asked Donaldson not to charge. Koop said Salisbury's history is problematic considering his profession. "I have a snapshot of his behavior in two situations involving a wife and a live-in girlfriend," he said. "That snapshot says to me that this officer has a behavioral issue that needs to be addressed."
Grand Traverse deputy pleads guilty
By Jeff Broddle
Cadillac News
January 09, 2013
TRAVERSE CITY — A Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. According to the Grand Traverse Sheriff's office, Deputy Ryan Salisbury has pleaded guilty in 86th District Court to a count of disturbing the peace, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail. According to Lt. Chris Clark, Salisbury has been on unpaid suspension since Jan. 9. He will remain on unpaid suspension until an investigation is concluded. The sheriff's office said no other information regarding the charges was available.
Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Disturbing The Peace
POSTED January 9, 2013 BY Eric Wotila
MI News 26
A local Deputy pled guilty to a Misdemeanor earlier today. Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Salisbury pled guilty to one count of Disturbing the Peace in the 86th District Court earlier this morning. Disturbing the Peace is a Misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days; Salisbury has been on unpaid suspension since January 2 and will remain suspended until the Sheriff’s Office concludes their investigation.
Deputy accepts plea deal
By Art Bukowski
The Record-Eagle
Wed Jan 09, 2013, 12:03 PM EST
TRAVERSE CITY -- A Grand Traverse sheriff’s deputy charged with domestic violence had the charge dismissed as part of a plea deal. Ryan Scott Salisbury pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace for his role in a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station in downtown Traverse City. He initially was charged with disturbing the peace and a misdemeanor count of domestic violence. For more, see Friday’s Record-Eagle.
Sheriff's deputy pleads guilty to misdemeanor
Posted: 01.09.2013 at 11:40 AM
Up North Live
GRAND TRAVERSE CO. -- Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Salisbury has pled guilty to one count of Disturbing the Peace stemming from a bar fight in downtown Traverse City. The Sheriff's Office says Salisbury has been on an unpaid suspension since January 2, and will remain on unpaid suspension until they conclude their internal investigation. They say they hope to wrap up the investigation as quickly as possible. Salisbury was charged after a fight at Union Street Station in Traverse City.
UPDATE: Grand Traverse Deputy Plead Guilty to Disturbing the Peace
Today, a Grand Traverse County Deputy plead guilty to disturbing the peace. Deputy Ryan Salisbury was arrested near Union Street Station Bar in December accused of assaulting his girlfriend and disturbing the peace. He was released on bond from the Grand Traverse County Jail. If convicted, he could face up to 90 days in jail for one count of disturbing the peace. He's been on unpaid leave from the sheriff's department since January 2nd, while the incident is under investigation.
Suspended deputy could face another assault charge
BY GLENN PUIT
The Record Eagle
Fri Jan 04, 2013, 07:08 PM EST
TRAVERSE CITY — A Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputy who’s been accused of striking his girlfriend at a local tavern could face an additional criminal charge because he also had physical contact with a man during the same incident, newly released police reports show.
Ryan Salisbury, 35, faces domestic violence and disturbing the peace charges after a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station. Police reports obtained Friday by the Record-Eagle through a state Freedom of Information Act request provide more details. The reports state Salisbury walked into the bar that night at 11:15 p.m. to speak with his girlfriend, who sat near another man. Salisbury directed profanities at the woman, then said, “What are you doing?” and hit her “with a elbow strike to the neck area, which caused her head to jerk backwards,” an officer wrote in a probable cause arrest form. Police said Salisbury confronted another man nearby and witnesses “observed him strike (the man) in the shoulder.” Salisbury then made “a punching motion” towards the woman, but “witnesses could not say for sure whether he had made contact with her face.” Salisbury denied wrongdoing. “Salisbury denied any assaultive behavior during this incident,” the reports state. “Salisbury indicated he was mad when he saw (a man) sitting next to his girlfriend at the bar. Salisbury did approach (the man) and advised him to ‘stop calling her’ and then left.” Witnesses said the incident unfolded in about 30 seconds. An officer who talked to Salisbury that night said it “did not sound as if Salisbury was intoxicated, and he (Salisbury) could not believe that someone was accusing him of assault.” Police did not observe any visible signs of injury on the female victim. Special Prosecutor Charles Koop of Antrim County said he may file at least one more criminal charge because of the contact made with the man who sat next to Salisbury’s girlfriend. “I’m waiting for some supplemental reports concerning some statements that were made,” Koop said. “I think he’ll be charged as to the assault of the other person.” Salisbury pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges. He is currently on administrative leave with pay.
Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy charged after alleged assault at Traverse City bar
By Garret Ellison
MLive
December 29, 2012 at 9:05 AM
Updated December 29, 2012 at 12:30 PM
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputy has been formally charged with domestic violence following an alleged assault on a female acquaintance at a downtown Traverse City bar earlier this month.
Deputy Ryan Salisbury, a handler with the sheriff’s K-9 unit, was arraigned on misdemeanor domestic violence and disturbing the peace charges on Friday, Dec. 28, in 86th District Court in Traverse City. The charges stemmed from a Traverse City Police Department investigation into an incident around 12:15 a.m. at Union Street Station on Saturday, Dec. 7, where witnesses said Salisbury and the woman got into a physical altercation, according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle. The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office said Salisbury remains on administrative leave with pay. The office released a statement Friday. “We will be reviewing the charges and the police report. As required by our union contract, prior to any further action we will hold a hearing as soon as possible to review allegations, any possible violation of our policy and procedures and take whatever action may be appropriate. Our final decision for any disciplinary action will most probably include the courts final disposition of the complaints against him.” According to the Record-Eagle, the woman denied being injured but officers arrested Salisbury at his residence following the incident. Salisbury was investigated in 2011 by Leelanau County authorities for suspicion of domestic violence, but was not arrested.
TRAVERSE CITY — A Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy who dodged a domestic violence charge last year now faces a pair of misdemeanors for an altercation with a female acquaintance. Deputy Ryan Salisbury, who hired on with the sheriff's department about 10 years ago, is charged with domestic violence and disturbing the peace. He is free on bond after 86th District Judge Mike Stepka arraigned him Friday morning. Salisbury serves as a K-9 deputy, according to profile information on the sheriff's department web page. City police arrested him after a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station. Witnesses said Salisbury assaulted the woman, police said previously, though she denied being injured. Antrim County Prosecutor Charles Koop, who is handling the current matter as a special Salisbury in 2011 was investigated for an alleged assault against another woman. Assistant Leelanau County Prosecutor Doug Donaldson, who handled that case after Leelanau Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned special prosecutor, declined to issue charges then. The victim in that case, Salisbury's now ex-wife, "was adamant about not wanting to go forward" with charges, Donaldson said. Salisbury remains on paid leave from the sheriff's department. Sheriff Tom Bensley said his department will wait for the criminal process to wrap before making final disciplinary decisions. "We take these one step at a time. There is a contract in place that we have to follow," he said. "The final disposition is going to be down the road, though there may be some interim steps that we take prior to that final disposition." The alleged victim in the recent case asked Stepka to remove a no-contact order during Friday's arraignment. Stepka declined, but said the matter could be addressed at Salisbury's Jan.
GRAND TRAVERSE -- A Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy has been charged with Domestic Violence and Disturbing the Peace.
The charges against Deputy Ryan Salisbury come as a result of a fight at the Union Street Station in Traverse City. According to the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office, the status of the officer has not changed. He remains on Administrative Leave with pay. The Sheriff's Office said they will be reviewing the charges and the police report. As required by the union contract, prior to any further action, the Sheriff's Office says they will hold a hearing as soon as possible to review allegations, any possible violation of policy and procedures, and then take whatever action may be appropriate. The Sheriff's Office says the final decision for any disciplinary action will probably include the courts final disposition of the complaints against him. No further information has been released.
Grand Traverse deputy charged with domestic violence
By Art Bukowski
The Record Eagle
Fri Dec 28, 2012, 10:44 AM EST
TRAVERSE CITY - A Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputy faces two misdemeanors after authorities said he assaulted a female acquaintance. Ryan Salisbury is charged with domestic violence and disturbing the peace. Eighty-sixth District Court Judge Mike Stepka arraigned him this morning. Traverse City police said he assaulted the woman at a local bar in early December. For more reporting, see Saturday’s Record-Eagle.
UPDATE: Grand Traverse County Deputy Accused of Assault Faced Judge Today
Posted: Dec 28, 2012 9:53 AM CST
Updated: Jan 04, 2013 9:53 AM CST
A Grand Traverse County deputy was arraigned this morning, accused of assaulting his girlfriend.
Ryan Salisbury was arrested near Union Street Station Bar earlier this month, and lodged in the Grand Traverse County Jail, where he was released on bond. He's been on paid leave from the sheriff's department while the incident is under investigation. This morning, he pleaded not guilty to two crimes, including domestic violence.
TRAVERSE CITY -- A Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy has been suspended with pay after he was arrested for assault at a Traverse City bar.
7&4 News is told that Ryan Salisbury was arrested around midnight on Friday at Union Street Station. Police were called out to investigate, which led to the arrest of the deputy. Salisbury did post bond last week. Official charges have not yet been filed.
UPDATE: Name of Deputy Accused of Assault Now Released
Posted: Dec 10, 2012 3:23 PM CST
Updated: Dec 17, 2012 3:23 PM CST
9 and 10 News
We can now tell you the name of a Grand Traverse County deputy who the sheriff's office says was arrested for assault.
We're told Ryan Salisbury is now on paid leave, accused of assaulting his girlfriend near Union Street Station, in downtown Traverse City, last Friday morning. Salisbury was released on bond, and the prosecutor is reviewing the complaint.
GT deputy arrested after report of assault He also was a suspect in a separate assault last year
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record Eagle
Sat Dec 08, 2012, 03:35 PM EST
TRAVERSE CITY — City police arrested a Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy after witnesses said he assaulted his girlfriend at a downtown saloon. Officers arrested off-duty deputy Ryan Salisbury on Friday at about 5:30 a.m. after an incident at Union Street Station several hours earlier. Salisbury was a suspect in an assault against another woman last year, but Leelanau County authorities declined to charge him with a crime. City police and sheriff's officials wouldn't identify the deputy, but Grand Traverse Prosecutor Al Schneider and his attorney identified Salisbury. City police Capt. Brian Heffner said officers went to the bar at about 12:15 a.m. on a report that a man assaulted a woman. "We had allegations made that a man and a woman who reside together ... had what witnesses described as physical altercation," he said. The woman denied being injured, Heffner said, but officers arrested the suspect at his residence. Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley said the deputy was suspended with pay after his Friday arrest on suspicion for domestic violence. Defense attorney Craig Elhart said he will "vigorously defend" Salisbury against any charges that may arise. "Mr. Salisbury did nothing wrong," he said. Schneider said he will remove himself from the case because of a conflict of interest and will ask for a special prosecutor to be assigned. Salisbury was investigated last year by Leelanau County authorities for suspicion of domestic violence, but was not arrested. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned to the case after Schneider removed himself. Assistant Leelanau Prosecutor Doug Donaldson handled that case, which he characterized as a "shoving match." "It was not a significant assault," he said. The female victim later decided she didn't want to press charges, Donaldson said, and none were issued. But the fact that Salisbury is in trouble now for an alleged assault complaint made Donaldson think twice about the previous case. "It gives me pause for thought regarding my prior decisions, but they are what they are," he said.
Grand Traverse Sheriff's Deputy Arrested
They Record Eagle
Fri Dec 07, 2012, 06:28 PM EST
TRAVERSE CITY
Record Eagle
BY ART BUKOWSKI
City police arrested a Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy after witnesses said he assaulted his girlfriend at a downtown saloon. Officers arrested off-duty deputy Ryan Salisbury today at about 5:30 a.m. after an incident at Union Street Station several hours earlier. Salisbury was a suspect in an assault against another woman last year, but Leelanau County authorities declined to charge him with a crime. City police and sheriff's officials wouldn't identify the deputy, but Grand Traverse Prosecutor Al Schneider and his attorney identified Salisbury. City police Capt. Brian Heffner said officers went to the bar at about 12:15 a.m. on a report that a man assaulted a woman. "We had allegations made that a man and a woman who reside together ... had what witnesses described as physical altercation," he said. The woman denied being injured, Heffner said, but officers arrested the suspect at his residence. Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley said the deputy has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. Defense attorney Craig Elhart said he will "vigorously defend" Salisbury against any charges that may arise. "Mr. Salisbury did nothing wrong," he said. Schneider said he will remove himself from the case because of a conflict of interest and will ask for a special prosecutor to be assigned. Salisbury was investigated for domestic violence about a year ago. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned to the case after Schneider removed himself. Assistant Leelanau Prosecutor Doug Donaldson handled that case, which he characterized as a "shoving match." "It was not a significant assault," he said. The female victim later decided she didn't want to press charges, Donaldson said, and none were issued. But the fact that Salisbury was arrested again for an alleged assault complaint made Donaldson think twice about the previous case. "It gives me pause for thought regarding my prior decisions, but they are what they are," he said.
Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy suspended after assault at Traverse City bar
By Garret Ellison
MLive
December 07, 2012 at 6:23 PM
Updated December 08, 2012 at 4:57 PM
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office says one of its deputies could be facing assault charges after an incident at a downtown Traverse City bar.
The sheriff’s office said one of its employees was lodged in the county jail after being arrested by city police, who responded to an assault complaint at Union Street Station, 117 S. Union St. The incident took place at 12:15 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 7. “The officer has been suspended with pay and will not be involved with any functions or operations of the Sheriff’s Office until the final disposition of this incident and any disciplinary hearings,” said a sheriff’s office statement. The deputy has posted bond and the incident will be reviewed by prosecutors.
