Also See:
Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman - Trial for CSC [October 06, 1999]
Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman - Sentenced for exposure [October 26, 1999]
Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman: Re-Trial [May 02, 2000]
Port Huron Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman sentenced for CSC [June 16, 2000]
Ex-mayor's trial slated on child sex charges
The Blade
Toledo, Ohio
August 04, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - Former Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman's trial on sexual misconduct charges has been scheduled for Oct. 12.
Mr. Ackerman could face life in prison on the charges, which include 17 felony counts. He is charged with nine misdemeanors, including eight for indecent exposure.
The allegations involve 11 girls ages eight to 15.
Judge orders trial of ex-mayor on sex-abuse charges
The Argus-Press
Owosso, Michigan
David Goodman
Associated Press
June 10, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - The pony-tailed, motorcycle-riding ex-mayor of this city should be tried on charges he molested young girls and produced pornographic pictures of them, a judge has ruled.
St. Clair County District Judge John G. Cimmings on Wednesday ordered Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman's trial, capping a two-day preliminary hearing in which four girls, ages 9 to 12, testified behind closed doors against the defendant. The court later made the testimony available to reporters.
A 12-year-old girl said she was with two other girls when, she said, Ackerman molested all three of them.
"He was, 'You guys take your clothes off,' " she testified. "We waited. He said, "Take your clothes off," and then they undressed.
Defense attorney Kenneth Lord said out of court that the girls' testimony was shaky and contrdictory and did not prove any guilt. He pointed to the fact that several girls at first denied to police that Ackerman had molested them.
To Lord, authorities are under pressure to prosecute child sexual abuse cases.
"If we were talking about any other kind of charge, I don't think people would believe it," Lord said.
But Cummings said there was enough evidence for a trial in circuit court.
Prosecutors have filed 22 charges against Ackerman, including six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
On Wednesday, prosecutors asked Cummings to add four counts of first-degree rape, based on a 9 year-old girl's testimony Tuesday that Ackerman committed additional acts against her.
Cummings said he probably would not rule until today on how many felony counts Ackerman will face.
He allowed Ackerman, who resigned his mayoral post one day after his April 6 arrest, to remain free on $25,000 bond.
Before his arrest, the 43-year-old Ackerman was seen as something of a role model in Port Huron, located about an hour north of Detroit. His story, which involved overcoming drug and alcohol addictions, was used to help others.
In 1995, he opened Clear Choices, a youth recreation center. He was named to the Port Huron City Council in 1996 and after his election to the council in November 1997, he was appointed mayor.
In 1994, the National Association of Social Workers named Ackerman the Michigan Public Citizen of the Year for his work in the community.
In the second day of Ackerman's preliminary hearing, Police Lt. herbert Welser Jr. testified Wednesday that he and Police Chief William Corbett questioned Ackerman for 2 hours and 40 minutes before arresting him.
At some points, Welser said, Ackerman denied committing any sex crimes against the girls but at others, he gave more equivocal answers.
Ackerman admitted he wore overalls without underwear around the girls, even though they sometimes came undone and exposed his private part, the lieutenant said.
Welser said he asked Ackerman why he did not start wearing underwear to avoid exposing h imself.
"I don't know. I don't know. Hindsights's 20/20," he quoted Ackerman as replying.
At another point, Welser testified, Ackerman said he would neither confirm nor deny the truth of the allegations.
"I have to think about myself," he quoted Ackerman as saying. "I can't admit that, but I can't deny it."
The 13 felony charges include six counts of first-degree and fice of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, as well as two child pornography counts.
He also faces nine misdemeanor charges, including indecent exposure. The misdemeanor charges were not the subject of the hearing but will be part of the same trial.
A trial date has not yet been set.
Port Huron ex-mayor ordered to stand trial
Official resigned over child sex charges
The Blade
Toledo, Ohio
June 10, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - The city's pony-tailed, bearded, motorcycle-riding ex-mayor will be tried on charges he molested young girls and made pornographic pictures of them, a judge said yesterday.
The St. Clair County district judge ruled after a two-day preliminary hearing in which four girls, ages 9 to 12, testified behind closed doors against Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman. The court later made tapes available to reporters.
A 12-year-old girl said she was with two other girls when, she said, Mr. Ackerman molested all three of them. "He was, 'You guys take your clothes off,' " she testified. "We waited. He said, "Take your clothes off," and then they undressed.
Defense attorney Kenneth Lord said out of court that the girls' testimony was shaky and contrdictory and did not prove any guilt. He said several girls at first denied to police that Mr. Ackerman had molested them.
Authorities are under pressure to prosecute child sexual abuse cases, he said. "If we were talking about any other kind of charge, I don't think the people would believe it," Mr. Lord said.
But Judge John Cummings said enough evidence exists for a trial in circuit court.
Prosecutors have filed 22 charges against Mr. Ackerman, including six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Mr. Ackerman is free on $25,000 bond.
The 43-year-old had become a role model in Port Huron. He used his story about overcoming drug and alcohol to help others.
Ex-mayor faces more sex charges
The Tuscaloosa News
April 17, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. - This city's former mayor was charged Friday with eight additional counts of sexual misconduct involving children, bringing to 22 the charges he faces in a scandal that led to his resignation. The latest charges - all misdemeanors - accuse Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman of seven counts of indecent exposure and one count of furnishing obscene materials to a minor, the St. Clair County prosecutor said.
Former Mich. mayor faces new charges
The Free-Lance Star
Fredericksburg, PA
Associated Press
April 17, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. - This city's former mayor was charged yesterday with eight additional counts of sexual misconduct involving children, bringing to 22 the charges he faces in a scandal that led to his resignation.
The latest charges - all misdemeanors - accuse Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman of seven counts of indecent exposure and one count of furnishing obscene materials to a minor, St. Clair county Prosecutor Mona Sayed said.
Ackerman already faced 14 charges, including 11 counts of sexual misconduct, two counts of production of child abusive material and one count of indecent exposure.
The original charges involve Ackerman's alleged misconduct with four girls, ages 9,11 and 14.
Police Capt. Brian Moeller said at least seven additional victims were identified. He wouldn't elaborate.
Sex defendant quits as mayor; city relieved
The Blade
Toledo, Ohio
April 9, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - News of Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman's arrest and subsequent resignation is prompting mixed emotions among residents and officials, but the community will move forward, city officials said.
Steven Miller, who was sworn in as mayor yesterday, confirmed Mr. Ackerman's resignation. He said it was a relief for the city council.
"This allows us to go on with our business and separates us from the issues he's dealing with," Mr. Miller said.
The mayor resigned after his arraignment Wednesday on 14 counts of sexual misconduct involving children.
"He didn't see how he could function as mayor with these charges pending," said his attorney, Daniel Traver. "He did the only thing he could do. He's making a statement about how seriously he took his duties about the office."
Mr. Miller said the council must work on the city's annual budget within a month and Mr. Ackerman's resignation allows a smooth transition. A new council member may be appointed at Monday's meeting.
The charges have polarized opinion in the community.
"I feel that it's an embarrassment to the whole city," said Alice Brown, 64, of Port Huron. "Until he's cleared of any charges, he's done the right thing by resigning."
Mr. Ackerman, 42, is charged with six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of production of child abusive material, and one count of indecent exposure. The charges involve four girls, ages 9,14, and two who are 11, police Capt. brian Moeller said.
Mr. Ackerman is accused of taking photos of some of the girls and appearing with them in some, Captain Moeller said. Police seized two computers from Clear Choices, the facility Mr. Ackerman runs.
Mr. Ackerman did not speak during his court appearance Wednesday, disappointing the mothers of two of the accusers.
"I wanted him to look me in the eyes and say this wasn't all just a nightmare," said one of the mothers. "I wanted him to tell me my [daughter] isn't his toy."
Many people in the town, including some council members, are dealing with the emotional aspect of seeing their former mayor charged with such crimes.
"We're dealing with the personal side of this," said council member Cliff Schrader. "We were pretty close to him. I was pretty close to him."
"We wish there is something we could do help him, but at the same time we feel he's crossed the line if it's true."
Kristi Hazard, program manager for MainStreet Port Huron, said Mr. Ackerman "fell from grace."
"Noew we all have to be envoys for the good things about our community," she said. "We are a caring community, we gave him a chance. He had a wonderful opportunity to change his life and change the community."
Mr. Ackerman was thought to have overcome drug and alcohol addiction and was considered a role model for kids and motivation for those dealing with addiction.
"You would destroy a Cinderella story if these allegations would prove to be found baseless," Mr. Miller said. "But if he's found guilty, I guess the shame is on him."
If convicted, Mr. Ackerman could face life in prison, but would more likely get a 16 to 23-year prison sentence, St. Clair County Assistant Prosecutore Mona Sayed said.
Mr. Ackerman was arrested after an investigation into complaints by the girls' parents.
Mayor resigns following arrest on sexual conduct charges
Daily Courier
April 9, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman resigned as mayor following his arraignment on 14 counts of sexual misconduct involving children - which sent shock waves through this city an hour north of Detroit.
"This community just feels violated," City Council member Cliff Schrader said.
Mayor Pro Term Steven Miller confirmed this morning that the city received Ackerman's letter of resignation Wednesday afternoon.
Ackerman, honored five years ago by the National Association of Social Workers, became mayor -- a mostly ceremonial role, since the city has a city manager to run the government - in 1997.
Ackerman never looked like a typical mayor, with his long flowing red beard, ponytail and leather duds. He didn't have the background of a typical mayor, either. He admitted he's a former drug and alcohol addict and liked to ride motorcycles.
And for this conservative city of 37,000, electing such a man to the mayor's seat took what Schrader described as "a lot of trust."
That trust was shattered as the man who used his story of struggle to overcome drug and alcohol addiction to help young people himself stood charged with sexual misconduct involving children he counseled.
The usually flamboyant and outspoken Ackerman stood silent during his arraignment Wednesday in a crowded courtroom.
Ackerman, 42, was charged with six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of criminal sexual conduct, two counts of production of child abusive material and one count of indecent exposure. The charges involve four girls, ages 9 to 14, police Capt. Brian Moeller said.
Ackerman was accused of taking pornographic photos of some of the girls and appearing with them in some, Moeller said. He said police spent four hours Tuesday night searching Clear Choices, a counseling facility that Ackerman runs, and took two computers from it.
Ackerman, for whom the judge entered an innocent plea, was released Wednesday night on $25,000 bond.
Since he moved here in the late 1980's, he has been considered a role model for kids and motivation for others trying to break free of their addictions.
"We really opened up to Ajax and his past," City Council member Anita Ashford said.
But Wednesday, those who once welcomed him voiced outrage; others expressed disbelief.
"I feel he kind of let his community down," said Donna Stranyak, a 36-year-old waitress at the downtown Cavis Cafe.
One of her patrons, Randy Arnott, a 47-year-old laborer and longtime resident, doesn't believe the charges. "I just can't see him do that," he said. "The don't know if he did it. ...It could be some kind of hoax."
If convicted, Ackerman could face life in prison, but would more likely get a 16-to-23 year prison sentence, St. Clair County Assistant Prosecutor Mona Sayed said.
Mayor's abuse arrest stuns residents in Michigan City
Deseret News
April 8, 9, 1999
Associated Press
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman doesn't look like a typical mayor, with his flowing red beard, ponytail and leather duds.
He doesn't have the background of a typical mayor, either. He admits he a former drug and alcohol addict who prefers to ride motorcycles.
For this close-knit city of 37,000, electing such a man to the mayor's seat took what one councilman described as "a lot of trust".
That trust may have been shattered Wednesday, as the man who used his story of struggle to help young people was charged with 14 counts of sexual misconduct involving children.
"This community just feels violated," said City Council member Cliff Schrader. "They put a lot faith and trust in Ajax."
The ususally flamboyant and outspoken Ackerman stood silent during his arraignment in a crowded courtroom. He was released on $25,000 bond after the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Ackerman, 42, was charged with six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of criminal sexual conduct, two counts of production of child abusive material and one count of indecent exposure. The charges involve four girls, ages 9, 14, and two who are 11, police Capt. Brian Moeller said.
Ackerman is accused of taking pornographic photos of some of the girls and appearing with them in some, Moeller said.
Michigan city stunned by sex charges against mayor
Daily News
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Alexandra R. Moses
April 8, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman doesn't look like a typical mayor, with his flowing red beard, ponytail and leather duds.
He doesn't have the background of a typical mayor, either. He admits he a former drug and alcohol addict who prefers to ride motorcycles.
For this close-knit city of 37,000, electing such a man to the mayor's seat took what one councilman described as "a lot of trust".
That trust may have been shattered Wednesday, as the man who used his story of struggle to help young people was charged with 14 counts of sexual misconduct involving children.
"This community just feels violated," said City Council member Cliff Schrader. "They put a lot faith and trust in Ajax."
The ususally flamboyant and outspoken Ackerman stood silent during his arraignment in a courtroom crowded with more than 50 people. He was released on $25,000 bond after the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Ackerman, 42, was charged with six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of criminal sexual conduct, two counts of production of child abusive material and one count of indecent exposure. The charges involve four girls, ages 9, 14, and two who are 11, police Capt. Brian Moeller said.
Ackerman is accused of taking pornographic photos of some of the girls and appearing with them in some, Moeller said. Police spent four hours Tuesday night searching Clear Choices, a counseling facility that Ackerman runs, and confiscated two computers.
Cathy Johnson, 38, sends her daughter, Lindsey, 6, to Clear Choices. The news of Ackerman's arrest shocked her.
"She enjoyed going there. They played games - they just made Easter buddies," Johnson said. "She thought the world of him. ...She'll never go again."
Ackerman, honored five years ago by the National Association of Social Workers, became mayor - a mostly ceremonial role, since the city has a city-manager form of government - in 1997.
Since he moved here in the late 1980's, he has been considered a role model for kids and a motivation for others trying to break free of their addictions. He has worked part-time at a mental health center and an HIV/AIDS clinic, opened Clear Choices and volunteered at a shelter for runaways.
Those who once welcomed him to this community about an hour north of Detroit voiced outrage Wednesday, while others expressed disbelief.
"I feel he kind of let his community down," said Donna Stranyak, 36, a waitress at the downtown Cavis Cafe.
One of her patrons, Randy Arnott, 47, a laborer and longtime resident, doesn't believe the charges.
"I just cant see him do that," he said. "It could be some kind of a hoax."
If convicted, Ackerman could face life in prison, but would more likely get a 16- to 23-year prison sentence, said prosecutor Mona Sayed.
An alcoholic at 14, Ackerman was in and out of rehabilitation facilities for most of his 20's before sobering up.
He is separated from hiw wife, and the two are seeking a divorce. He has a 12-year-old daughter from a previous marriage.
Nothing in the cithy charter calls for the mayor's removal because of felony charges, but City Council member Anita Ashford said she thinks he should resign as a "last act of courage."
Crystal Wrubel, 27, a mortgage loan processor, said she thinks the community will rally around Ackerman. "There's so many kids and so many people that look up to him," she said.
But Schrader isn't sure how the community will react.
"You reach out and you trust somebody adn that trust is violated - and how do you trust again?" he said.
Michigan
Colorful mayor arrested in sex probe
Lawrence Journal
April 08, 1999
A mayor known for his colorful persona and volunteer work has been arrested on sexual misconduct charges involving two young girls.
Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman was charged with criminal sexual conduct and attempted criminal sexual conduct after the partent of both girls complained about him, Port Huron Police chief William Corbett said Tuesday.
Ackerman, 42, is a former drug and alcohol addict who is known for his long beard and hair, and two earrings in his left ear. He goes by his nickname - named for Ajax in "The Warriors," a movie about street gangs - rides a Harley-Davidson and wears leather biker duds.
He has worked part-time as an aide at a mental health center, runs his own youth and adult center and volunteers at an HIV/AIDS clinic and a runaway shelter.
Mayor charged with sexual misconduct
The Tuscaloosa News
Associated Press
April 08, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. - A mayor who used his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction to inspire young people to turn their lives around was charged Wednesday with taking pornographic photos of young girls.
Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman, 42, was charged with 14 counts of sexual misconduct involving children. He is accused of taking the photos of the four girls, ages 9, 14, and two who are 11, police Capt. Brian Moeller said.
Ackerman appears with the girls in some of the photos, allegedly taken between August of last year and March, Moeller said.
A judge entered an innocent plea on behalf of the typically flamboyant Ackerman. He later posted $25,000 bond for his released.
Mich. Mayor Accussed Of Sexual Misconduct
The Ledger
Alexendra R. Moses
The Associated Press
April 8, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. - A mayor who used his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction to inspire young people to turn their lives around was charged Wednesday with taking nude photos of young girls.
Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman, 42, was charged with 14 counts of sexual misconduct involving children. He is accused of taking pornographic photos of four girls, ages 9 , 14 and two who are 11, police Capt. Brian Moeller said.
Ackerman appears with the girls in some of the photos, allegedly taken between August of last year and March, Moeller said.
The typical flamboyant and out-spoken Ackerman - known for his chest-length beard, ponytail and two earrings in his left ear - stood silent during his arraignment.
A judge entered an innocent plea on Ackerman's behalf and held him on $25,000 bail.
News of Ackerman's arrest stunned this close-knit community about an hour north of Detroit. About 50 people packed into the small courtroom for the arraignment.
"I feel he kind of let his community down," said Donna Stranyak, 36, a waitress at a local cafe.
Randy Arnott, 47, a laborer and longtime resident, doesn't believe the charges.
"I just can't see him do that," he said. "They don't know if he did it .... It could be some kind of hoax."
Ackerman, honored five years ago by the National Association of Social Workers, became mayor of the conservative city of 37,000 along Lake Huron in 1997.
He has been considered a role model for kids, motivating others trying to break free of their addictions.
Flamboyant Mayor arraigned
Porter Huron's leader faces 14 sex charges involving children
The Blade
Toledo, Ohio
April 8, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - The mayor who used the story of his struggle to overcome drug and alcohol addiction to help young people turn their lives around was charged yesterday with 14 counts of sexual misconduct involving children.
News of Mayor Geral "Ajax" Ackerman's arrest stunned the close-knit community an hour north of Detroit, and some 50 people packed into the small courtroom for his arraignment. The typical flamboyant and outspoken Mr. Ackerman stood silent during the proceeding.
Mr. Ackerman, 42, was charged with six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of criminal sexual conduct, two counts of production of child abusive material, and one count of indecent exposure. the charges involve four girls, ages 9, 14, and two who are 11, police Capt. Brian Moeller said.
Mr. Ackerman is accused of taking pornographic photos of some of the girls and appearing with them in some, Captain Moeller said. He said police spent four hours Tuesday night searching Clear Choices, a counseling facility that Mr. Ackerman runs, and took two computers from it.
Mr. Ackerman, honored five years ago by the National Association of Social Workers, became mayor of the city of 37,000 along Lake Huron in 1997.
Since he moved here in the late 1980's, he has been considered a role model for youngsters, and motivation to others, trying to break free of addictions.
If convicted, he could face life in prison, but would more likely get a 16 to 20-year prison sentence, St. Clair County Assistant Prosecutor Mona Sayed said.
Mayor arrested on charges of abuse
The Daily Union
Junction City, Kansas
Alexandra R. Moses
April 8, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman doesn't look like a typical mayor, with his flowing red beard, ponytail and leather duds.
He doesn't have the background of a typical mayor, either. He admits he a former drug and alcohol addict who prefers to ride motorcycles.
For this close-knit city of 37,000, electing such a man to the mayor's seat took what one councilman described as "a lot of trust".
That trust may have been shattered Wednesday, as the man who used his story of struggle to help young people was charged with 14 counts of sexual misconduct involving children.
"This community just feels violated," said City Council member Cliff Schrader. "They put a lot faith and trust in Ajax."
The ususally flamboyant and outspoken Ackerman stood silent during his arraignment in a crowded courtroom. He was released on $25,000 bond after the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Ackerman, 42, was charged with six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of criminal sexual conduct, two counts of production of child abusive material and one count of indecent exposure. The charges involve four girls, ages 9, 14, and two who are 11, police Capt. Brian Moeller said.
Ackerman is accused of taking pornographic photos of some of the girls and appearing with them in some, Moeller said. Police spent four hours Tuesday night searching Clear Choices, a counseling facility that Ackerman runs, and confiscated two computers.
Cathy Johnson, 38, sends her daughter, Lindsey, 6, to Clear Choices. The news of Ackerman's arrest shocked her.
"She enjoyed going there. They played games - they just made Easter buddines," Ms. Johnson said. "She thought the world of him. ...She'll never go again."
Ackerman, honored five years ago by the National Association of Social Workers, became mayor - a mostly ceremonial role, since the city has a city-manager form of government - in 1997.
Since he moved here in the late 1980's, he has been considered a role model for kids and a motivation for others trying to break free of their addictions. He has worked part-time at a mental health center and an HIV/AIDS clinic, opened Clear Choices and volunteered at a shelter for runaways.
Those who once welcomed him to this community about an hour north of Detroit voiced outrage Wednesday, while others expressed disbelief.
"I feel he kind of let his community down," said Donna Stranyak, 36, a waitress at the downtown Cavis Cafe.
One of her patrons, Randy Arnott, 47, a laborer and longtime resident, doesn't believe the charges.
"I just cant see him do that," he said. "It could be some kind of a hoax."
If convicted, Ackerman could face life in prison, but would more likely get a 16- to 23-year prison sentence, said prosecutor Mona Sayed.
Mayor in Michigan accused of sex crimes
The Blade
Toledo, Ohio
April 07, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. - A mayor known for his colorful persona and volunteer work was arrested yesterday on sexual misconduct charges involving two young girls.
Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman was charged with criminal sexual conduct and attempted criminal sexual conduct after the parents of both girls complained about him, Police Chief William Corbett said.
Mr. Ackerman, 42, is a former drug and alcohol addict who is known for his long beard, hair tied in a ponytail, and two earrings in his left ear.
Police charge colorful mayor with sex crime
The Vindicator
April 07, 1999
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - A mayor known for his colorful persona and volunteer work has been arrested on sexual misconduct charges involving two young girls.
Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman was charged with criminal sexual conduct and attempted criminal sexual conduct after the parents of both girls complained about him, Police Chief William Corbett said Tuesday.
Corbett would not elaborate on the charges.
Ackerman, 42, was jailed pending arraignment. Corbett said Ackerman had not yet hired a lawyer who could comment. Ackerman and his wife have an unlisted number.
Ackerman is a former drug and alcohol addict who is known for his long beard and hair, and two earrings in his left ear. He goes by his nickname - named for Ajax in "The Warriors," a movie about street gangs - rides a Harley-Davidson and wears leather biker duds.
He has worked part time as an aide at a mental health center, runs his own youth and adult center and volunteers at an HIV/AIDS clinic and a runaway shelter.
In 1994, the National Association of Social Workers named Ackerman the Michigan Public Citizen of the Year for his work in the community.
He has been mayor of Port Huron, a city of 37,000 people 50 miles northeast of Detroit, since 1997.
Harley-riding recovering addict mayor connects with city
Ludington Daily News
April 4, 1998
Randi Goldberg
Associated Press Writer
Port Huron, Mich. [AP] - High on alcohol, marijuana and Quaaludes, Ajax Ackerman left a party, got behind the wheel of a van and smashed into a telephone pole.
He nearly died - and was sorry he hadn't. With the past decade lost to drugs and alcohol, the next 10 years looked hopeless too.
Ten years later: At 41, Ackerman still sports a beard flowing down to his chest, hair tied in a ponytail reaching halfway down his back, two earrings in his left ear. He still goes by his nickname, after the warrior Ajax in a movie about street gangs. He still prefers to ride his Harley-Davidson and wear leather biker duds.
But as he strolls into the police department from his office upstairs, captains and secretaries alike rush to greet him.
"Hey Mayor," says Capt. Brian Moeller.
"I've got a problem with this city income tax. My kid's got to pay for her paper route because she made over $600."
For Port Huron Mayor Gerald "Ajax" Ackerman, it's been some kind of journey.
Born to an alcoholic mother, addicted to booze at 14, a wild kids whose parents moved to Florida to get away from him - today he's the leader of a largely conservative city, a role model for kids, motivation for others trying to break free of their addictions.
When he's not busy helping run the city of 37,000, he works part-time as an aide at a mental health center, runs his own youth and adult center, and volunteers at an HIV/AIDS clinic and a runaway shelter.
Troubled kids look up to him. Well-adjusted adults thinks he's OK, too.
"I think he's going to end up being one of the best mayors Port Huron ever had," says fellow city council member Cliff Shrader, who calls himself a good friend of Ackerman.
"He's a very open gentleman. He really thinks deeply about issues - how they impact citizens, kids."
He didn't always think so.
Taken by the state from his alcoholic mother and adopted at 18 months, Ackerman was what his sister calls, "the evilest child" she had ever seen.
"He was in trouble from day one," DeAnn Fierman says. "It was an attention-getting device."
Today, Ackerman says, he knows part of his problem resulted from attention deficit disorder. But back in the 1960's, he was just "hyperactive."
At 14, Ackerman left suburban Detroit for a military academy in Illinois. He found the increased structure helped - until some seniors sneaked beer into the barracks and asked him to keep watch. In return, they gave him one.
"It was ice cold, the most wonderful thing I tasted in my life," he says. "Some of the pleasure in that beer was symbolic. It opened the door to life for me."
He bought eight more beers from the older students.
"I was fascinated with myself - the ego, esteem lift. I went in the bathroom to watch myself drink that beer.
He threw up, slept in his vomit, woke up with a hangover. And he was hooked.
In 1972, his sophomore year, he returned home, enrolled at Oak Park High School, and got high on whatever he could get: marijuana, mescaline, Quaaludes, cocaine.
"Being cool was so important to me, being tough was so important - and I could be that person when I was high," he says.
Still, he made it through high school and then two semesters of college. After that he joined the Navy - but was kicked out 10 months later because of his drinking.
The next 10 years - all of his 20's - were pretty much lost to drinking and drugs.
He spent 57 days in jail after getting into a fight. His partents, after years of trying to get him out of trouble, had enough. They fled to Florida.
He got in with a rough bunch, there was peer pressure, he felt he had to go along with it," says his father Charles Ackerman. "We couldn't control him then."
By the time he was 30, Ackerman had been in and out of four rehabilitation centers.
That year he he married a woman who also used drugs, and they had a daughter.
But the booze and cocaine came between them and by the time he was 31, she moved out, taking their baby with her.
Months later, Ackerman crashed into a telephone pole. He ended up in traction with one leg fractured in seven places. Both arms were broken. His ankle was put back together with screws.
"When I went to see him in the hospital, he told me he messed up again. Not because of the accident, but because he didn't die," his sister says.
Release from the hospital meant a return to drugs. And when Ackerman found that snorting cocaine no longer gave him gave him a quick enough high, he shot it directly into his veins.
Until the day when even that wasn't enough.
On that day that would be his turning point, Aukerman stuck half a gram of cocaine in his arm - and felt nothing.
"I knew at that point my world was crumbling, drugs weren't working anymore. I was in a lot of trouble," he says.
He figured he had two choices: Get help or kill himself.
"When I really thought about it, I was afraid. Big, macho biker guy - afraid," he says.
"But I also realized of all the things I had done in my life, one thing I had never done is give life a chance."
Getting straight took a month-long stay in another rehabilitation center.
A year later, he had one last relapse, a three-day drinking binge in Florida.
But he says that strengthened his resolve to get sober and stay sober.
"I saw my life in the balance and knew I had to make a choice," he says. "At that point, I began the road back up."
With his newfound determination, he patched up his relationship with his family.
"He didn't start living until after he was 30," his father says. "He finally saw the light and wanted to live and didn't want to go through any more than he already had."
Soon after he cleaned up his act, in October 1987, he fell in love with a woman from Port Huron and moved back north. She left him, but he stayed.
For a time, he was homeless - but resolute. Living in a shelter, he borrowed money and textbooks for community college classes, graduated with honor, and later enrolled at Eastern Michigan University. He's six credits shy of earning his bachelor's degree in public law and government.
