11022007 - Matt Allen - Detroit Mayor Press Secretary

HEAR 911 TAPES FROM NOV. 2 INCIDENT
Detroit mayor's spokesman to step down from post
December 11, 2007
Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/NEWS01/71211049/1003

UPDATED AT 2:45 P.M.: The embattled spokesman for Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced today that he will be stepping down from his post as of Dec. 21.

Matt Allen, who pleaded guilty in a domestic violence case involving his wife at their home, said in a written statement that as a result of a Kilpatrick administration restructuring and his desire to minimize distractions related to his return to work, he will be reassigned to the Detroit Cable Commission as the deputy director.

“In the meantime, I will remain in the Mayor’s office to help with the transition, but look forward to new challenges back in television where my communications background was founded,” Allen said in the statement.

Earlier this month, under a plea deal with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Allen, 42, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and attempted resisting and obstructing of a police officer after an allegedly alcohol-fueled physical confrontation with his wife and Detroit police officers who responded to his wife’s 9-1-1 calls on Nov. 2.

“My wife and I are truly grateful for all the people who have expressed their well wishes and prayers for our healing and future happiness together with our children,” Allen said in a statement. “I am most thankful to Mayor Kilpatrick and the entire administration for their support of my family and myself during this personal crisis.”

Kilpatrick’s deputy press secretary, James Canning, said Allen has returned to work. He said he did not know Kilpatrick’s reasons for keeping Allen in city government.

“Matt and the mayor discussed the situation, the decision was made and we move forward from here,” he said.

                   










Detroit Mayor's Press Secretary Reassigned To Cable Commission
December 11, 2007
WJR News
http://www.wjr.com/Article.asp?id=530210&spid=18945

(DETROIT) - Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's press secretary is taking a new job with the administration. Matt Allen recently pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge. Allen says he'll become deputy director of the Detroit Cable Commission on December 21st. The former assignment editor with a Detroit TV station pleaded guilty last week to a misdemeanor count of domestic violence in connection with a November 2nd incident. Police say Allen's wife Tania told them her 42-year-old husband shoved her into a wall. Allen was sentenced to a year's probation and was ordered to undergo counseling and substance abuse treatment. Allen had served as Kilpatrick's press secretary for about 18 months.

Read Matt Allen's statement on stepping down
Statement: Press Secretary Matt Allen’s Return
December 11, 2007
http://www.michigan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/NEWS01/71211052/1003/NEWS01

On December 3, 2007 I entered into an agreement with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and plead guilty to the misdemeanor offence of domestic violence from an incident at my home on November 2nd of this year.

My wife and I are truly grateful for all the people who have expressed their well wishes and prayers for our healing and future happiness together with our children. We feel blessed to live in a community that has been so forgiving and allowed us our privacy.

I am most thankful to Mayor Kilpatrick and the entire administration for their support of my family and myself during this personal crisis. It’s been a privilege serving our Mayor and the people of Detroit as Press Secretary.

However, as a result of the Kilpatrick Administration restructuring and to minimize distractions related to my return to work, effective December 21, 2007 I will be reassigned to The Detroit Cable Commission as the Deputy Director.

In the mean time, I will remain in the Mayor’s office to help with the transition, but look forward to new challenges back in television where my communications background was founded.

                 








Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's press secretary is taking a new job after recently pleading guilty to a domestic violence charge
POSTED: 12:21 pm EST December 11, 2007
UPDATED: 6:18 pm EST December 11, 2007
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14822561/detail.html

DETROIT -- Matt Allen will become deputy director of the Detroit Cable Commission on Dec. 21.

The former assignment editor with a Detroit TV station pleaded guilty last week to a misdemeanor count of domestic violence in connection with a Nov. 2 incident.

Police said Allen's wife Tania told them her 42-year-old husband shoved her into a wall.

Allen was sentenced to a year's probation and was ordered to undergo counseling and substance abuse treatment.

In a statement issued by Allen, he said, " My wife and I are truly grateful for all the people who have expressed their well wishes and prayers for our healing and future happiness together with our children.

We feel blessed to live in a community that has been so forgiving and allowed us our privacy.

I am most thankful to Mayor Kilpatrick and the entire administration for their support of my family and myself during this personal crisis. It’s been a privilege serving our Mayor and the people of Detroit as Press Secretary.

However, as a result of the Kilpatrick Administration restructuring and to minimize distractions related to my return to work, effective December 21, 2007 I will be reassigned to The Detroit Cable Commission as the Deputy Director.

In the mean time, I will remain in the Mayors office to help with the transition, but look forward to new challenges back in television where my communications background was founded."

Allen had served as Kilpatrick's press secretary for about 18 months.











911 Calls: Mayor's Press Secretary Arrest
December 07, 2007
WXYZ TV News
http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/investigators/story.aspx?content_id=789759d9-ebf1-4eb4-af6f-43f8cc82cf66

DETROIT (AP) - Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's press secretary has pleaded guilty to domestic violence and obstructing police. The charges stem from Matt Allen's November 2nd arrest after police responded to a 911 call at his Detroit home.

The Wayne County prosecutor's office says Allen entered the plea Monday in 36th District Court. Allen has been sentenced to a year of probation, counseling, a psychiatric evaluation and substance abuse treatment.

Defense attorney Richard Steinberg would not comment on the case. The mayor's office also had no comment.

Police say Allen's wife, Tania, told them her 42-year-old husband shoved her into a wall.


               











Probation, Psych Test for Press Secretary
December 04, 2007
WXYZ TV News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=b365ade5-f06c-4b62-8189-d1e19baf566e

DETROIT (AP) - Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's press secretary has pleaded guilty to domestic violence and obstructing police. The charges stem from Matt Allen's November 2nd arrest after police responded to a 911 call at his Detroit home.

The Wayne County prosecutor's office says Allen entered the plea Monday in 36th District Court.

Allen has been sentenced to a year of probation, counseling, a psychiatric evaluation and substance abuse treatment.

Defense attorney Richard Steinberg would not comment on the case. The mayor's office also had no comment.

Police say Allen's wife, Tania, told them her 42-year-old husband shoved her into a wall.

                 









Detroit mayoral spokesman pleads guilty to domestic violence
Posted by Associated Press
MLive
December 03, 2007 14:59PM
http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette/2007/12/detroit_mayoral_spokesman_plea.html

DETROIT -- Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's press secretary has pleaded guilty to domestic violence and obstructing police.

The charges stem from Matt Allen's Nov. 2 arrest after police responded to a 911 call at his Detroit home.

The Wayne County prosecutor's office says Allen entered the plea today in 36th District Court.

Allen has been sentenced to a year of probation, counseling, a psychiatric evaluation and substance abuse treatment.

Defense attorney Richard Steinberg would not comment on the case.

The mayor's office also had no comment.

Police say Allen's wife, Tania, told them her 42-year-old husband shoved her into a wall.

                   









Detroit mayoral spokesman pleads guilty to domestic violence
Examiner
Dec 3, 2007 2:56 PM
http://www.examiner.com/a1083162~Detroit_mayoral_spokesman_pleads_guilty_to_domestic_violence.html
DETROIT (Map, News) - Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's press secretary has pleaded guilty to domestic violence and obstructing police.

The charges stem from Matt Allen's November 2nd arrest after police responded to a 911 call at his Detroit home.

The Wayne County prosecutor's office says Allen entered the plea Monday in 36th District Court. Allen has been sentenced to a year of probation, counseling, a psychiatric evaluation and substance abuse treatment.

Defense attorney Richard Steinberg would not comment on the case.

The mayor's office also had no comment.

Police say Allen's wife, Tania, told them her 42-year-old husband shoved her into a wall.

               









Mayor's press secretary charged in assault
Aide pleads not guilty to domestic violence, resisting arrest; he's out on bond.
David Josar
The Detroit News
Saturday, November 3, 2007
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071103/METRO/711030349/1408/LOCAL&imw=Y

DETROIT -- Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's press secretary, Matt Allen, pleaded not guilty Friday to domestic violence assault and resisting and obstructing charges after he allegedly shoved his wife into a wall of their Indian Village home during a pre-dawn dispute.

Later Friday night, Allen announced at his lawyer's office that he was immediately checking himself into an undisclosed treatment facility.

"Clearly I have a problem," he said. "The gravity of today has not escaped me the past 24 hours have forced me to take a very hard look at myself."

Allen, 42, who broke down when he publicly apologized to his wife, took no questions after his brief statement.

Earlier at the brief court hearing, Allen was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond after his arraignment in 36th District Court. He was directed to take an anti-domestic violence class, participate in alcohol monitoring and ordered to have no contact with his wife, Tania Allen.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 13.

"These are very serious charges," Allen's attorney Richard Steinberg said, but added that the incident was a "quarrel between and a man and a woman" and that Allen would be cleared.

He said he had spoken with Tania Allen via telephone before the arraignment and that she wanted the couple to work toward a resolution.

Resisting arrest is a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and domestic violence assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m., when Allen returned home after attending a downtown Detroit fundraiser with other members of the mayor's staff.

According to police records, Allen's wife said the incident began with an argument over Matt Allen's vehicle, at which point he became upset, "grabbed (her) neck and shoved her into (a) wall, then pushed her into the bathroom, then grabbed her again and shoved her head into the window."

The window broke, police said, bruising Tania Allen's forehead.

After the arrest, according to a police report, Allen belittled the police officers.

"You're some racist cops," Allen shouted at police while he was handcuffed and being taken to the station house on East Nevada. Steinberg said the description was an exaggeration of what happened.

Mayor Kilpatrick issued a statement late Friday saying Allen's employment status has not changed and asking for public support for Allen and his wife.

"Matt has shown great remorse for his actions and we hope everyone will respect him and his family as they work through this very difficult period in their lives," the statement said.

On Thursday night, Allen and others from the mayor's staff attended a Press Club "Steakout" at the Renaissance Center. It was a fundraiser for the Detroit Press Foundation's journalism scholarship program and the Detroit Goodfellows organization.

Previously a Fox 2 news assignment editor, Allen has worked about 18 months for Kilpatrick.

In September, Allen drew scrutiny when he admitted that for the past four years he had registered his vehicle at his parents' suburban home even though he was living in Detroit, where insurance rates are higher.

                   









Kilpatrick's press secretary arraigned
David Josar
The Detroit News
Friday, November 2, 2007
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071102/UPDATE/711020429/1421/info

DETROIT -- Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's press secretary, Matt Allen, pleaded not guilty to resisting arrest and domestic violence involving his wife and was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond Friday afternoon.

The charges in 36th District Court stem from an incident around 2:30 a.m. at the couple's Indian Village home. According to police records, he and his wife, Tania Allen, got into an argument about his vehicle at which point he allegedly grabbed her about the neck and "shoved her into a wall."

The report said he also pushed her into the bathroom, grabbed her again and "shoved her head into the window," bruising her forehead.

Allen was directed to take an anti-domestic violence class and ordered to have no contact with his wife.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 13.

"These are very serious charges," Allen's, attorney Richard Steinberg said, but added that the incident was a "quarrel between a man and a woman" and that Allen would be cleared.

Resisting arrest is a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and domestic violence assault is a misdemeanor punishable with up to 93 days in jail.

According to a statement from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Detroit police responded at about 2:35 a.m. to a 911 call to the 2000 block of Seminole, where Allen and his wife, Tania, live with their infant daughter.

When police arrived, according to the statement, a woman who identified herself as Allen's wife stated that there had been an argument and that Allen had shoved her into a wall.

On Friday afternoon, the mayor's office said he would have no comment on the arrest and charges.

"It's a personal matter," said James Canning, the mayor's deputy press secretary.

He added that Allen, 42, still works for the mayor. "His status has not changed."

Calls to Allen's city-issued cell phone went directly to voice mail.

While being detained at the city's Northeast District lock up, Allen was taken to a local hospital because he had a reaction to medication and was then returned to police custody.

On Thursday night, Allen and others from the mayor's staff attended the 2007 Press Club "Steakout" at the Marriott Hotel in the Renaissance Center. The event was a fund-raiser for the Detroit Press Foundation's journalism scholarship program and the Detroit Goodfellows

Last weekend, he and his wife had been in New York City to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their engagement.

Previously a Fox 2 News assignment editor, Allen has worked about 18 months for Kilpatrick.

Before working for Fox 2, he had been a military police officer in the U.S. Army.

In September, Allen drew scrutiny when he admitted that for the past four years he had registered his vehicle at his parents' suburban home even though he was living in Detroit, where insurance rates are higher.

Allen also admitted he had a pair of alcohol-related driving infractions when he was in his 20s.

Channel 7 News has reported that Allen attempted to call Police Chief Ella Bully Cummings when police arrived at his home, but did not reach her.

                 









Kilpatrick's press secretary arrested
Allen charged with domestic abuse, resisting arrest
November 2, 2007
BY BEN SCHMITT AND ZACHARY GORCHOW
Detroit Free Press
http://motorcityliberal.blogspot.com/2007/11/kilpatricks-press-secretary-arrested.html

The attorney for Matt Allen, the press secretary for Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, said he expects him to be arraigned today on domestic abuse charges. Allen’s attorney, Richard Steinberg, said police arrested Allen for domestic violence and resisting and obstructing arrest.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement that police responded at 2:35 a.m. to a 911 call in the 2000 block of Seminole. When police arrived, a woman identifying herself as Allen’s spouse said there had been an argument and that Allen became upset and shoved her into a wall.

The domestic violence charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail. The resisting/obstruction charge is a felony punishable by up to two years in prison.

Allen, a former military police officer, attended the Detroit Press Club Steak Out media event Thursday night that served free beer and wine at the Marriott Hotel inside the Renaissance Center.

Detroit police spokeswoman Yvette Walker said this morning that Allen is in custody and the situation remains under investigation.

She said she was unsure about the extent of injuries to Allen’s wife, who is the complainant.

She declined to release further details.

Steinberg called the incident “a petty quarrel that got blown out of proportion and escalated after the police got involved.” He said Allen’s wife, Tania Allen, called police, but declined to answer who he thought was blowing the incident out of proportion.

“I expect Matt to be completely exonerated,” he said.

Worthy said in her statement: “Domestic violence is a crime that doesn’t discriminate. It has no racial, ethnic or class boundaries. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence please contact your local police department. In an emergency, call 911.”Stewart

McMillin lives two doors down from the Allens. He called Matt Allen a great guy who moved into the neighborhood about four years and fixed up the red brick colonial he shares with his family.

“He cares about this community,’’ McMillin said.

McMillin recalls an incident this summer in which Allen’s wife came to his house one evening and was visibly upset. McMillin said Tania Allen told him that she and her husband had been fighting.

“She was clearly upset and disappointed. She didn’t like the way that Matt was behaving,’’ McMillin said.

When McMillin walked her home, he said, Matt Allen appeared upset. “He swore a little”.

It's not the first time Allen has been in the media spotlight for personal matters.

Allen told the media in September that during the past four years he failed to live full time in the city of Detroit, or keep his automobile registration and insurance registered to his Detroit residence.

Allen said he has owned a home in Detroit, but for personal reasons also has lived at his parents' home in Huntington Woods. Allen's automobile registration and insurance are now registered in Detroit.

In an interview, Allen called the situation an oversight. He declined to elaborate on what the personal reasons were for living in Huntington Woods or how much time he spent there.

A number of city residents register their automobiles to addresses of relatives outside the city to avoid paying higher insurance rates.

Allen denied any effort to pay a lower insurance rate.

In late 2005, Kilpatrick ordered all of his appointees to live in the city.

               









Read Police Report Of Matt Allen's Arrest
ClickOnDetroit.com
POSTED: 7:08 pm EDT November 2, 2007
UPDATED: 7:31 pm EDT November 2, 2007
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14500372/detail.html

Officers requested at a priority run to above location on woman assaulted at above location.

Officer recalled this address to be the mayor's press secretary Matthew Allen residence from a prior priority run.

Immediately upon arrival officers requested supervisor to location. Upon arrival officers observed listed victim running from 2115 Seminole screaming "Here I am." victim ran over to officers vehicle in her dark colored gown and white socks and appeared to be emotionally unstable crying and shaking.

Victim stated that her husband came home irate and intoxicated arguing with her over his veh.

Victim stated they were in the upper level of their home in their bedroom arguing.

Victim stated that she attempted to leave the room and walked into the hallway at which time Mr. Allen grabbed her by the back of her neck and shoved her into the wall.

Victim stated her husband then pushed her into the bath room then grabbed her by the back of her neck and shoved her head into the window causing the window to break and a contusion to raise on her head along with small laceration.

Officers prior to entering the residence indicated that there was a handgun.

Officers came to the front door of the residence and after several knocks Mr. Allen came to front door yelling "Tania will you please get the door."

Mr. Allen opened front door and officers asked if all was O.K. at this location and did he know where his wife was.

Mr. Allen stated, "She is upstairs officer's I will get her."

Officer followed Mr. Allen upstairs while Mr. Allen held his daughter in his left arm keeping Mr. Allen in site due to recent information from victim that offender had weapons in house.

Officer observed the glass to the bathroom window broken and glass on the bedroom floor.

Officer was ordered by Mr. Allen in a stern and angry voice to come back down stairs.

Officer followed Mr. Allen back to first level being mindful that per victim there were weapons in the house.

Officer also stood in close proximity to Mr. Allen who appeared intoxicated in fear that he may drop his daughter. I Officer immediately signaled for Mr. Allen to come back to his house from 2115 Seminole.

Upon victim entering into loc. officer asked if offender could give his daughter over to the victim and offender refused holding her tight in his left arm.

Sgts. arrived at the house and talked to victim at the house, while officers stood by. Officers talked about lt.

As officers stood on first level next to Mr. Allen, he was very irate and belligerent with officers picking up his kitchen phone and stating you don't know who I am do you, but you will when I get of the phone with chief Ella Bully Cummings.

Mr. Allen stated to officers to get out of his house and officers refused.

Mr. Allen stated "I own this f****** house and you will do just as I told you to do and leave." Mr.

Allen then stated "Do not walk anywhere in my house." Officer stood to the right side of Mr. Allen at which time Mr. Allen took his right elbow and shoved it into officer’s rib cage area.

Officer advised Mr. Allen to stop at which time Mr. Allen shoved his elbow into officer’s stomach again grinding it into officers left side in presence of officers partner.

Officers stood back and advised Mr. Allen to not do that again and Mr. Allen stated "That’s right you people think this is a joke and you want to put this on a blog don't you."

Officer stated what do you mean by you people and Mr. Allen stated "You black people always want to make things like this don’t you, you don’t like me do you officer ____"

Mr. Allen also continued to yell into officers ear stating "Look me in my face your in my f****** house asshole."

Officers advised to arrest Mr. Allen and conv. to northeast district. Mr. Allen handed his daughter over to victim at which time Mr. Allen was advised of what he was being charged with and that he had to be arrested at which time Mr. Allen stated, "You can not and will not arrest me."

Officer handed Mr. Allen his shoes and placed handcuffs on him and double locked them behind his back.

Officers placed Mr. Allen in scout car and drove in route to northeast district. While officers traveling north on Vandyke approaching Sylvester Mr. Allen took the cuffs pulled them around to the front and started beating on the plexy glass.

Officer advised Mr. Allen to stop and Mr. Allen continued at which time officer pulled vehicle over at Van Dyke and Ruedisale area and asked Mr. Allen out of vehicle to re-position cuffs in fear that offender would injure himself or break glass.

Officer put cuffs behind Mr. Allen and with second pair officers put cuffs through two loops on rear of Mr. Allen’s pants and then on the middle chain of cuffs that were on Mr. Allen to keep Mr. Allen from pulling cuffs back to the front.

Officers then continued to district while Mr. Allen continued to curse officers out stating "You police and Shit you are the worst police I have ever encountered." M Mr. Allen stated "Make sure that’s on your mic, because I saw you wearing it you a** hole."

Mr. Allen then stated, "Run every red light and get me in because I'm high priority you mother f*******."

Officers made northeast detention area with out any further incident and advised the desk on how Mr. Allen did his cuffs.

Officers made above location prior to above date and time a few months ago and Mr. Allen and victim stated all was O.K. and there was no problem at scene.

Victim at time just wanted Mr. Allen to go to sleep in the basement; victim stated Mr. Allen was too intoxicated.

Officers advised all and nothing appeared to be wrong at the time.

Witness stated that victim made her loc. to call police crying and screaming with her gown torn.

                 








Mayor's Press Secretary Offers Tearful Apology
POSTED: 7:04 am EDT November 2, 2007
UPDATED: 12:14 pm EDT November 3, 2007
ClickOnDetroit.com
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14492102/detail.html

Matt Allen, press secretary for Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, pleaded innocent to charges of domestic violence and resisting arrest Friday afternoon following his early-morning arrest at his Indian Village home.

Police responded to complaints at 2:35 a.m. in the 2100 block of Seminole Street, where an upstairs window was broken.

"Clearly, I have a problem," Allen said in a press conference Friday night.

According to information obtained by Local 4, Allen's wife appeared to neighbors in a nightgown shouting "here I am." The report said her head had been shoved through a plate-glass window. Allen, according to the report, appeared intoxicated and was holding his 14-month-old child in his arms as he elbowed a responding officer in the ribs.

Allen also made some racial slurs to police officers and told them they could not arrest him because he was "high priority," the report said.

Allen's attorney, Richard Steinberg, said that Allen's wife was not harmed and the whole thing was an accident that has been blown out of proportion. He said Allen was not intoxicated and he will defend his client "to the fullest extent."

Allen is now free on $10,000 bond and the judge set a hearing date of Dec. 13. He also ordered Allen to attend domestic violence class, to have no contact with his wife and to submit to alcohol monitoring.

Late Friday night Allen called a press conference with his attorney, Richard Steinberg, and read a statement but would not answer reporter's questions.

Allen broke down when he apologized, "Most importantly to my wife, whom I love deeply, for any emotional or physical pain I have inflicted upon her." He also offered apologies to Mayor Kilpatrick, announcing he will be checking into a treatment center to "Help me get the professional guidance that will help me get my life back on track."

Local Four reporter Mara MacDonald clarified with Allen's attorney that Allen will be seeking treatment for alcohol abuse.

Allen has been Kilpatrick's press secretary for about 18 months.

10192007 - Deputy Scott Ford - Emmet County SD

Deputy Scott Ford [Emmet County Sheriff Department], misused the Department's LEIN system to stalk his former girlfriend [October 19, 2007]



On December 07, 2008, while Deputy Scott Ford [Emmet County Sheriff Department] was on duty he had sex with a victim of stalking.

Sheriff Pete Wallin fired Deputy Ford within fifteen hours of learning of the allegations. Wallin then forwarded the case to the Michigan Sheriff's Association to complete a criminal investigation.


The investigation revealed that Deputy Scott had illegally used the Department's LEIN system to obtain information on his former girlfriend on October 19, 2007.

During the summer of 2008, the investigation also discovered, that Deputy Ford had sexually assaulted a woman during traffic stops.

The investigation also uncovered that Deputy Ford had done drugs while he was on duty.

Deputy Ford was prosecuted in 2009.

                                    



ORIGINAL CHARGES: Two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts of obstructing justice, five felony weapon charges for committing crimes in uniform while armed with his service pistol; two counts of refusing to aid the sheriff; false certification impermissible use of personal information, unauthorized access of the LEIN computer network; and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime.


 
 
 
 
ALSO SEE:
DEPUTY SCOTT FORD, EMMET COUNTY SD [Summer 2008]
Sexually assaulted a woman during traffic stops
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/06/deputy-scott-ford-emmet-county-sd.html



DEPUTY SCOTT FORD, EMMET COUNTY SD [December 07, 2008]
Misconduct while on duty.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/12/deputy-scott-ford-emmet-county-sd.html


Former DEPUTY SCOTT FORD, EMMET COUNTY SD [May 05, 2010]
Violation of Probation [exposed himself in a sexual manner to female jail inmates]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/05/former-deputy-scott-ford-emmet-county.html




Former Deputy to Serve Jail Term
WJML News- Traverse City
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
http://wjmlnews.blogspot.com/2010/01/former-deputy-to-serve-jail-term.html

A former Emmet County Sheriff’s deputy, Scott Harold Ford, will serve at least six months in jail as the result of his plea agreement on charges he used law enforcement resources to access personal information of an ex-girlfriend. Ford, who was fired just 15 hours after Sheriff Pete Wallin learned of the allegations, will also perform 200 hours of community service.














Former sheriff’s deputy sentenced to 11 months in jail
Posted: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 ·
Updated: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 10:35 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/breaking_news/article_58bf6f10-ffc4-11de-81e2-001cc4c03286.html

Former Emmet County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Harold Ford wept openly in 57th Circuit Court today, Tuesday as Judge Charles W. Johnson sentenced him to 11 months in jail, two years probation and 200 hours of community service.

The 39-year-old Carp Lake resident was being sentenced for three charges he pleaded guilty to in October 2009, which included one count of unauthorized access of a computer network (Law Enforcement Information Network), a five-year felony; and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff, both of which are 90-day misdemeanors.

During sentencing, Johnson stipulated that Ford would be required to spend the first six months of his sentence in jail, with the opportunity for tether if he exhibits good behavior.

He is being granted work release during the entirety of his sentence.

Ford served as an Emmet County sheriff’s deputy for nearly nine years, and admitted during a plea hearing in October 2009, to unlawfully accessing the Law Enforcement Information Network on Oct. 18, 2007, to access the personal information of an ex-girlfriend, who alleged that she and her children suffered psychological harm from his conduct.

During Ford’s sentencing, Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin said that he had no tolerance for this type of behavior, and subsequently fired Ford on Dec. 18 — 15 hours after Wallin said he became aware of Ford’s misconduct.

“Mr. Ford was a citzen’s worst nightmare — a man with a badge and a gun who abused his authority,” Wallin said. “I have always strongly believed that a man makes the badge and the badge does not make the man — Mr. Ford has tarnished what that badge was supposed to stand for.”

Wallin stated that Ford’s misconduct has caused his department incalculable harm.

“Mr. Ford is a classic case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; the administration and his fellow deputies thought Mr. Ford was doing what he was sworn to do — protect and serve,” he said. “We found out later, his true nature was to violate the rights of the very people he was sworn to protect.

“(Ford’s) actions have cast a cloud of doubt in the public’s view of law enforcement officers in Emmet County. It may take quite a while until that cloud clears.”

Ford made a tearful attempt, toward the end of today’s hearing, to apologize to those he had hurt during this ordeal.

“To my wife, Heather, she doesn’t deserve the pain and embarrassment I’ve caused her ... and yet she continues to stand by my side — I will spend the rest of my life making it up to her,” he said. “To Sheriff Wallin ... my former colleagues ... I let you down with my conduct and the choices I made; I considered you my friends and I apologize for the choices I made.

“To the court and to my community, I know what I did was wrong, and I apologize deeply.”














Ford evidentiary hearing/sentencing delayed a second time
Posted: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 11:50 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer · 0 comments
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_7fb7e466-e99a-11de-9126-001cc4c002e0.html

The sentencing for a former Emmet County Sheriff’s deputy has been delayed for a second time in 57th Circuit Court.

Scott Harold Ford, 39, of Carp Lake, who was fired from the Emmet County Sheriff’s Department in December of 2008 for allegedly committing several acts of misconduct while on duty, was originally scheduled for sentencing for one felony and two misdemeanor charges on Dec. 7.

This sentencing date, however, was moved today, Dec. 15, as a result of Ford’s request for an evidentiary hearing to look more closely at his sentencing variables.

According to Duane Beach, chief assistant prosecutor for Emmet County, the Michigan Department of Corrections had come back with a sentencing recommendation for Ford, before his Dec. 7 sentencing, that he did not agree with.

Originally, Ford faced nine charges for having unlawfully accessed the Law Enforcement Information Network on Oct. 18, 2007, to obtain the personal information of an ex-girlfriend, as well as allegedly sexually assaulting and soliciting a female for drugs during a pair of traffic stops during the summer of 2008 and having consensual sex with a victim of an open stalking complaint while on duty Dec. 7, 2008.

As a result of an agreement between Ford and the prosecutor’s office, six charges against him were dropped, and he pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized access of a computer network (Law Enforcement Information Network), a five-year felony; and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff, both 90-day misdemeanors.

Prior to Ford’s evidentiary hearing and sentencing, which was rescheduled for today, Tuesday, Ford and his attorney submitted paperwork to circuit court, which stipulated that they would be introducing the results of two polygraph examinations Ford took during the investigation into his conduct.

On Dec. 10, the prosecutor’s office issued a response to this potential submission, saying “(The polygraph examinations) are argued to show or bolster the credibility of (Ford).”

In its response, the prosecutor’s office has requested that Ford submit to an independent polygraph examination relating to allegations of sexual assault and narcotics use.

“The matter is one of fairness,” reads the prosecutor’s response. “If (Ford) is going to assert a polygraph examination, the people should have the right to an independent polygraph of (Ford).

“There is no jeopardy here because (Ford) has already reached a plea regarding these matters.”

To date, Ford has refused to take an independent polygraph examination.

On Dec. 11, Ford and his attorney, Joe Kwiatkowski, filed paperwork in circuit court to adjourn Ford’s Dec. 15 evidentiary hearing and sentencing — on the grounds that they did not have time to prepare a response to the prosecutor’s office most recent request.

That same day, Judge Charles W. Johnson ordered an adjournment on Ford’s evidentiary hearing and sentencing, which has now been rescheduled for 2 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2010.

















Ford sentencing delayed
Posted: Friday, December 4, 2009 ·
Updated: Monday, December 7, 2009, 8:06 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer ·
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_77c3dd00-e107-11de-83ef-001cc4c03286.html

The sentencing for a former Emmet County Sheriff’s deputy has been delayed in 57th Circuit Court to make way for an evidentiary hearing.

Scott Harold Ford, a 39-year-old Carp Lake resident, was fired from the Emmet County Sheriff’s Department in December of 2008 for allegedly committing several acts of misconduct while on duty.

On Oct. 19, he pleaded guilty in circuit court to one count of unauthorized access of a computer network (Law Enforcement Information Network), a five-year felony; and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff, both 90-day misdemeanors.

Ford was originally scheduled to face sentencing for these charges in circuit court at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, however, according to Duane Beach, chief assistant prosecutor for Emmet County, Ford requested an evidentiary hearing once the Michigan Department of Corrections came back with a sentencing recommendation for him.

“He requested the evidentiary hearing to look at the scoring of the sentencing variables,” Beach said. “(The Michigan Department of Corrections) scored some things Ford didn’t agree with.”

Ford is now scheduled for a two-hour evidentiary hearing at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, in circuit court.














Former sheriff's deputy Scott Ford takes plea agreement
Posted: Monday, October 19, 2009 ·
Updated: Friday, October 23, 2009, 5:14 pm
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/breaking_news/article_bc900a1b-be7f-5b8d-9b9e-8341a8939f40.html

A former sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty today in 57th Circuit Court to three of the nine charges against him.

Scott Harold Ford, 39, of Carp Lake, who was fired from the Emmet County Sheriff's Department in December of 2008, for allegedly committing several acts of misconduct while on duty, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of unauthorized access of a computer network (Law Enforcement Information Network), a five-year felony; and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff, both 90-day misdemeanors.

In exchange for this plea, the Emmet County Prosecutor's Office dismissed the remaining six charges against Ford, which include one count of false certification - impermissible use of personal information, a five-year felony; one count of using a computer to commit a crime, a seven-year felony; two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, both two-year, high-court misdemeanors; and two counts of obstructing justice, both five-year felonies.

Ford, who was an Emmet County deputy for nearly nine years, was alleged to have unlawfully accessed the Law Enforcement Information Network on Oct. 18, 2007, to access the personal information of an ex-girlfriend, which he admitted to Monday in circuit court.

Ford was also alleged to have sexually assaulted and solicited a female for drugs during a pair of traffic stops during the summer of 2008, as well as had consensual sex with a victim of an open stalking complaint while on duty Dec. 7, 2008.

Charges related to both of these allegations have been dismissed.

Joseph Kwiatkowski, Ford's defense attorney, said he believes what his client pleaded to Monday was "fair."

"We appreciate the fact that the prosecutor made the offer he did … we felt that the plea offered was fair," Kwiatkowski said. "We felt that taking responsibility was appropriate, (Ford) was clearly acknowledging accessing LEIN was wrong."

Jim Linderman, Emmet County prosecutor, said his reaction to Ford's plea Monday was "bittersweet."

"I'm happy he accepted responsibility for his actions, but on the other hand, we still have the overall issue of the cloud this hangs over law enforcement officers - they shouldn't be painted with the same brush," he said. "(Ford's) done acts as a police officer that he shouldn't have .. we expect police officers to obey the law."

Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin said he wants to let the public know that his office was quick to react regarding the allegations against Ford.

"When all this stuff surfaced, some people wondered why it took so long … the day we found out about the allegations (Dec. 18), we investigated it right away, found out it was substantiated, and we fired him the next day (Dec. 19)," Wallin said.

The News-Review contacted Ford's defense attorney, Joseph Kwiatkowski, earlier today for comment, but have not yet heard back.

Ford is currently scheduled for a pre-sentence investigation in circuit court, and is expected to be sentenced within the next six weeks, however, no date has yet been set.
















Ford’s third attempt to disqualify local judge is denied
Posted: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 12:00 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_a2759bc8-e239-5a45-a66e-2cd0ae47473a.html

A third attempt to disqualify Judge Charles W. Johnson from hearing two cases against a former Emmet County sheriff's deputy has been denied.

The first motion was presented to Johnson on Aug. 12 in 57th Circuit Court by Joe Kwiatkowski, defense attorney for 39-year-old Scott Ford of Carp Lake.

Ford, who was fired from the Emmet County Sheriff's Department on Dec. 19, 2008, is alleged to have committed several acts of misconduct while on duty, and is set to appear in circuit court for jury trials in both November and December.

According to an affidavit in circuit court, it is alleged that on Oct. 18, 2007, Ford unlawfully accessed personal information of an ex-girlfriend using the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN).

It is also alleged that he sexually assaulted and solicited a female for drugs during a pair of traffic stops during the summer of 2008, as well as had consensual sex with a victim of an open stalking complaint while on duty Dec. 7, 2008.

During the first motion for disqualification on Aug. 12, Kwiatkowski - on behalf of Ford - requested that Johnson disqualify himself from hearing both cases against the former deputy on the grounds that one of Johnson's court administrators, Julie Wallin, is married to Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin - Ford's former employer who will be a witness in his case and may speak in the matter of allocution.

Johnson denied this initial motion to disqualify, stating that he had no "significant social relationship" with either the sheriff or his court administrator, and believed that he could move forward impartially.

Once this decision was handed down, Kwiatkowski requested a "de novo" (meaning a "new beginning" in Latin) review of Johnson's denial of the motion.

The review was then forwarded on to Charlevoix County Circuit Court Judge Richard M. Pajtas, who on Sept. 2, also denied Ford's motion, stating: "There has been no showing whatsoever of actual bias or prejudice on the part of the court based on the fact that the court's court administrator is the wife of the sheriff."

Kwiatkowski did not stop here.

On Sept. 21, he sent Pajtas a motion for reconsideration of his previous decision. Kwiatkowski's motion stated that Ford believed the court made an error by not granting a de novo hearing.

Pajtas went on to deny this motion on Sept. 25, stating in his decision and order that: "the motion is devoid of any merit and should be denied."

Pajtas stated in his Sept. 25 decision, that he conducted Ford's initial motion as a de novo hearing - which is defined by Black Law's Dictionary 7th Edition as a reviewing of a court's decision of a matter anew, giving no difference to a lower court's findings; as well as a new hearing of a matter, conducted as if the original hearing had not occurred.

"That is exactly what this court did," Pajtas stated. "It gave no deference to the lower court's findings and reviewed the record as if the original hearing had not taken place.

"There were no disputed questions of fact."

The News-Review made several attempts during the past two days to contact Kwiatkowski for comment about Ford's case, however no calls were returned as of press time today.

Ford is scheduled for his first jury trial Nov. 9-10 in 57th Circuit Court, and is facing three charges, including false certification impermissible use of personal information, unauthorized access of a computer network and using a computer to commit a crime.

His second trial is scheduled for Dec. 14-17, where he faces six charges, including two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of obstructing justice and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff.














Motion to disqualify judge denied a second time
Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2009 ·
Updated: Friday, October 23, 2009, 5:10 pm
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_744a0460-f858-5042-af02-57f86614a499.html

The motion to disqualify 57th Circuit Court Judge Charles W. Johnson from hearing both cases against former sheriff's deputy Scott Ford has been denied for a second time.

Ford, 39, of Carp Lake, who was fired from the Emmet County Sheriff's Department Dec. 19, 2008, is alleged to have committed several acts of misconduct while on duty, and is set to appear in circuit court for jury trials in both November and December.

During the first trial - which is now set to take place Nov. 9-10 - Ford is facing three charges, including false certification impermissible use of personal information, unauthorized access of a computer network and using a computer to commit a crime.

In the second trial, which is now scheduled for Dec. 14-17, Ford is facing six charges, including two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of obstructing justice and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff.

On Aug. 13, Judge Johnson was presented with a motion from Ford's attorney, Joe Kwiatkowski, to disqualify himself from both cases against Ford, on the grounds that one of his court administrators, Julie Wallin, is married to Sheriff Pete Wallin, Ford's former employer.

Johnson denied the motion stating that he had no "significant social relationship" with either the sheriff or his court administrator.

Johnson went on to say during his summary that he had not discussed the case with either the sheriff or his court administrator, and would never consult with his court administrator for the purpose of forming judicial decisions.

"This court has no doubt it can impartially move forward … it will have no impact whatsoever on the court's decision making," Johnson said.

After this hearing, Kwiatkowski requested a de novo (meaning a "new beginning" in Latin) review of Johnson's denial of the motion to disqualify.

The review was forwarded to Charlevoix County Circuit Court Judge Richard M. Pajtas, who on Sept. 2, also denied Ford's motion to disqualify Johnson from both cases.

In his order denying Ford's motion to disqualify, Pajtas states: "There has been no showing whatsoever of actual bias or prejudice on the part of the court based on the fact that the court's court administrator is the wife of the sheriff."

Kwiatkowski said now that he has received Judge Pajtas' decision, he is unsure whether or not he will continue to pursue the motion to disqualify.

Duane Beach, chief assistant prosecutor for Emmet County, said Ford has the right to appeal the decision to the Michigan Court of Appeals.

"At this point, I've received the decision, and I understand the decision," Kwiatkowski said. "I continue to believe there should be another trial judge."















Judge in neighboring county to decide if Johnson will preside over ex-deputy's trials
Posted: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 12:00 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Steve Zucker News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_ebb61672-c3cc-5f66-802a-0bd26fb2d52c.html

A judge in a neighboring county has been assigned to decide if Emmet County Circuit Court Judge Charles W. Johnson should preside over the upcoming trials of former sheriff's deputy Scott Ford.

On Tuesday, the Michigan State Court Administrator's Office assigned the matter to Charlevoix County Circuit Court Judge Richard M. Pajtas after Ford's defense attorney, Joe Kwiatkowski, filed a request for another judge to consider his motion seeking to have Judge Johnson disqualified from the case.

On Aug. 12, Judge Johnson denied Kwiatkowski's motion to remove himself from Ford's case. Kwiatkowski's based his motion on the grounds that Johnson's court administrator, Juli Wallin, is the wife of Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin. Sheriff Wallin is Ford's former boss and is included on the list of possible witnesses for the trial.

In denying the motion, Judge Johnson said he does not consult with the court administrator on judicial decisions and he does not have a social relationship with her.

Johnson said he "has no doubt (he) can impartially move forward (with the case)."

Ford, 39, of Carp Lake, who was fired from the Emmet County Sheriff's Department Dec. 19, is accused of committing several acts of misconduct while on duty, and is set to appear in circuit court for jury trials on Sept. 14-15 and Nov. 9-12.

Officials with the Charlevoix County Circuit Court said Judge Pajtas will likely make his decision sometime within the next week.

In the first trial, Ford is facing three charges, including false certification-impermissible use of personal information, unauthorized access of a computer network and using a computer to commit a crime.

In the second trial, Ford is facing six charges, including two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of obstructing justice and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff.
















Johnson denies motion to disqualify himself from hearing Ford's cases
Posted: Friday, August 14, 2009 ·
Updated: Friday, October 23, 2009, 5:06 pm
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_b7a87512-e778-55ec-9ae5-d264220a6cf9.htmll

The defense attorney for Scott Harold Ford, a former sheriff's deputy who is facing two trials this fall, requested Wednesday that 57th Circuit Court Judge Charles W. Johnson disqualify himself from hearing both cases.

Ford, 39, of Carp Lake, who was fired from the Emmet County Sheriff's Department Dec. 19, 2008, is alleged to have committed several acts of misconduct while on duty, and is set to appear in circuit court for jury trials on Sept. 14-15 and Nov. 9-12.

During the first trial, Ford is facing three charges, including false certification impermissible use of personal information, unauthorized access of a computer network and using a computer to commit a crime.

In the second trial, Ford is facing six charges, including two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of obstructing justice and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff.

In his motion to disqualify Wednesday, Joe Kwiatkowski, Ford's attorney, argued that one of Johnson's court administrator's, Juli Wallin, is the wife of Emmet County Sheriff Peter Wallin - who will be a witness in the case and may speak in the matter of allocution.

Kwiatkowski argued that, at first, he was not aware that Sheriff Wallin would be a witness in the case.

"He was not a witness at the (preliminary examination), and I didn't expect him to be involved at all in the trial … I didn't anticipate he had any role," he said.

Kwiatkowski said on July 20, he first learned that the prosecution was amending its witness list to include Wallin, which he believed was a significant change.

"Now that we have a case where the prosecution intends to use the husband of a court administrator for a witness and allocution, I believe that does give us grounds for this motion (to disqualify)," he said. "I have the utmost confidence in this court … but it's my firm opinion … the court should consider recusal."

Duane Beach, chief assistant prosecutor for Emmet County, said he did not believe his office amending the witness list to include Wallin was a significant change.

"Our position was that it was not 'new' - (having Wallin testify) was obvious," he said. "The prosecution has the right to amend its witness list by law."

Johnson said in his decision that he appreciated Kwiatkowski's work and due diligence, however, he would deny the motion to disqualify.

"For the record, the court takes no offense (to the motion), on the contrary, I appreciate this was done because it gives the court the opportunity to show the circumstances and its ability to handle this case impartially," he said.

Johnson first addressed the issue of Wallin's wife being his court administrator.

"The court administrator is a long standing member of this staff - she was here when I took office about 14 years ago, however, the court never consults with the court administrator for its judicial decisions," he said.

"This court has no significant social relationship with Sheriff Wallin … I may have attended a staff Christmas party with him once or twice, but that would be the only occasion I would have been in his home … we don't socialize outside of the court in any significance.

"I have not discussed this case with the sheriff, or the court administrator, and I don't intend to."

Johnson said he believed he could move forward impartially in both of Ford's cases.

"In summary, this court has no doubt it can impartially move forward … it will have no impact whatsoever on the court's decision making," he said.

Kwiatkowski said after the hearing that he respected Johnson's decision to deny his motion.

"I have the highest regard for this court, and I respect his opinion, though I may have a different one," he said.

Kwiatkowski said he may decide to have another judge look at his motion to disqualify Johnson, which he would have to do within the next six days. At press time, no decision had yet been made.













Former sheriff's deputy faces two jury trials
Posted: Wednesday, July 8, 2009, 12:00 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_17d577f3-a17a-5928-8bd5-5b90c4472908.html

A former Emmet County sheriff's deputy will face two jury trials this fall.

Scott Harold Ford, 39, of Carp Lake, who was fired from the sheriff's department Dec. 19, 2008, after having worked for the county for almost nine years, is alleged to have committed several acts of misconduct while on duty.

He is set to appear in 57th Circuit Court Sept. 14, for a two-day trial on three charges, including false certification impermissible use of personal information, unauthorized access of a computer network and using a computer to commit a crime.

Ford is also scheduled for a four-day trial, beginning Nov. 9, facing six charges, including two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of obstructing justice and two counts of refusal to aid the sheriff.

According to an affidavit in district court, it is alleged that on Oct. 18, 2007, Ford unlawfully accessed personal information of an ex-girlfriend using the Law Enforcement Information Network.

It is also alleged that he sexually assaulted and solicited a female for drugs during a pair of traffic stops during the summer of 2008, as well as had consensual sex with a victim of an open stalking complaint while on duty Dec. 7, 2008.

Less than two weeks after this incident, Ford was fired.

This case was investigated by the Michigan Sheriff's Special Investigation Network, which uncovered the pair of sexual assault allegations against Ford. The victim of these alleged assaults has prior convictions for check, prescription drug and retail fraud. She also alleges that she and Ford snorted morphine while he was on duty.















Ford's position on K-9 unit replaced
Posted: Wednesday, July 8, 2009, 12:00 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Noah Fowle News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_d4ccdbba-3952-57c0-a286-d3bc3abdcef1.html

The Emmet County Sheriff's Department will no longer have a deputy devoted to patrolling area parks in the summer, a decision handed down from county controller Lyn Johnson last week.

The sheriff's department operated with 17 road deputies last year, however Johnson described the deputy overseeing the parks as a part-time position.

"We used to have one police officer for five months at the park, we've moved that officer back to the sheriff's department," Johnson said. "I would argue the department is down to 16 and a half officers."

Last December, the department fired its K-9 unit director, deputy Scott Ford, after he reportedly had consensual sex with the victim of an open stalking complaint.

Following his termination, Ford was the subject of a Michigan Sheriff's Association investigation and now faces multiple felony charges in 57th Circuit Court. Ford's lawyer maintains his client's innocence.

"The union told us they were going to file a grievance over Ford's dismissal,"

Johnson added. "So, until that process plays out we haven't decided what to do."

In the spring, Sheriff Pete Wallin assigned deputy Robert Poumade to head up the K-9 unit. However, Wallin said he is still coping with a reduced police force, made up of 16 road deputies, five supervisors, plus undersheriff Timothy Roth, and himself.

"We do the best we can with the numbers we got," he said. "We're no longer (patrolling) the parks like we used to."

Johnson pointed out that there will still be law enforcement at the parks with Sgt. Tim Rodwell living at the house on the grounds of Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga and deputy Roger Cassidy living at the lighthouse property at the Headlands.

"We still have a police presence," he said. "We just don't have a deputy assigned specifically to the parks."

Johnson said the decision to add another officer to the department would ultimately lie with the board of commissioners.

"It's a possibility, but it depends on the economy," he said. "There are other positions that become vacant and we are taking a hard look at them. Our revenues are not looking real good for next year."
















Former deputy's case is bound over to circuit court
Posted: Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 12:00 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_317009e1-4bcb-5bc8-a1e9-ad6eddd7a660.html

Nine out of 16 charges against a former Emmet County sheriff's deputy have been bound over to 57th Circuit Court.

Scott Harold Ford, 39, of Carp Lake, who was fired from the sheriff's department Dec. 19, 2008, after having worked for the county for almost nine years, has been alleged to have committed several acts of misconduct while on duty.

Initially, Ford was arraigned April 8, 2009, in 90th District Court for two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts of obstructing justice, five felony weapon charges for committing crimes in uniform while armed with his service pistol and two counts of refusing to aid the sheriff.

During his preliminary examination on June 4, four additional charges were brought against Ford, including motor vehicle code - false certification impermissible use of personal information, unauthorized access of a computer network (LEIN - Law Enforcement Information Network) and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime.

Monday, during the continuation of Ford's preliminary examination, Judge Richard W. May ruled that he would drop all felony firearms charges against the former deputy, including one obstruction of justice charge and bind over both fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges, two obstructing justice charges, two counts of refusing to aid the sheriff, the false certification impermissible use of personal information charge, one count of unauthorized access of a computer network and one count of using a computer to commit a crime.

According to an affidavit in district court, it is alleged that on Oct. 18, 2007, Ford unlawfully accessed personal information of an ex-girlfriend using the Law Enforcement Information Network.

It is also alleged that he sexually assaulted and solicited a woman for drugs during a pair of traffic stops during the summer of 2008, as well as had consensual sex with a victim of an open stalking complaint while on duty Dec. 7, 2008.

Less than two weeks after this incident, Ford was fired.

This case was investigated by the Michigan Sheriff's Special Investigation Network, which uncovered the pair of sexual assault allegations against Ford. The victim of these alleged assaults has prior convictions for check, prescription drug and retail fraud. She also alleges that she and Ford snorted morphine while he was on duty.

A scheduling conference for this case - which will determine whether Ford will plea or go to trial - is set for 10 a.m., July 3 in circuit court.














Ford charged with four more felonies
Posted: Monday, June 8, 2009 ·
Updated: Friday, October 23, 2009, 5:07 pm
Petsokey news
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_f5ad095e-06f9-5be9-a7ae-2bdb7f7216d3.html

Former Emmet County Sheriff's deputy Scott Ford was charged with four additional felonies on Thursday in 90th District Court.

Ford was in court for a preliminary examination on a string of misconduct charges, including a pair of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges. However, Judge Richard May ruled he needed additional time to review prior statements made by a witness.

According to an affidavit, Ford unlawfully accessed personal information of an ex-girlfriend on Oct. 18, 2007. He is being charged with four felonies: false certification impermissible use of personal information, unauthorized access of a computer network and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. If found guilty of these charges, Ford could face a maximum of seven years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Ford is alleged to have had consensual sex with a victim of an open stalking complaint while on duty on Dec. 7, 2008. He was fired less than two weeks later by undersheriff Tim Roth.

The case was then forwarded to the Michigan Sheriffs Special Investigation Network, which uncovered a pair of sexual assault allegations. The victim of those alleged assaults has prior convictions for check, prescription drug and retail fraud, and is currently enrolled in drug rehabilitation program. She also alleges she snorted morphine with Ford while he was on duty.

During the preliminary examination, the alleged victim admitted her use of drugs impaired the accuracy of her memory and that she was scared to initially come forward with her story.

"I was afraid. I didn't know what he could do to me," she said. "I was using drugs at the time too."

The woman with the open stalking complaint who had consensual sex with Ford said she did not think Ford had done anything wrong.

"I take responsibility for my part in it," she said.

The News-Review is withholding her identity because she attempted suicide following her encounter with Ford and because of the events surrounding her initial stalking complaint.

Undersheriff Roth detailed a series of hearings where he told Ford that his level of misconduct rose to a criminal nature.

"His jaw hit the ground," Roth said.

Roth added that he did not think it was possible for Ford to have committed misconduct while performing his regular police duties.

"But apparently he could, embarrassingly so," he said.

Ford's attorney Joseph Kwiatkowski said there is not enough evidence in the case to convict his client.

"He is innocent," he said.

Ford is due back in court at a date to be determined, where May will conclude the preliminary examination to decide if a trial is necessary and formally arraign Ford on the new charges.

Ford remains free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.













Former sheriff's deputy Scott Ford arraigned
Posted: Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 12:00 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Noah Fowle News-Review Staff Writer · 1 comments
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_6a1b79b2-8646-5c53-9211-9b355a71ce39.html

Scott Ford was arraigned in Emmet County's 90 District Court today, Wednesday.

The 39-year-old former Emmet County Sheriff's Department deputy is alleged to have committed a host of illegal acts, all while in uniform last year.

"My client categorically denies the charges," said Ford's attorney Joseph Kwiatkowski. "That's what trials are for. We don't try people in the court of public opinion."

Ford is facing two fourth-degree criminal sexual misconduct charges, two obstruction of justice charges for misconduct in the office, four felony weapon charges for committing the crimes in uniform while armed with his service pistol, and a pair of charges for refusal to aid the sheriff.

If convicted, Ford, an employee with the department for almost nine years, faces up to 7-years in prison and $14,000 in fines.

He is scheduled back in court on May 4.







Former deputy facing multiple charges
Posted: Thursday, March 19, 2009, 12:00 am
PETOSKEY NEWS
By Noah Fowle
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_6b97ff42-eda3-50f8-b1a5-c986c5c928b1.html

A former Emmet County Sheriff's Department deputy was arrested on Tuesday on six felony counts and four misdemeanors in connection with a string of offenses he allegedly committed while on duty.

Scott Ford, 39, of Carp Lake, is facing two fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges, two obstruction of justice charges for misconduct in the office, four felony weapon charges for committing the crimes in uniform while armed with his service pistol, and a pair of charges for refusal to aid the sheriff. The allegations and charges are detailed in an arrest affidavit on file in 90th District Court.

Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin said that upon learning of allegations of misconduct by the deputy, he fired Ford on Dec. 19, 2008. Wallin then forwarded the case to the Michigan Sheriffs' Association to complete a criminal investigation.

During that investigation, a pair of criminal sexual conduct charges were leveled against Ford, who was employed by the sheriff's department for almost nine years, for sexually assaulting a female during a pair of traffic stops over the summer.

"Misconduct as is alleged will not be tolerated by this office and is not a reflection of the other fine men and women that continue to serve the citizens of Emmet County," said Wallin. "We accept and acknowledge that members of the Emmet County Sheriff's Office, and all other law enforcement officers, are accountable for their actions - just like the citizens that we serve."

The Michigan Sheriffs' Association regularly performs internal investigations using a special unit of seasoned investigators known as the Michigan Sheriffs Special Investigation Network and usually calls in officers from separate counties to ensure an objective report. Sgt. Randy Baerlocker, of the Crawford County Sheriff's Department, and Sgt. Thomas Fredlund, of the Alpena Sheriff's Department, oversaw Ford's investigation and arrest.

"It's important we do these types of investigations to maintain the public's trust. We are prepared to investigate anyone, even our own," said executive director Terry Jungel. "Anyone who breaks the law has to be investigated fairly and equally."

According to the affidavit, the misconduct which led to Ford's dismissal took place Dec. 7, 2008, when Ford is accused of having consensual sex, while on duty, with an Emmet County woman who had an open stalking complaint under investigation by the sheriff's department.

According to the affidavit, Ford's criminal sexual conduct took place on two separate traffic stops which were never entered into Ford's daily log. According to the victim, Ford made unwanted sexual advances towards her and requested drugs on one occasion while her young son was sleeping in the back seat of the car. She also alleges that she and Ford crushed and snorted morphine together on at least one occasion.

The Emmet County Sheriff's Department does have a drug testing policy in addition to administering psychological evaluations of its employees. The Petoskey News-Review has requested a copy of Ford's personnel file under the Freedom of Information Act in order to learn whether or not he ever failed a drug test or received an evaluation.

If convicted, Ford faces up to seven years in prison and $14,000 in fines.

Ford is free on $10,000 personal recognizance bond, posted on the day of his arrest. He is scheduled for arraignment on the charges Wednesday, April 8.







Former Emmet County deputy facing weapons, sexual misconduct charges
Posted: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 ·
Updated: Friday, October 23, 2009, 5:16 pm
PETOSKEY NEWS
A former Emmet County Sheriff's Department deputy was arrested on Tuesday on six felony counts and four misdemeanors in connection with a string of offenses he allegedly committed while on duty.

Scott Ford, 39, is facing two fourth-degree criminal sexual misconduct charges, two obstruction of justice charges for misconduct in the office, four felony weapon charges for committing crimes in uniform while armed with his service pistol, and a pair of charges for refusal to aid the sheriff. The allegations and charges are detailed in an arrest affidavit on file in 90th District Court.

Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin said that upon learning of allegations of misconduct by the deputy, he fired Ford, on Dec. 19, 2008. Wallin then forwarded the case to the Michigan Sheriff's Association to complete a criminal investigation.

During that investigation, a pair of criminal sexual conduct charges were leveled against Ford for sexually assaulting a female during a pair of traffic stops over the summer.

The misconduct which lead to Ford's dismissal took place Dec. 7, 2008, when Ford is accused of having consensual sex, while on duty, with an Emmet County woman who had an open stalking complaint under investigation by the sheriff's department.

If convicted, Ford, who was employed by the sheriff's department for almost nine years, faces 14 years in prison and $14,000 in fines.

Ford is free on $10,000 personal recognizance bond, posted on the day of his arrest. He is scheduled for arraignment on the charges Wednesday, April 8.