12022009 - Officer David Essad - The Disappearing Probation Violations - Shelby Township PD

[MI] Shelby Township Officer David Essad [2008]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/04/officer-david-essad-shelby-township-pd.html

UNFORTUNATELY, ESSAD HAS NOT BEEN CHARGED WITH THE CRIMES HE COMMITTED WHILE ON PROBATION. HE IS SIMPLY FACING A REVOCATION HEARING TO DECIDE WHETHER HIS PROBATION WILL BE REVOKED. IF REVOKED, ESSAD WILL ONLY FACE 4 DAYS IN JAIL FOR HIS VICIOUS ATTACK ON HIS EX-WIFE [APRIL 2008], WHICH LEFT HER HOSPITALIZED.

Hi Renee,

Please contact all of your associates and remind them that David Essads Probation Violation Hearing is scheduled on December 2, 2009 at 1:30 PM in Oakland County Circuit Court Courtroom 1c, before Judge Shalina D. Kumar.

Remember the standard for a probation violation hearing is simple Preponderance. That is just a hair over 50%.

Should Judge Kumar opt to violate his probation his special status under law, allowing his criminal record to be wiped clear, will evaporate and he will be forever barred from "serving" us as a Police Officer or owning a firearm. Given the severe injuries that Julie Essad endured ( he almost killed her) at the hands of this heavy handed "super" cop ( Use of Force Instructor etc.) who should have known better, I think Judge Kumar owes us one and should violate his probation and ensure that he spends Christmas in the Oakland County Jail.

I certainly hope that everyone will pick up a phone and contact Judge Kumar at 248-858-5280 so that she will understand not only what occurred, but the violent offender who uses extremely poor judgment that David Essad really is. Society needs to be protected, and he needs to be punished, and jailed as an example to others that no one is above the law


http://www.oakgov.com/circuit/judges/kumar-shalina-pro.html


Check out the register of actions in this case in the link below.

http://www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/courtexplorer/index.html


More about David Essad’s History

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/04/officer-david-essad-shelby-township-pd.html


http://davidessadisanidiot.com/


http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2008/05/mi-julie-is-suing-her-husband-officer.html


http://www.essadsmartialarts.com/about_us.htm

(note his lies about being still being a Police Officer)

http://www.citizendefensetraining.com/


Note how the above website has changed dropping the names of all Law Enforcement officers over time

Below: An indication of his failure as the Principle use of Force Instructor for Shelby Township PD below. Some might say just another example of one Heavy Handed cop training other officers.

http://www.justicenewsflash.com/2009/01/13/shelby-township-police-settle-195-million-taser-death-lawsuit_20090113584.html


*************************************************

What was Essad's orignal jail sentence? Did the prosecutor just file a revocation hearing, or did they also file criminal charges against Essad for the crimes he committed when he violated his probation?

Renee'
****************************************

Renee',
According to Circuit Court Records David Essad received a sentence of only 2 days per each of the two counts of Aggravated Domestic Violence.

The assumption being that Essad was credited with "time served".

No new criminal charges were filed to the best of my knowledge.

However in speaking with a reporter from the Oakland Press about the most recent incident according to their sources, resulted in no new charges or arrests by Sheriffs Deputies.

The Oakland County Circuit Court Case Lookup under David Essads Criminal Case only indicates that a revocation hearing will to be held.

The Prosecutor who brokered the deal was Ian Simons. A 2006/2007 Oakland County governement directory phone book indicates that Lisa Ortleib Gorcyca heads the Domestic Violence unit with their phone number being (248) 452-4177.

It is unknown if Assistant Prosecutor SImons is still assigned the case.

**************************************
Hi Cloud and Renee',

Would you believe that David Essad Violation of Probation Hearing re-scheduled Decemeber 2, at 1:30 PM was once again re-scheduled to March 2, 2010 at 10:30 AM.
Clearly a double standard exists. Who is protectinng the integrity of the Justice System? Is anyone left who is willing to defend the best interests of Public Saftey?

Another bright shining example of the Double Standard.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/12/01/news/cops_and_courts
/doc4b14f28828c89543129938.txt




********************************************

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "OFFICER DAVID ESSAD, SHELBY TOWNSHIP PD":

David Essads Probation Violation has once again been rescheduled to March 2, 2010 at 10:30 A.M.

I cannot believe the Oakland County Prosecutors Office and Judge Kumar are allowing this as Justice Delayed is Justice Deinied.

Should Essad successfully complete probation his criminal record will be wiped clear ( see his Felony Oakand County Circuit Court file and associated Register of Actions. If this happens and he may be allowed to return to duty as a Police Officer and own, carry and possess firearms.

David Essad has demonstrated poor judgement and is a violent individual who the public should be protected against.

Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence. MIOIDV. Renee Harrington


[MI POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED PERPETRATED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW ENFORCEMENT MURDER SUICIDE]
MIOIDV, Renee’ Harrington, Michigan officer involved domestic violence, Pam Aukerman Brainard Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

11042009 - Officers Dana & Bryce Devries - Grand Haven PD

OFFICERS DANA BRYCE DEVRIES AND TODD DEVRIES [GRAND HAVEN PUBLIC SAFETY]


Officer Todd Devries [Grand Haven Public Safety]
Officer Dana Bryce Devries [Grand Haven Public Safety]


Grand Haven Officers Return to Work
WKZO NEWS
Wed February 3, 2010
http://new.wkzo.com/news/articles/2010/feb/03/grand-haven-officers-return-work/

GRAND HAVEN -- Two Grand Haven police officers will be returning back to work after they were fired last year following a domestic dispute. Dana and Todd Devries were relieved of their duties after Dana was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

The Devries have reportedly reached an agreement with the city to return to their jobs, but the details have not been released. At this time, they are both on leaves of absence and will individually notify city leaders when they are ready






'Unfit for duty' officers rehired in GH
Todd and Dana DeVries on leave of absence
WOOD TV NEWS
Updated: Wednesday, 03 Feb 2010, 6:23 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 03 Feb 2010, 11:54 AM EST
By Dani Carlson
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/ottawa_county/Fired-cops-back-with-Grand-Haven-dept

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) -- James "Todd" DeVries and his estranged wife Dana were fired from the Grand Haven Public Safety Department at the end of 2009, and fought to get their jobs back for nearly two months.

Now, the pair is one step closer to rejoining the force.

Todd and Dana are technically on a leave of absence. And, according to their representative on the Police Officers' Labor Council, "it's like taking a step back in time."

No one admits doing anything wrong, and all grievances the couple filed against the department will be dropped.

"The termination was rescinded," said Ed Hillyer, of the Police Officers Labor Council. "So now, they'll just go forward with what they need to get their job[s] back."

What exactly the two officers need to do before they regain full active duty status is under wraps.

24 Hour News 8 was told the terms of the agreement are being kept confidential for reasons relating to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA -- and private personnel reasons.

But Dana and Todd DeVries are grateful to have their jobs back after being fired at the end of 2009 after a domestic dispute.

Although the officers are on a leave of absence, they can petition for the time they didn't work to be counted as sick or vacation days.

They will have no loss of seniority and, Hillyer hopes, no loss of respect on the job.

"We don't anticipate [that]," Hillyer said. "Obviously, there are consequences for the employers if they are treated differently. The city has sat down in good faith to negotiate this return to work and we expect that things will go well."

The city did not have anyone available to comment on the DeVries' dismissal and rehiring. Public Safety Chief Dennis Edwards said he will not make a statement because it's a personnel matter.

There is no set date for when the two officers will return to full active duty.





Grand Haven police officers fired after domestic dispute will return to work
By Nate Reens
The Grand Rapids Press
February 03, 2010, 11:00AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/grand_haven_police_officers_fi.html
GRAND HAVEN -- Dana and Todd DeVries, two married but estranged Grand Haven Public Safety officers who were fired last year after a domestic dispute, have reached a deal with the city to return to the force.

Details of the agreement between the city and the DeVrieses have not been released and the two are not immediately returning to duty, said Will Keizer, a union representative of the Police Officer Labor Council.

Grand Haven Public Safety Chief Dennis Edwards declined to comment, citing personnel moves are private.

Keizer also said the terms of their reinstatement are not being disclosed.

The officers are on temporary leaves of absence and each will notify city leaders when they are ready to return to work.

"It will be an individual decision on their part," Keizer said.

The city fired the officers last year after they were embroiled in a dispute that led to Dana DeVries, 36, being charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence offense.

The count later was dismissed by Holland District Judge Brad Knoll at the request of Allegan County prosecutors, who were handling the case for Ottawa County authorities.

Police alleged Dana DeVries kicked her estranged husband during a Nov. 3 at their Robinson Township home. She was briefly booked into the neighboring Kent County Jail, then released.

The husband and wife say they were asked to resign and were terminated from their jobs when they refused. Todd DeVries lost his job Nov. 25 and Dana DeVries was dismissed on Dec. 16.

Todd DeVries said he never wanted charges filed against his wife, but a supervisor was notified of the incident and began asking questions that led to the charge.

Todd DeVries said he moved out of the family's home in September, but still was eating lunches at the house into November when the incident occurred.

He was working on the day the alleged assault occurred and said he stopped at the home on his lunch break. Neither he nor his wife would discuss the incident.

"It was not my intention that day to have her arrested or have this go any further," Todd DeVries said.

Dana DeVries was the force's Officer of the Year in 2005 and has been with the department since 1994. Todd DeVries joined the agency five years ago after first serving with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Department.

Each filed grievances asking for an arbitrator to hear the case, but that never happened, Keizer said.

"This is an agreement between the city and the officers after several meetings, phone calls and e-mails," he said.

Neither of the officers could be reached for comment





Labor rep: Fired officers returning to GHDPS
Grand Haven Tribune
Wed, Feb 3, 2010
http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/296505978912594.bsp

Two Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officers who were fired following a November 2009 domestic dispute will be returning to the force.

According to Police Officers Labor Council representative Will Keizer, James "Todd" and Dana DeVries have reached a settlement agreement with the Department of Public Safety that will allow them to return to duty.

The DeVrieses are still employees of the department, Keizer wrote in an e-mail to the Tribune, but are currently on a temporary leave of absence. There is no scheduled date for their return to the department, he said.

Dana DeVries was arrested following a domestic dispute at the couple's home on Nov. 3, 2009. She was charged with domestic violence the next day, but that charge was later dropped.

James DeVries' last day with the department was Nov. 25, 2009. Dana DeVries' last day was Dec. 16, 2009.










Fired Grand Haven police officers claim they were discriminated against, want jobs back
By Terry Judd
Muskegon Chronicle
January 07, 2010, 8:57AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/01/fired_grand_haven_police_offic.html
Two married former public safety officers are charging the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety with discrimination because they were not allowed medical leave to address personal and marital problems before being fired late last year.

Officer James DeVries [Grand Haven PD]


During a 90-minute interview Tuesday, James “Todd” DeVries said he and his now-estranged wife, Dana, were not offered family medical leave before they were fired Nov. 25 and Dec. 16, respectively.

He said Dana DeVries did not want to speak publicly on the issue and that he was speaking for both of them. The two are separated and divorce papers have been filed.

“What I would have liked is for us to get sick time or family medical leave to get our personal issues in line,” he said. “That was never offered.”

Todd and Dana DeVries both have filed grievances against the city through the Police Officers Labor Council and both appear to be heading for arbitration.

“The outcome we are seeking is we want to be reinstated without a loss of seniority and to be compensated for back pay,” DeVries said.

The two public safety officers were dismissed after Dana DeVries allegedly kicked her husband during a Nov. 3 incident at their Robinson Township home and was charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. Her charges were dismissed late last month.

Besides the complaint against the city, DeVries said he and his wife also have filed disability discrimination complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor. The two also are considering civil suits against the city as well for “humiliation and stress.”

Public Safety Director Dennis Edwards, however, said the decision by his department to terminate the two officers was not based solely on the domestic assault issue.

“The real issue is not the domestic assault itself. The issue is much more than that,” he said. “I’m confident if the public was aware of the information that we hold based on the investigation and the follow-up, then the public would support our decision.”

DeVries said the two only had a few minor complaints in their files and both had received awards and honors from the department. In 2007, the two filed a Police Officers Association of Michigan complaint against a department policy banning married officers from serving on the same shift. Although an arbitrator sided with them, the current labor upholds this policy.

DeVries said he never intended to publicize the alleged assault, which only became public after it was reported by the department to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department.

Aware that the department had been embarrassed by another former public safety officer recently was sentenced for misconduct, DeVries apologized to Edwards but got the impression a decision already had been made.

After returning from a vacation, DeVries underwent a series of city-mandated psychological tests and interviews, which concluded that he was not fit for duty at the time. He was then asked to either resign or be fired. DeVries said he instead should have been offered “medical leave to get my personal issues in line.”

Edwards, however, said domestic problems among law enforcement officers are issues that need to be addressed, as shown by the 2008 conviction of former Holland Police Officer Kenneth DeKleine for the murder of his wife, Lori.
[Lori DeKleine murder:http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/01/officer-ken-dekleine-holland-police.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/01/officer-ken-dekleine-holland-pd.html
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/01/officer-ken-dekleine-holland-police_10.html
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/07/officer-dekleines-trial-for-loris.html
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/07/officer-dekleines-trial-loris-murder_08.html
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/07/officer-ken-dekleines-trial-for-murder.html
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/10/oidv-offender-update-kenneth-dekleine.html ]

“We have taken the initiative to put policies in place to make sure whether it’s John Doe Citizen or whether it’s a fellow officer, when these types of complaints are brought to light, we make sure they are acted on,” he said. “And if it is something like this one, we don’t just look at it internally but we have an outside agency look at it because we don’t want anything swept under the rug."







Charges against former GHDPS officer dropped
Grand Haven Tribune
Thu, Dec 31, 2009
BY BECKY VARGO
bvargo@grandhaventribune.comhttp://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/310110587688143.bsp


A District Court judge in Holland dismissed domestic violence charges against former Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officer Dana DeVries on Wednesday — but that won't change her status with the department, GHDPS Director Dennis Edwards said this morning.

The dismissal came after the Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney's office reviewed the case against DeVries, 36.

In November, DeVries was arrested after a domestic dispute with her husband, James "Todd" DeVries, who was also a Grand Haven public safety officer at the time.

The Ottawa County Prosecutor's office referred the case to Allegan County, citing potential conflicts of interest.

Allegan County Prosecutor Marge Bakker reviewed the case against DeVries, and asked Ottawa County District Judge Bradley Knoll to dismiss the charges.

Earlier this week, Grand Haven public safety officials confirmed both James and Dana DeVries were no longer employed by the city. This morning, Edwards confirmed that "they were let go — but due to personnel matters, I'm not able to discuss details," he said.

Edwards said the fact that the charges were dropped will not change the department's position on the matter.

"We obviously have information to support our position that I can't share," he said.
DeVries had been with the Grand Haven department for 13 years at the time of the incident. Her employment was terminated on Dec. 16.

Her husband was let go on Nov. 25.

Edwards said that both of the DeVrieses have filed complaints through the grievance procedure to get their jobs back.

WZZM-TV Producer Matt Campbell contributed to this story.




FORMER GRAND HAVEN OFFICERS FIRED AFTER DOMESTIC DISPUTE FIGHT TO GET JOBS BACK
The Grand Rapids Press
By John Tunison
December 30, 2009, 4:56PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/12/former_grand_haven_officers_fi.html


GRAND HAVEN -- Two married but estranged Grand Haven Public Safety officers say they plan to fight to get their jobs back after a November domestic dispute preceded their dismissals from the department.

Dana and James "Todd" DeVries both have grievances pending with the Police Officers Labor Council and are seeking arbitration, the former officers confirmed Wednesday.

Dana Bryce DeVriesCourtesy PhotoDana Bryce DeVriesDetails about the job fight emerged after prosecutors this week decided to dismiss a domestic violence charge against Dana DeVries, a 36-year-old award-winning officer prior to her Dec. 16 job loss. The order to dismiss the misdemeanor charge was signed by Holland District Judge Brad Knoll on Wednesday.

Dana DeVries said she did not know why the charge was dismissed, but was happy with the decision.

"This has been extremely stressful," she said. "It's been a burden."

Police and prosecutors alleged Dana DeVries kicked her estranged husband during a Nov. 3 domestic assault at their Robinson Township home. She was briefly booked into the neighboring Kent County Jail, then released.

The husband and wife both say they were asked to resign, and were terminated from their jobs when they refused. Todd DeVries lost his job Nov. 25.

"We both were forced out the door," Dana DeVries said. "We were given very minor reasons for termination."

Todd DeVries said he never wanted charges filed against his wife, but a supervisor was notified of the incident and began asking questions that led to the charge. Todd DeVries said he moved out of the family's home in September, but still was eating lunches at the house into November.

He was working on the day the alleged assault occurred, and said he'd stopped at the home on his lunch break. Neither he nor his wife would discuss details of the incident.

"It was not my intention that day to have her arrested or have this go any further," Todd DeVries said.

Grand Haven Public Safety Chief Denny Edwards could not be reached for comment. Officials with the Allegan County Prosecutor's office -- who were handling the misdemeanor charge to avoid any conflict of interest for Ottawa County staff -- also were unavailable.

Both the husband and wife say they want to continue their careers in law enforcement.

"I have had an outstanding career at this place," said Dana DeVries, who was the department's Officer of the Year in 2005. "I've got a stack of evaluations to show it."

She began working as a Grand Haven officer in 1994 at the age of 21 and does not want to leave. She is looking for temporary employment to make ends meet for herself and an 8-year-old daughter.

"I can't pay my mortgage right now. I have nothing," she said. "It's difficult because I'm in the public eye. Everything I have is in jeopardy."

Dana DeVries said one reason given for her termination was that her bond conditions prevented her from possessing a firearm.

Meanwhile, Todd DeVries said he is optimistic about returning to his police job.

"I love doing police work and I want to get back into the swing of things," said DeVries, who worked more than six years with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Department before a five-year stint in Grand Haven.



GH officers involved in domestic dispute off the force
Tue, Dec 29, 2009
Grand Haven Tribune
BY BRIAN KEILEN
bkeilen@grandhaventribune.comhttp://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/308255931181847.bsp

Two Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officers who were allegedly involved in a November domestic dispute are no longer employed by the city.

James "Todd" and Dana DeVries no longer work for the department, Capt. Rick Yonker said Monday.
While he was unable to say if the DeVrieses were fired or resigned from the department, Yonker did say that James DeVries' last day with the department was Nov. 25 and Dana DeVries' employment ended Dec. 16.
Dana DeVries, a 13-year veteran of the Grand Haven department, was arrested Nov. 3 after allegedly assaulting her husband at their Robinson Township home. Some alcohol was involved in the incident, officials said, but the exact amount was unknown.

Dana DeVries pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence the next day and was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond. A final pre-trial hearing in Ottawa County 58th District Court in Holland is scheduled for Jan 7. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Dana DeVries had no prior criminal record, court records show.

She was subject to an investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department and possible disciplinary action under GHDPS policy, authorities said, which could include suspension or dismissal. It is unclear if that was the case.

It is unclear if the department will fill the positions left by the DeVrieses' departures, Yonker said.

"We haven't got that far yet," he said Monday.

Grand Haven City Manager Pat McGinnis assured residents that the department was covering all shifts at all times.
UPDATE: Grand Haven officer arrested for domestic abuse

Bob Brenzing Chris Zoladz
Updated:11/5/2009 8:24:20 AM - Posted: 11/4/2009 10:24:14 AMhttp://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=115380


GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM) - Two days after a former Grand Haven Public Safety officer was sentenced to jail for misconduct while on duty, another Grand Haven officer has been arrested.

Officer Dana DeVries was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in 58th District Court in Holland for an alleged domestic assault. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $1,000 personal recognizance bond.

According to court documents, Ottawa County Sheriff's deputies arrested the 13-year veteran officer Tuesday night at her Robinson Township home, after she allegedly assaulted her estranged husband, Todd DeVries, who is also a Grand Haven officer.

Court documents indicate alcohol may have played a role in the dispute, but there were no specific injuries to the victim.

Because of her position as a law enforcement officer in Ottawa County, DeVries was transported and lodged in the Kent County Jail early Wednesday morning.

In a written statement, GHDPS Chief Dennis Edwards said, "an illegal act by a public safety officer reflects only the integrity of that individual and not that of the organization as a whole." Edwards added, "Any illegal act by an officer will always be investigated promptly and thoroughly."

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department is conducting an investigation and disciplinary action could be taken in accordance with GHDPS police, which could result in suspension or dismissal from employment, Edwards said.

Residents reacted to news of the arrest Wednesday.

"They are human beings. Just because they are officers, I realize that they have standards they have to live by, but that doesn't make them impervious to problems," said neighbor Jim Verduin.

WZZM 13's partner, the Grand Haven Tribune reports DeVries was honored as the Department of Public Safety's Officer of the Year in 2005 for maintaining "high standards for herself as well as those she works with, always providing the necessary support to her peers."

On Monday, Former GHDPS Officer Tom Carey was sentenced to 60 days in jail, and two years probation for having sex with several women while on duty. Carey's badge was stripped and he will no longer be able to serve as a police officer.

"They have to live up to what their job is, and when that gets out there, it kind of questions the people on our safety; What would happen if we were in the arms of her or him?" said another resident.

If convicted on the domestic violence charge, DeVries faces a sentence of up to 93 days in jail.










Grand Haven police officer, facing domestic charge, to be arraigned today
By Barton Deiters The Grand Rapids Press
November 04, 2009, 12:42PMhttp://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/grand_haven_police_officer_fac.html
GRAND HAVEN -- A 13-year Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officer is facing domestic charges, as well as the possible loss of her job.

Dana Bryce DeVries, was arrested early this morning on domestic charges, according to Lt. Mike Brookhouse of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department.

The alleged incident took place in Ottawa County, outside the Grand Haven city limits. DeVries was lodged overnight in the Kent County Jail and was expected to return to Ottawa County, where she was to be arraigned later today.

Brookhouse said that prior to her formal arraignment, the is little he can say about the incident.

The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety is conducting an internal investigation and it is likely DeVries will be suspended from duty until the outcome of the criminal proceedings is known.

During her 13 years with DPS, DeVries was given a commendation in 2008 for her work in an August robbery investigation. She also is married to fellow Grand Haven Officer Todd DeVries and they live along the border of Grand Haven and Robinson townships.

This is the second officer-related incident for the department in three days.

On Monday, former public safety officer Tom Carey was sentenced to 60 days in jail after he was accused of using his position to get sex from two women.




By Chad D. Lerch Muskegon Chronicle
November 04, 2009, 3:12PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2009/11/update_grand_haven_officer_dan.html


GRAND HAVEN — From officer of the year in 2005 to criminal suspect, Dana Bryce DeVries, of the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, has pleaded not guilty to a domestic violence charge for allegedly assaulting her husband, a fellow police officer.

Dana DeVriesDeVries, 36, of 12900 14th Avenue, Robinson Township, pled “not guilty” Wednesday in Ottawa County’s 58th District Court in Holland, where the case was transferred because of a Grand Haven judge knew the defendant, who is an officer for the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety.

Bond was set at $1,000 during the video arraignment. The charge is for a misdemeanor assault that allegedly happened Tuesday night at the couple’s home. No serious injuries were reported. The next court hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday.

According to court records, “some alcohol was involved” in the alleged altercation between DeVries and her husband, officer James “Todd” DeVries. The court file said Dana DeVries does not have a substance abuse history or mental health problems.

The file did not describe what prompted deputies from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department to get involved, or how, exactly, DeVries allegedly assaulted her husband. The court file said James DeVries had not lived in the couple’s home full-time for at least two weeks.

Records show two children, one each from previous relationships of Dana and James, lived in the home. The couple has been married two years.

Dana DeVries, formerly Dana Beekman, was recognized in 2005 as “Officer of the Year” at the public safety department’s Christmas party. Managers and peers in the department voted for her because of her training and work interviewing children who were victims of abuse.

She had completed classes in “Forensic Interviewing of Children and the Reid Interview and Interrogation School,” according to the city’s Web site. She also was invited to serve as an adjunct instructor on the Governor’s Task Force for Instructing Forensic Interviewing of Children.

On Wednesday, she was placed on administrative leave, pending an internal investigation that will include an interview with her some time this week, said Public Safety Director Denny Edwards. After the interview, Edwards said his department will decide whether the administrative leave will be paid or unpaid.

She also faces a possible termination, Edwards said.

He said DeVries allegedly kicked her husband and that the impact left a “red spot” on his body. No serious injuries were reported.

“This was a case of domestic violence, and we have a zero tolerance policy on that,” Edwards said. “It’s upsetting to all the good employees here who work hard and do good things on the public relations side.”

The official charge against DeVries is one count of domestic violence, a misdomeanor punishable by 93 days in jail and or a $500 fine.

This is the second recent criminal case against a Grand Haven officer. On Monday, former public safety officer Tom Carey was sentenced to 60 days in jail after being accused of using his position to get sex from two women.

E-mail Chad D. Lerch at clerch@muskegonchronicle.com





Grand Haven officer arrested for domestic assault
November 04, 2009 5:17 PM
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/newschannel-1368972-domestic-0in.html
OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Another Grand Haven Public Safety Officer is in trouble with the law.

Thirteen-year department veteran Dana DeVries was arrested late Tuesday night at her home by Ottawa County deputies. She was arraigned Wednesday on charges of assaulting her husband.

Only days after a Grand Haven Public Safety Officer was sentenced for misconduct, another Grand Haven officer has landed herself in trouble and wound up before a judge at Holland District Court.

36-year-old DeVries was arraigned Wednesday on charges of misdemeanor domestic assault, an assault that court documents say was aimed at her husband, James DeVries.

DeVries entered a plea of not guilty.

The arraignment was shifted to the Holland District Court after it became clear that too many people in Grand Haven knew the thirteen-year veteran of Grand Haven's Public Safety Department.

Grand Haven's chief says both Dana and James DeVries worked at the department, though James had only worked there for four or five years.

Grand Haven's Police Chief made a statement to Newschannel 3 about the incident saying "clearly this is not indicative of the vast majority of officers who come to work, like any profession we have members of staff getting into trouble like anyone lese, when we do we try to get info out as soon as possible."

Court documents say that Dana had been married to her husband for two years, but had been separated from him for two months before the alleged domestic assault took place at her current home.

Documents also indicate that alcohol may have been involved, but there were no significant injuries.

DeVries' bond was set at $1,000. She is due back in court on November 10th, and Grand Haven's chief says there will be an internal investigation.

DeVries is just the latest of Grand Haven's Police Officers in trouble with the law. On Monday, former officer Thomas Carey was sentenced to two months in jail after pleading no contest to charges of gross indecency and misconduct in office.

Two women claimed that Carey offered to do his job in exchange for sexual favors.



GHDPS officer arraigned on domestic violence charge
Wed, Nov 4, 2009
BY BRIAN KEILEN AND BECKY VARGObkeilen@grandhaventribune.com
http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/295810861055325.bsp
HOLLAND — Two days after a former Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officer was sentenced for misconduct while on duty, another GHDPS officer was charged with a crime.

Dana DeVries, 36, of Robinson Township, pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence in a video arraignment Wednesday afternoon in 58th District Court.

Judge Susan Jonas set bond at $1,000 personal recognizance and said the bond was low based on DeVries' long period of employment and no prior record.

The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. DeVries is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 10. According to court records, she has hired Grand Haven attorney James Piper to represent her.

DeVries, a 13-year veteran of the department, was arrested late Tuesday night following an alleged assault on her husband, fellow police officer James Todd DeVries, at their home, according to court documents.

There was some alcohol involved, but the level was unknown, officials said. There were no significant injuries reported.

Because of her position as a law enforcement officer in Ottawa County, DeVries was transported and lodged in the Kent County Jail early Wednesday morning.

In a written statement, GHDPS Chief Dennis Edwards said, "an illegal act by a public safety officer reflects only the integrity of that individual and not that of the organization as a whole." Edwards added, "any illegal act by an officer will always be investigated promptly and thoroughly."

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department is conducting an investigation and disciplinary action could be taken in accordance with GHDPS police, which could result in suspension or dismissal from employment, Edwards said.

The chief said a meeting with DeVries was planned Wednesday afternoon, at which time officials could determine "what direction to go" as far as DeVries' employment with the city. Edwards was in a meeting this morning and was unavailable for further comment.

DeVries was honored as the Department of Public Safety's Officer of the Year in 2005. She received a unit commendation for her work with fellow officers following an Aug. 8, 2008, robbery on Harbor Drive at Howard Street.

The incident involving DeVries follows the case of former GHDPS Officer Tom Carey, who was sentenced Monday to a combination of jail time, probation, community service and fined for misconduct for allegedly using his position as an officer to get oral sex from two women.


MIOIDV. Renee' Harrington. Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence.