12212009 - Sam Riddle - Arrested - Pulled Shotgun On Girlfriend/State Rep. Mary Waters

Sam Riddle was arrested December 21, 2009 on charges that he pulled a shotgun from under their bed and racked the gun during the confrontation with his girlfriend / Fomrer Michigan State Representative Mary Waters.






Former State Represenative Mary Water's 911 call to police, after her boyfriend, Sam Riddle pulled a loaded shotgun on her. [12/21/2009]





Former State Represenative Mary Water's 911 call to police, after her boyfriend, Sam Riddle pulled a loaded shotgun on her. [12/21/2009]





Sam Riddle was arrested for pulling his shotgun on Former State Representative Mary Waters [12/21/2009].





Sam Riddle was arrested for pulling his shotgun on Former State Representative Mary Waters [12/21/2009].





Sam Riddle was arrested for pulling his shotgun on Former State Representative Mary Waters [12/21/2009].





Sam Riddle was found guilty at trial for the assault with a firearm against Former State Representative Mary Waters. Riddle was sentenced to the mandatory 2 years in prison for the firearms conviction plus 3 years probation for the assault. [May 2010].

















Riddle Loses Appeal Over Assault, Gun Convictions
Updated: Wednesday, 23 Nov 2011, 11:01 AM EST
Published : Wednesday, 23 Nov 2011, 11:01 AM EST
FOX TV News, Detroit
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/riddle-loses-appeal-over-assault-gun-convictions-20111123




Sam Riddle appears in court for sentencing on May 27, 2010. (Credit: myFOXDetroit.com)


DETROIT - The Michigan appeals court has upheld the convictions of Sam Riddle, a Detroit political consultant who pulled out a shotgun when his companion found him in bed with another woman.

The appeals court said Wednesday that a rational person encountering Riddle would have believed his conduct was hostile.

Riddle was convicted of felonious assault and a gun crime last year. His companion at the time, Mary Waters, called police after discovering him in bed with another woman. Riddle pulled out a shotgun and racked it, although Waters testified that she didn't believe the gun was loaded.

The appeals court says a lack of fear doesn't erase an assault. Riddle's two-year prison sentence is being served at the same time as his 37-month federal sentence for corruption.










SAM RIDDLE GETS SENTENCED TO 2 YEARS IN PRSION FOR ASSAULT CASE
05.28.2010 07.15 am
Detroit Online
http://www.idetroitonline.com/archive/news/05-28-2010-sam-riddle-gets-2-years.html





DETROIT POLITICAL CONSULTANT....
Sam Riddle has been sentenced to two years in prison in an assault case involving a shotgun and his companion.

Riddle got his punishment Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court. He had been found guilty of pulling out a shotgun when his live-in companion, Mary Waters, found him in bed with another woman in December.

Judge Gregory Bill ordered two years in prison for the gun crime and probation for the assault.

Riddle is in federal custody and hopes to stay there to serve his state sentence. He surrendered to U.S. marshals Tuesday to get a head start on a sentence for corruption.

Riddle pleaded guilty to conspiracy last week and faces up to 37 months in prison when he gets his sentence in August.

Although Wayne County Circuit Judge Gregory Bill remanded the controversial political consultant to the custody of the Wayne County Sheriff and the Michigan Department of Corrections, just where Riddle will serve his time remains undecided.

"It is our hope that he will go into the federal system," said Richard Convertino, Riddle's lawyer in federal court, where he faces sentencing for corruption charges for which he pleaded guilty last week.

Sentencing in that case is set for August, but Riddle, 63, turned himself in on Tuesday to U.S. Marshalls. Riddle was returned today to the custody of federal authorities who have kept him in the St. Clair County Jail. The arrangement caused confusion and the postponement of Riddle's planned sentencing on the assault and gun charge in Wayne County on Wednesday.

Today, Bill gave Riddle the mandatory sentence for using a firearm in the commission of a felony crime. Riddle also was given three years probation for assault. Riddle's conviction on the charges stemmed from an incident before Christmas in which Waters found Riddle in her bed with another woman.

Bill eased the way for federal authorities to take Riddle by ruling that the gun charge can be served concurrently with any sentence he receives in federal court in his corruption plea. Under state law, the two-year gun violation sentence must be served before any other sentences given under state statute. Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Rebecca Camargo also said her office has no objection to Bill's ruling or to Riddle serving his time in federal custody.

During his sentencing, Riddle told the judge that he takes full responsibility for his actions, "the shame and the blame for it." He said he has tried to do good things in his life, and he plans to return to Detroit after he is released from prison.

"I will fight for a better Detroit. I will champion peace over violence," said Riddle who has developed a large following for his bold comments on Internet social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. "I could have railed against the system being up against a brother, but I'm not."

Waters, who is Riddle's co-defendant in one of his federal cases, and Riddle's minister, the Rev. Horace Sheffield, also made statements in court about the good Riddle has done in Detroit.

"I do sit here today as a victim, but not of Sam Riddle, but of the system," said Waters who added that she never wanted Riddle charged with a crime. "When I made that 911 call that day, I did it for Sam. We both were under a great deal of pressure. ... Oh, I was mad, but I wanted to get counseling for Sam, for his drinking."

Waters asked the judge to consider any "loophole" that might allow Riddle to remain free. But Sheffield said he understood the judge was bound by the law to give Riddle the two-year mandatory sentenced.

"I want Sam to be encouraged. That's why I am here," said Sheffield, who also said he was Riddle's Alcoholic's Anonymous sponsor. "I know he struggled with alcohol. The chemical has more power over you then your will."

Last week, Riddle pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani to a federal conspiracy charge that will send him to prison for up to 37 months. As part of his plea, Riddle admitted bribing former Southfield City Councilman William Lattimore in connection with a pawn shop relocation, extorting businesses when he worked as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, and evading federal taxes on his ill-gotten gains.

When his first federal trial on Detroit corruption charges ended with a hung jury, Riddle said he had planned to continue to fight. But he changed his mind after his conviction in the assault case.

Waters, whom Riddle had been ordered to stay away from while the domestic assault issue was pending, said after the sentencing today that she will be taking over Riddle's popular Facebook pages on which he has more than 8,000 followers.

"I will be trying to keep Sam's many friends up to date on where he is and what's going on," Waters said.










Sam Riddle sentenced to 2 years in prison for gun conviction; 3 years probation for assault
Posted: 05/27/2010
By: Michael Rosenfield
WXYZ TV News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/sam-riddle-sentenced-to-2-years-in-prison-for-gun-conviction%3B-3-years-for-assault

Sam Riddle Addresses the Court at his sentencing hearing.

Former State Representative Mary Waters testifies at Sam Riddle's sentencing hearing.




Former State Representative Mary Waters testifies at Sam Riddle's sentencing hearing.

Sam Riddle

Sam Riddle

Former State Representative Mary Waters breaks down during her testimony during Sam Riddle's sentencing hearing.

Sam Riddle is taken into custody after his sentencing hearing.

Sam Riddle is taken into custody after his sentencing hearing.

Former State Representative Mary Waters informs the media, after the sentencing hearing, that she still considers Sam Riddle her friend.



DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) - Political consultant Sam Riddle was sentenced Thursday to the mandatory 2 years for a firearms conviction. He also received 3 years probation for assault.

A Wayne County jury convicted Riddle three weeks ago of assaulting long-time companion and former state representative Mary Waters and pointing a shotgun at her after she walked in on him in bed with another woman in December.

Riddle told the judge he takes full responsibility for his actions.

Waters was also allowed to address the court. She said she was never a battered woman. Rather, she says she was a victim of the Wayne County Prosecutor because she never wanted felony charges filed. She says she only called 911 the day of the crime to get Riddle help for his drinking.

Riddle will serve the time concurrently with the sentence he will receive in August in connection with a federal bribary and corruption case. He faces up to 37 months after reaching a plea deal with federal prosecutors.

Riddle turned himself in to federal authorities earlier this week to ensure he would serve his prison time in a federal prison rather than a state prison because he was in their custody first.

Riddle today could have received up to 17 months behind bars on the assault charge.











Assault sentence next for Detroit's Sam Riddle
Posted: 05.27.2010 at 4:04 AM
Upper Michigan Source
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/politics/story.aspx?id=462706


Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle will be sentenced for assault - if he gets to the Wayne County courthouse.


(AP) -- Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle will be sentenced for assault - if he gets to the Wayne County courthouse. Riddle's sentence was pushed to Thursday after some confusion caused him to miss the hearing Wednesday.

Riddle was in the St. Clair County jail, where he began serving a federal sentence this week for corruption. A mix-up prevented him from being transported to Detroit. Riddle faces a state sentence for assault and a gun crime.

Authorities say he pulled out a shotgun in December when his companion, Mary Waters, found him in bed with another woman.










Sam Riddle lost...and found; sentencing in assault case postponed
May 26, 2010
WXYZ TV News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/sam-riddle-lost...and-found;-sentencing-in-assault-case-postponed

Sam Riddle failed to show up for his scheduled sentencing hearing before Judge Bill.

Judge Bill

Judge Bill was perplexed as to Riddle's failure to attend his scheduled sentencing hearing.

Judge Bill made phone calls in an effort to determine Sam Riddle's whereabouts.

It was determined that Sam Riddle had turned himself into the Feds the previous day and he had not been transported to the sentencing hearing. Judge Bill re-rescheduled Riddle's hearing for the next day.



DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) - There was confusion today in a Wayne County courtroom when nobody could find Sam Riddle.

Everyone knew the ex-political consultant turned himself in to federal authorities on Wednesday in connection with his federal bribary and corruption cases, but he was supposed to be transported to the courtroom this morning to be sentenced on state charges for assaulting ex-girlfriend Mary Waters last year.

His attorney, the prosecutor and Judge Gregory Bill all waited forty-five minutes until Riddle could be located. He was in the St. Clair County jail where federal officials rent space before prisoners are taken to a federal facility.

"Nothing more than confusion," said Mark Mandell, Riddle's attorney. " I believe in essence he was lost in the federal bureaucracy."

The U.S. Marshals service tells Action News it was up to the county to pick Riddle up this morning and transport him to the courthouse.

Sentencing has been postponed until Thursday morning.











Sam Riddle Surrenders to Federal Authorities
Updated: Tuesday, 25 May 2010, 6:16 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 25 May 2010, 5:42 PM EDT
By RONNIE DAHL
myFOXDetroit.com

A day prior to Riddle's scheduled sentencing hearing in the criminal assault case, his defense attorney had Riddle's bond in the federal corruption case cancelled. This would place Riddle in Federal custody, and thus he would serve his time for his assault crime in a federal prison. This was a way for Riddle to avoid serving time in the Wayne County jail.

Riddle's bond on the federal charges.

Riddle's bond on the federal charges.

Riddle surrendering to the Feds upon cancellation of his federal bond.

Riddle surrendering to the Feds upon cancellation of his federal bond.

Riddle surrendering to the Feds upon cancellation of his federal bond.

Riddle surrendering to the Feds upon cancellation of his federal bond.

DETROIT - Around 3:40 Tuesday afternoon, former political consultant Sam Riddle arrived at the federal courthouse to turn himself in to authorities. His two sons where with him, and he was carrying a Bible.

We asked Riddle why pick today to go to jail. He answered, "It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining, and it's a great day to go to jail."

Earlier in the day, Riddle's attorney filed a motion with the court requesting his bond be revoked.

Riddle is not scheduled to be sentenced in his federal corruption case until August, but turning himself in early means he will already be in federal custody when he stands before Wayne Circuit Court Judge Gregory Bill on Wednesday morning to be sentenced for assaulting his former girlfriend Mary Waters.

The legal maneuver could lead to Riddle serving time for both crimes in a federal facility rather than a state prison. Either way, prison is not something Riddle is looking forward too.

"I'd rather be in no damn custody," he said. "What custody would you want to be in?"

Riddle is facing 37 months in prison for the federal corruption case. He is also looking at a minimum of two years for the felonious assault case. He is hoping to be able to serve both of those sentences at the same time.











Jury finds Sam Riddle guilty in assault case
Published: Wednesday, May 05, 2010, 8:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday, May 05, 2010, 9:28 PM
By Aaron Foley
MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/05/reports_jury_finds_sam_riddle.html

Former State Representative Mary Waters testifying.

Former State Representative Mary Waters demonstrates to the jury how Riddle racked the rifle and then aimed at her during the December 2009 assault.










Defense attorney demonstrating the December assault with Riddle's rifle, during cross examination of former Rep. Waters.










Defense attorney demonstrating the December assault with Riddle's rifle, during cross examination of former Rep. Waters.










Sam Riddle attempts to move out of the way, as his defense attorney aims the rifle directly at him. Waters was testifying at the time as to how Riddle racked and then aimed the gun at her while he was laying in bed during the assault.










Prosecuting attorney showing the rifle Riddle used against former Representative Waters to the jury.









Prosecuting attorney racks the rifle for the jury, that Sam Riddles racked and pointed at former State Representative Mary Waters, during the assault in December 2009.



Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle has been found guilty of felonious assault and using a firearm during a felony.

The verdict came Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court.

The case stems from a domestic dispute between Riddle and on-again, off-again lover Mary Waters, who found him in bed with a woman he met on Facebook.

WXYZ reports that Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Rebecca Carmago's re-enacting of the incident -- Riddle pointing a loaded shotgun at Waters -- is what swayed the jury.

However, despite the prosecution's pleas to jail Riddle after the verdict, Judge Gregory Bill allowed him to remain free on bond until his sentencing on May 26, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Much of the case hinged on Waters' spotty testimony, as Riddle's attorney Mark Mandell sought to prove that the former state representative gave conflicting statements to police and in court -- including where Riddle pointed the gun, whether the other woman was naked and what her own intentions were.

Camargo accused Waters of trying to minimize the incident like other victims of domestic abuse.

TaKesha Washington, the other woman involved, testified that she was not naked and that she was meeting with Riddle to discuss a vacant home in her neighborhood that needed demolition. (Side note: WDIV also reports that Washington testified that Riddle had been drinking heavily and wet his pants on one occasion.)










Sam Riddle convicted in assault case
May 05, 2010 4:41 PM
By The Associated Press
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100505/FREE/100509927/sam-riddle-convicted-in-assault-case#

DETROIT (AP) — Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle has been found guilty of felonious assault and a gun crime in a domestic incident involving his former companion.

The verdict came Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court.

Riddle was accused of pulling a shotgun on Mary Waters when she found him clothed and in bed with another woman in December. Riddle's lawyer says he was too drunk to reach for the gun under the bed and rack it.

Assistant Prosecutor Rebecca Camargo accused Waters of trying to minimize the incident like other victims of domestic abuse.

Possession of a firearm during a felony carries a two-year prison term.

In a separate matter, Riddle and Waters are co-defendants in a bribery case in federal court. Trial starts June 1.











Mary Waters takes the stand in the domestic assault case against Sam Riddle
Posted: 05/04/2010
WXYZ TV News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/detroit/mary-waters-takes-the-stand-in-the-domestic-assault-case-against-sam-riddle

Waters' testifying.

Waters' testifying.

Former state representative Mary Waters testifying.

Defense attorney shows former representative Mary Waters a picture showing that Waters had previous knowledge of guns.









Rifle that Sam Riddle was accused of racking and aiming at former Representative Mary Waters during the December 2009 assault.










Bedroom of the home Waters and Riddle shared, and where the December assault occured.

Sam Riddle's reaction to his former girlfriend / Waters' testimony.

Sam Riddle's reaction to his former girlfriend / Waters' testimony.

Sam Riddle's reaction to his former girlfriend / Waters' testimony.

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Former State Representative Mary Waters is on the stand in the assault case of her former boyfriend Sam Riddle.

The trial began Monday with opening statements by both the prosecution and defense attorneys. Riddle is accused of assaulting Waters and pulling a shotgun on her when she found him with another woman.

Waters has said she did not want Riddle charged. She has also asked prosecutors to drop the case.

Both Waters and Riddle are also co-defendants in a federal corruption probe.











Sam Riddle assault case heads to trial
Published: Monday, May 03, 2010, 6:09 AM
Updated: Monday, May 03, 2010, 11:46 AM
By The Associated Press
MLive
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/05/sam_riddle_assault_case_heads.html

Political consultant Sam Riddle walks out of the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse in Detroit after a mistrial was declared for his corruption trial,Wednesday Feb. 17, 2010

A Detroit political consultant best known for his two upcoming corruption trials is returning to a different court for a domestic-assault trial.

Sam Riddle turned down a plea bargain Friday, clearing the way for trial Monday in Wayne County Circuit Court.

Authorities say he pulled a shotgun on his then-companion, Mary Waters, when she found him with another woman in her home in December. Waters has said the gun was unloaded and she'd prefer the case go away.

In a separate matter, Riddle and Waters are co-defendants in a bribery case in federal court. Trial in that matter is scheduled for June 1. Riddle faces a second corruption trial in July tied to his work for former Detroit councilwoman Monica Conyers.











Sam Riddle turns down deal in assault case
Posted: 04.30.2010 at 2:48 PM
MI NBC News, Detroit
http://www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=451070





(AP) -- DETROIT - Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle has rejected a plea bargain and will go to trial on a domestic-assault charge and a gun violation.

Riddle told a judge Friday "there's nothing to talk about."

Prosecutors were willing to drop the gun charge if he pleaded guilty to assault. It's possible he could have been placed on probation.

Instead, trial in Wayne County Circuit Court starts Monday.

Riddle is accused of pointing a shotgun at his companion, Mary Waters, after she found him with another woman in her home in December. Riddle's lawyer says Waters has wanted the case dropped.

Riddle has worked for former Flint Mayor Don Williamson and also has advised Tamarla Owens, the mother of the boy who fatally shot a first-grade classmate in the Beecher School District.

In a separate matter, Riddle and Waters are co-defendants in a bribery case in federal court. Trial in that case is scheduled to start June 1.

More Trouble For Sam Riddle?
The Feds, three judges and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office are reportedly joining forces to make Sam Riddle an offer he can't refuse in his multiple criminal cases.











Riddle says no to plea bargain in domestic assault case
By Ed Brayton
04.30.10 11:33 am

Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle has rejected a plea agreement offered by the prosecution in one of the many criminal trials he is facing, this one the assault charge for allegedly brandishing a loaded shotgun at his then-girlfriend, former state Rep. Mary Waters, in the home they shared after she caught him in bed with another woman. The Detroit News reports:

“Are you prepared to go to trial,” Wayne County Circuit Judge Gregory Bill asked Riddle after an assistant prosecutor repeated an earlier offer to dismiss a felony firearm charge that carries a mandatory two-year sentence if Riddle pleads guilty to felony assault for an incident before Christmas, when former state Rep. Mary Waters caught him in her bed with another woman.

“Absolutely,” Riddle said after being told by the judge that he would likely get probation and do no time behind bars for the plea.

If convicted on the assault charge, his sentencing guidelines call for 0-17 months in jail.

“When a man is innocent of what he is charged, an offer isn’t even a consideration,” Riddle lawyer Mark Mandell said.

It will be interesting to see what happens at the trial. Waters is the main witness, of course, but she now claims she didn’t want him arrested even though she was the one who called 911. Waters and Riddle are also co-defendants in a federal corruption and bribery case.











Sam Riddle Out of Jail after Three Days
Updated: Friday, 16 Apr 2010, 5:18 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 16 Apr 2010, 11:04 AM EDT
AMY LANGE
FOX News, Detroit
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/sam-riddle-out-of-jail-after-three-days

Sam Riddle's former girlfriend, Mary Waters. Criminal charges pending against Riddle for his assault against Waters in December 2009 [aimed a loaded rifle at Waters during a domestic].

Hearing for Sam Riddle's violation of the no contact order in the criminal case for his assault against his ex-girlfriend / Mary Waters.

Judge Bills sent Sam Riddle to jail for violating the no contact order. Riddle contacted his former girlfriend / former state representative Mary Waters.

Sam Riddle was remanded to jail for the no contact order violation.

Sam Riddle leaving jail after spending three days behind bars for violating the no contact order.

Sam Riddle talking with the media following his release from jail [violaton of the no contact order].

DETROIT (AP) - Sam Riddle is out of jail and still refusing to take any kind of plea deal. Riddle will now be allowed to speak with his former girlfriend, but there are restrictions.

Sam Riddle is out after spending three days in jail for violating a no contact order in his assault case by talking on the phone to his alleged victim, ex-girlfriend Mary Waters.

Riddle was asked if he racked a shotgun at Mary Waters and responded, "Absolutely not."

That is why Riddle says he will go to trial. Prosecutors offered him a deal, plead guilty to felonious assault and they will drop the two year felony firearm charge, giving him probation or up to 17 months in jail. His attorney said no thanks.

"This case is about Sam Riddle... one individual versus the government. She doesn't want to prosecute in the case," said attorney Mark Mandell.

Riddle is accusing the prosecutor of piling on, and even the judge agreed and questioned the strength of their case.

"Quite frankly, there's some problems in the people's case from my perspective," said Judge Gregory Bill.

"You heard what the judge said. He used the term today 'piling on.' He's the one that's talked about the merits of their case today, not me," said Riddle.

However, Riddle is talking about another case, accusing the prosecutor of playing the Kwame card to deflect criticism.

"I mention her playing the Kwame card because that's what she does to keep attention away from her office, which is one of the most inept Wayne County prosecutorial offices since reconstruction," he said.

Back to Riddle's case, Judge Bill removed his tether and is allowing him to talk to Mary Waters so they can prepare for their upcoming federal bribery trial, and he and his attorney are itching for a fight in the assault case.

"I'll be in trial because I'm innocent. I'll be in trial because the prosecutor has blown this way out of proportion, and I'll win in trial because the prosecutor doesn't have a damn leg to stand on," Riddle said.

The assault trial is scheduled to start May third, and Riddle's two federal cases are scheduled for June and July.











Waters spared jail time over call to Riddle
Posted: April 15, 2010
BY JOE SWICKARD
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
http://www.freep.com/article/20100415/NEWS01/4150467/1322/Waters-spared-jail-time-over-call-to-Riddle

Mary Waters got a courtroom lecture Wednesday for phoning her former lover and alleged attacker Sam Riddle despite a judge's repeated "no-contact" orders.

Wayne County Circuit Judge Gregory Bill said it would "not be in order or lawful" to punish Waters for the call, but he told her that as a former state representative, she should know that "it's an offense to the court when people don't follow its orders."

Riddle remains jailed for taking Waters' call. On Friday, Bill is to hear a defense motion to lift the no-contact order.

Waters' lawyer, Richard Convertino, said Waters called from his office and Riddle, a Detroit political operative, could not have known it was Waters on the line.

Waters and Riddle are codefendants in a federal corruption case dealing with the relocation of a Southfield pawnshop. And Convertino said Waters called Riddle to discuss a motion in their federal case.

He said the mixed roles of Waters and Riddle -- victim and alleged attacker in one case, but codefendants in another -- makes Bill's no-contact order impractical and probably unconstitutional.

The phone call is just one part of the Riddle-Waters legal do-si-do. The couple is former lovers who lived at her Lafayette Park townhouse near downtown Detroit.

Waters called police in December when Riddle allegedly pulled a shotgun on her when she found him with another woman at her home.

But since then, she has written numerous letters to her former boss, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and pleaded with Bill that she wants to drop the charges.











Mary Waters Avoids Jail Time; Gets Stern Warning from Judge
Updated: Wednesday, 14 Apr 2010, 5:36 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 14 Apr 2010, 11:21 AM EDT
AMY LANGE
FOX NEWS, Detroit
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/mary-waters-avoids-jail-time-gets-stern-warning-from-judge

Judge Bills did not hold Waters in contempt of the no contact order when she contacted Riddle recently from her attorney's office. The previous day, Judge Bill had held Riddle in contempt of the no contact order for and remanded him to jail. Riddle and Waters are co-defendents in a federal case and both maintain their need to contact each other via their attorneys for that case.

Former Representative Mary Waters maintains that she is not afraid of Sam Riddle / her former boyfriend who is accused of pulling a loaded gun on her.

Waters' letter to the prosecutor maintaining that she is not afraid of Riddle, who is accused of pulling a loaded gun on her in a December assault.

Water's 911 call to police in December 2009, which led to Sam Riddle's arrest.

Waters' 911 call to police, which led to Sam Riddle's arrest in December 2009.

Sam Riddle's arrest for felony assault against Mary Waters. [December 2009]

Sam Riddle's arrest for felony assault against Mary Waters [December 2009].

Sam Riddle's arrest for felony assault against Mary Waters [December 2009].

Mary Waters' attorney in the federal charge in which Waters and Riddle are co-defendents. He maintains that the no-contact order complicates their preparation for the federal case.

DETROIT - A judge put Sam Riddle in jail for ignoring an order to stay away from his former girlfriend. Wednesday, that ex-girlfriend, Mary Waters, went before the same judge. Waters says she is not a battered woman, and she needs to see Riddle.

Waters maintains she was never afraid of Riddle, and for the first time we heard the 911 call that she says proves her point. This is an excerpt from that call:

Waters: I just got back home. He had this woman in my bed. I asked him to get up, and he pulled out a gun and told me to get the (expletive) out. I want him out of my house right now.

It was December 21, 2009, and Waters called 911 after her boyfriend, Riddle, allegedly pointed a shotgun at her.

911 Operator: Are you okay?

Waters: I'm just shaken up, you know.

Waters maintains she was never afraid of Riddle, and she has even written to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, saying she does not want him prosecuted.

"I talked about how I thought that he needed some help," said Waters. "Just because we're not in a personal relationship anymore doesn't mean that I want to see something horrible happen to him."

However, Riddle is charged with assaulting her, and there is a no contact order. Riddle went to jail on Tuesday for violating that order when Waters called him on the phone in March.

The judge also had some harsh words for Waters, but stopped short of holding her in contempt.

"It's an affront to the court when people don't follow its orders," said Judge Gregory Bill.

"Mary doesn't feel threatened by Mr. Riddle. She's not fearful of him. She doesn't want the no contact order to be enforced," said attorney Richard Convertino.

He says the no contact order is preventing them from preparing for a federal bribery trial in which Waters and Riddle are co-defendants. Convertino says Waters made that questionable phone call to Riddle from his law office to talk about that federal case. He wants a federal judge to lift the no contact order.

"I'm not sure that Mr. Convertino is correct, but I do think, however, that we do need some modification. Let's end the silliness so we can get a level playing field and prepare for all the trials in state and federal court cases. We have a lot trials coming up here," said FOX 2 Legal Analyst Charlie Langton.

Riddle will be back in court on Friday. That is when his attorney is going to argue that the no contact order should be lifted.











Waters avoids contempt charge in Riddle phone call
Posted: 04/14/2010
By: Scott Anderson
WXYZ News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/detroit/waters-avoids-contempt-charge-in-riddle-phone-call

The previous day, Sam Riddle was jailed for being found in contempt of the no contact order [criminal case]. At Riddle's hearing, Judge Bills had ordered Mary Waters to apear in court the next day on possible contempt charges of the no contact order.

The following day, former state representative Mary Waters appeared before Judge Bills for a contempt hearing, for her part in violating the no contact order by phoning Riddle.

Mary Waters' contempt hearing on the no contact order [criminal case against Sam Riddle for pulling a loaded gun on Waters]. Waters had phoned Riddle [from her attorney's office] in regards to the federal bribery case, in which she and Riddle are co-defendents.

Waters' letters to the prosecuting attorney, stating that she is not afraid of Sam Riddle and she did not want him charged [for the assault].

Waters' letters to the prosecuting attorney, stating that she is not afraid of Sam Riddle and she did not want him criminally charged [for the assault].

Mary's letters to the prosecuting attorney, stating that she is not afraid of Sam Riddle and she did not want him criminally charged [for the assault].

Home that Waters and Riddle shared and where the December 2009 assault with the loaded gun occured.

Prosecuting attorney serving Mary Waters with a supeona for the criminal assault case against Sam Riddle, during Mary's contempt hearing for the no contact order.

Prosecuting attorney serving Mary Waters with a supeona for the criminal assault case against Sam Riddle, during Mary's contempt hearing for the no contact order.

Judge Bills stated at Waters' hearing that according to the Contempt laws, he could not hold Waters in contempt of the no contact order, for her phone call to Sam Riddle [defendent in the criminal assault case].

After the hearing, Waters informed the media that although she was no longer in a relationship with Sam Riddle, she didn't want to see anything bad happen to him.

DETROIT (WXYZ) - - Former State Representative Mary Waters will not be held in contempt of court.

She had been ordered to have no contact with her former boyfriend Sam Riddle, but she made a phone call to him and was told to be in court today for possible contempt.

Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Bill reviewed the contempt statutes and decided he didn't have the authority to hold her in contempt.

Waters accused Riddle of pointing a gun at her after she found him in bed with another woman last year.

Despite calling 911, Waters says she did not intend to have Riddle charged. Waters says it was difficult to see Riddle jailed on Tuesday for violating the no-contact order by talking to her on the phone.

"Sam and I have been friends for a long time," Waters said after today's court hearing. "Just because we're not in a personal relationship doesn't mean I want to see something horrible happen to him."

The two are also co-defendants in a bribery case, and Waters says her brief phone call to Riddle was to discuss the case.

Her attorney, Richard Convertino, says it's difficult for the two to prepare their defense with the no-contact order in place.

Attorneys for both Waters and Riddle are asking that the no-contact order be dropped.











Sam Riddle sent to jail for violating bond
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 11:06 a.m.
FOX UP, TV 6
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=443036

Sam Riddle

(AP) -- DETROIT - A Detroit political consultant facing two corruption trials in federal court has been sent to jail in a different case after violating a no-contact order involving his former girlfriend.

A Wayne County judge put Sam Riddle in custody Tuesday for at least a few days. On Friday, the judge will consider a request to lift a ban on any contact between Riddle and Mary Waters.

Riddle is charged in state court with assault. He's accused of pointing a shotgun at Waters in December after she found him with another woman.

Riddle has worked for former Flint Mayor Don Williamson and also has advised Tamarla Owens, the mother of the boy who fatally shot a first-grade classmate in the Beecher School District.

Separately, Riddle and Waters are co-defendants in a corruption case that goes to trial on June 1.

Wayne County Judge Gregory Bill says a phone call between Riddle and Waters violated the conditions of his bond.











Sam Riddle sent to jail for violating bond
4/13/2010, 10:28 a.m. EDT
The Associated Press
MLive
http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/national-118/1271174750319270.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

(AP) — DETROIT - A Detroit political consultant facing two corruption trials in federal court has been sent to jail in a different case after violating a no-contact order involving his former girlfriend.

A Wayne County judge put Sam Riddle in custody Tuesday for at least a few days. On Friday, the judge will consider a request to lift a ban on any contact between Riddle and Mary Waters.

Riddle is charged in state court with assault. He's accused of pointing a shotgun at Waters in December after she found him with another woman

Separately, Riddle and Waters are co-defendants in a corruption case that goes to trial on June 1.

Wayne County Judge Gregory Bill says a phone call between Riddle and Waters violated the conditions of his bond.











Judge Sends Sam Riddle Back to Jail
Updated: Tuesday, 13 Apr 2010, 5:58 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 13 Apr 2010, 9:54 AM EDT
AMY LANGE
FOX News, Detroit

Sam Riddle appears before Judge Bills for a contempt hearing on the no contact order in the criminal case against him.

Mary Waters with her defense attorney for the federal bribery case [in which she and Sam Riddle are co-defendents], at Riddle's contempt hearing on the no contact order.

Sam Riddle's defense attorney maintains that the no contact order hinders thier preparation for the federal bribery case in which Riddle and Waters are co-defendents.

Judge Bills found that Sam Riddle had violated the no contact order, when he spoke on the phone with Mary Waters.

"I am going to invite her here tomorrow [Former State Representative Mary Waters], to explain to me why she is in contempt of my order as well..." [Judge Gregory Bills].

"...As she [Waters] iniated the contact [with Riddle], on one, two, possibly three ocassions now..." [Judge Gregory Bills].

Sam Riddle was remanded to jail for contempt of the no contact order.

Letters Mary Waters wrote to the Wayne County Prosecutor, stating that she does not want Sam Riddle [her former boyfriend] prosecuted for the assault in which Sam pulled a loaded gun on her.

Letters Mary Waters wrote to the Wayne County Prosecutor, stating that she does not want Sam Riddle [her former boyfriend] prosecuted for the assault in which Sam pulled a loaded gun on her.

Letters Mary Waters wrote to the Wayne County Prosecutor, stating that she does not want Sam Riddle [her former boyfriend] prosecuted for the assault in which Sam pulled a loaded gun on her.

DETROIT - Sam Riddle is back in jail, and Mary Waters, the victim, his former girlfriend and his co-defendant in a federal bribery case, could be headed there next.

Judge Gregory Bill gave Riddle a stay in the Wayne County Jail after revelations that Waters called him in March to talk about their upcoming federal bribery trial.

It is the second time the two defied a no contact order in another case where Waters is the victim and Riddle is accused of pointing a loaded shotgun at her after she found him in bed with another woman in December.

Now, Judge Bill has ordered Waters to appear before him on Wednesday. He wants to know why she is initiating contact with Riddle.

"I'm going to invite her to visit tomorrow and tell me why she is in contempt of my order, as well, since she allegedly has been charged with initiating the contact on one, two, possibly three occasions now," said Bill.

The first time to two had contact was at a movie theater, and the judge ordered Riddle to wear a tether.

FOX 2 Legal Analyst Charlie Langton says the judge had no choice but to throw Riddle in jail.

"No contact means no contact. Sam was told before. He was put on a tether, and Sam violated it. I am not surprised by the judge's ruling. I don't think the judge had any options here," he said.

On Friday, Riddle's attorney, Mark Mandell, will ask the judge to lift the no contact order. He offers letters Waters wrote to the Wayne County prosecutor saying she does not want Riddle prosecuted and was never afraid of him, only worried about his depression. Plus, Mandell says, Waters and Riddle need to talk to prepare for their upcoming federal trial.

"Sam did nothing intentional, willful or malicious here, and hopefully on Friday, it's my intention that the judge will lift the provisions of the no contact order and release him from custody," said Mandell.

Riddle supporters planning a "haters auction" for next week for his legal defense hope he is out soon, as well. They are moving forward with the fundraiser regardless.

"We're staying very prayerful and very hopeful that he will get out of this," said Jerry Bell. "We have to learn from our mistakes, and we have to move on."











Judge throws Sam Riddle in jail for violating bond condition
Posted: 04/13/2010
By: Scott Anderson
WXYZ News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/detroit/judge-throws-sam-riddle-in-jail-for-violating-bond-condition




DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) - A Wayne County judge has ordered embattled political consultant Sam Riddle to jail for violating his bond.

Judge Gregory Bill issued the order after learning of a phone call between Riddle and his former girlfriend, Mary Waters. He had ordered that the two have no contact with each other after Riddle was arrested following a domestic incident late last year.

After ordering Riddle to jail, Bill ordered Waters to court at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. In doing so, he said Waters could face punishment for the phone call as well.

Riddle will be back in court Friday at 9:00 a.m. The purpose of the hearing is a motion, filed by Riddle's lawyer, asking that the no contact order be lifted. During that hearing, the judge could also release Riddle from jail, or order that he remain incarcerated.










Riddle may get plea deal in domestic case
Lawyer to seek end to no-contact order between political consultant, Mary Waters
George Hunter
The Detroit News
Last Updated: March 20. 2010 1:00AM
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100320/METRO01/3200327/1409/Riddle-may-get-plea-deal-in-domestic-case#ixzz0imtUsxsF

Riddle. The Detriot News.

Detroit -- Prosecutors said they plan to extend a plea bargain offer to political consultant Sam Riddle in his domestic violence case.

During a hearing Friday in Wayne County Circuit Court, Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Rebecca Camargo told Judge Gregory Bill that her office plans to make an offer to Riddle in the case.

Riddle was arrested in December on allegations he pulled a shotgun on his former live-in partner Mary Waters, a former state representative, after she caught him in their Detroit condo with another woman.

Riddle's attorney, Mark Mandell, wouldn't comment on any possible deal. However, he did say he planned to petition the judge to lift the no-contact order between Riddle and Waters. Bill said a motion was needed to make the request.

Riddle and Waters also face a June 1 federal trial on charges they bribed former Southfield City Councilman William Lattimore in connection with a pawn shop relocation.

"In order for Sam and Mary to prepare for their federal case, they need to get together," Mandell said. "It is my understanding that Ms. Waters has asked that this case be dismissed, and she is not fearful of him (Riddle)."

Bill originally ordered Riddle to wear a tether as result of the domestic violence case, and he warned Riddle to stay away from Waters.

In February, the judge allowed Riddle to remove the tether, but maintained an order to avoid contact with Waters. Riddle then violated that order by meeting with Waters at a Birmingham movie theater on Valentine's Day. Bill then ordered Riddle to wear the tether again.

Friday's hearing was to be the final pretrial conference, but because Mandell is new on the case, the judge set a special pretrial conference for April 16. Bill also set a May 3 trial date "just in case this goes to trial."

Mandell said at this point, "Sam's intention is to try the case."

"Any negotiations involving a possible plea deal will be handled between us and the prosecutor, and not in the media," Mandell said.

If there is a trial, prosecutors said they anticipate calling about six witnesses. Mandell said he plans to call six to nine witnesses, many of whom also are on the prosecution's list.











Plea offer in works for Riddle, trial set in domestic violence case
BY BEN SCHMITT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Posted: March 20, 2010
http://www.freep.com/article/20100320/NEWS01/3200363/1320/Plea-offer-in-works-for-Riddle

Sam Riddle exits the Federal Court in Detroit on Monday, February 8, 2010. (MANDI WRIGHT/Detroit Free Press)

An assistant Wayne County prosecutor told a judge Friday that there are plans to offer political consultant Sam Riddle a plea deal in his domestic violence case involving former state Rep. Mary Waters.

Whether Riddle takes the deal is another story.

His attorney, Mark Mandell, said that he would listen to any plea offers, but he and his client plan to go to trial.

Mandell also said he plans to ask Wayne County Circuit Judge Gregory Bill to lift the no-contact order between Riddle and Waters, who lived together, mainly because they are codefendants in a separate, federal criminal case. That case involves bribery allegations in connection with the expansion and relocation of a Southfield pawnshop.

Mandell said Waters does not want the domestic violence case prosecuted.

"It is my understanding that Ms. Waters has asked that this case be dismissed, and she is not fearful of him," Mandell said.

Riddle is accused of pointing a shotgun at Waters in December after she arrived home to find him with another woman. He is charged with felonious assault and committing a felony while in possession of a firearm. The firearm charge carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence.

During a hearing Friday, assistant Wayne County prosecutor Rebecca Camargo told Bill that no plea offers have been made in the case. However, she said, a plea offer most likely will be made before trial.

Maria Miller, a spokeswoman for Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, declined to comment on what kind of offer could be made.

"The offer will be given when we return to court," she said. "Until then, we have no comment."

If the case goes to trial, Camargo said, the proceedings would last about two days.

Bill set April 16 for a final pretrial hearing and a May 3 trial date.

After Friday's hearing, Riddle told members of the news media: "Go Green! Go White!" in reference to Michigan State University competing in the NCAA basketball tournament.











Prosecutors to offer Riddle deal in domestic violence case
George Hunter
The Detroit News
Last Updated: March 19. 2010 5:37PM
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100319/METRO01/3190407/Prosecutors-to-offer-Riddle-deal-in-domestic-violence-case

Detroit -- Prosecutors said they plan to extend an offer to political consultant Sam Riddle in his domestic violence case.

During a hearing today in Wayne County Circuit Court, Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Rebecca Camargo told Judge Gregory Bill that her office plans make an offer to Riddle in the case.

Riddle was arrested in December on allegations he pulled a shotgun on and his former live-in partner Mary Waters, a former state representative, after she caught him in their Detroit condo with another woman.

Riddle's attorney, Mark Mandell, wouldn't comment on any possible deal. However, he did say he planned to petition the judge to lift the no contact order between Riddle and Waters. Bill said a motion was needed to make the request.

Riddle and Waters also face a June 1 federal trial on charges they bribed former Southfield City Councilman William Lattimore in connection with a pawn shop relocation.

"In order for Sam and Mary to prepare for their federal case, they need to get together," Mandell said. "It is my understanding that Ms. Waters has asked that this case be dismissed, and she is not fearful of him (Riddle)."

Bill originally ordered Riddle to wear a tether as result of the domestic violence case, and he warned Riddle to stay away from Waters.

In February, the judge allowed Riddle to remove the tether, but maintained an order to avoid contact with Waters. Riddle then violated that order by meeting with Waters at a Birmingham movie theater on Valentine's Day. Bill then ordered Riddle to wear the tether again.

Today's hearing was to be the final pretrial conference, but because Mandell is new on the case, the judge set a special pretrial conference for April 16. Bill also set a May 3 trial date "just in case this goes to trial."

Mandell said at this point, "Sam's intention is to try the case."

"Any negotiations involving a possible plea deal will be handled between us and the prosecutor, and not in the media," Mandell said.

If there is a trial, prosecutors said they anticipate calling about six witnesses.

Mandell said he plans to call six to nine witnesses, many of whom are also on the prosecution's list.











Riddle Assault Case Set For May 3
Prosecutor: Plea Deal Could Be Offered To Political Consultant
POSTED: Friday, March 19, 2010
UPDATED: 12:40 pm EDT March 19,2010
Click On Detroit.com
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22888442/detail.html



DETROIT -- The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said at a hearing Friday that a plea deal will likely be extended to Sam Riddle in his domestic violence case involving former state Rep. Mary Waters.

The Detroit political consultant was arrested in December and charged with felonious assault and felony firearms possession after Waters told police he pointed a shotgun at her when she found him in bed with another woman in Riddle's east side town home.

Waters later testified that after she grabbed a camera, Riddle didn't point the gun directly at her, but did rack it and said, "Drop the (expletive) camera."

Riddle's attorney, Mark Mandell, asked Wayne County Circuit Judge Gregory Bill for another pretrial hearing. Bill scheduled it for April 15, and set May 3 as the trial date.

Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Rebecca Camargo told the court a deal will most likely be offered to Riddle before the trial. Mandell did not specify whether Riddle would take any plea deals offered to him.

Riddle has been under a court order not to have any contact with Waters and wear a GPS tether.

Mandell said Waters has expressed a desire not to further pursue the domestic violence case, but judge did not lift the no-contact order Friday.

Waters and Riddles are also co-defendants in a bribery case. They are accused of taking bribes in exchange for helping a pawnshop move and expand in Southfield. They are scheduled to go to trial in that case in June.











Reports: Sam Riddle will get a plea deal from prosecutors in domestic assault case
By Aaron Foley
MLive.com
March 19, 2010, 12:31PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/03/reports_sam_riddle_will_get_a.html

Political consultant Sam Riddle will have to pencil in a May 3 court date stemming from allegations of domestic assault back in December.

Rewind: Rep. Mary Waters, who shared a condo with Riddle, reported that he pulled a loaded shotgun on her after she came home and discovered him in bed with TaKesha Washington. At the time, Riddle already had his legal plate full as he was in and out of court on corruption charges. Waters later said that there was no gun and Washington wasn't there, but a judge had already enacted a no-contact order between her and Riddle. Riddle violated that order when the two were spotted at a movie theater.

Today, the Detroit Free Press reports that prosecutors are expected to offer Riddle a plea deal, but did not specify what kind of offer -- if any -- would be made.

One of Riddle's attorneys, Mark Mandell, tells The Detroit News that he plans on asking for the no-contact order to be lifted so that Riddle and Waters are ready for another legal battle.

The Detroit News, March 20: Riddle and Waters also face a June 1 federal trial on charges they bribed former Southfield City Councilman William Lattimore in connection with a pawn shop relocation. "In order for Sam and Mary to prepare for their federal case, they need to get together," Mandell said. "It is my understanding that Ms. Waters has asked that this case be dismissed, and she is not fearful of him."











Riddle's domestic violence trial set for May 3
Expect a plea offer, assistant prosecutor tells judge
BY BEN SCHMITT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Posted: 9:47 a.m. March 19, 2010
Updated: 11:30 a.m. March 19, 2010
http://www.freep.com/article/20100319/NEWS01/100319026/1001/NEWS/Riddles-domestic-violence-trial-scheduled-for-May-3

A judge today set a May 3 trial date for the domestic violence case involving political consultant Sam Riddle and former state Rep. Mary Waters.

Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Rebecca Camargo told Wayne County Circuit Judge Gregory Bill that no plea offers have been made in the case. However, she said, a plea offer most likely will be made before trial.

If the case goes to trial, Camargo said, the case would last about two days.

Riddle is accused of pointing a shotgun at Waters in December after she arrived home in Detroit to find him with another woman.

Riddle’s attorney Mark Mandell asked for one more pretrial hearing and Bill set one for April 16.

Mandell said he would listen to any plea offers, but they currently planned to go to trial.

Riddle is charged with felonious assault and committing a felony while in possession of a firearm. The firearm charge carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence.

Maria Miller, a spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, declined comment on what kind of offer could be made.

"The offer will be given when we return to court," she said. "Until then we have no comment."

Mandell also said he plans to ask the judge to lift the no-contact order between Riddle and Waters, mainly because they are codefendants in a separate, federal criminal case involving bribery allegations in connection with the expansion and relocation of a Southfield pawn shop. Mandell added that Waters does not want the domestic violence case prosecuted.

Riddle told the media "Go Green! Go White!" in reference to Michigan State University's run in the NCAA basketball tournament.











Riddle ordered to wear tether, hits back at critics
Last Updated: February 19. 2010 8:27PM
George Hunter and paul egan
The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100219/METRO01/2190404/1409/Riddle-ordered-to-wear-tether--hits-back-at-critics

Sam Riddle kisses his grandson Craig, 4, in court of Judge Gregory Bill, at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice. Riddle was ordered to wear a tether after violating his bond by meeting with former live-in companion and state Rep. Mary Waters at a Birmingham movie theater. (Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News)

Sam Riddle must wear a tether after violating his bond by meeting with former live-in companion and state Rep. Mary Waters at a Birmingham movie theater. (Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News)

Detroit -- Political consultant Sam Riddle, ordered by a judge today to return to wearing an electronic tether, lashed out at critics on his Facebook page who criticized him for violating a court order from his domestic assault case by having contact with the alleged victim, former state Rep. Mary Waters.

"I will live my life as I (expletive) see fit," Riddle posted on Facebook shortly after noon today. "I am prepared to suffer any consequences for not surrendering my soul -- don't like that? Then get off my (expletive) page."

Wayne Circuit Judge Gregory Bill said during an emergency bond hearing that Riddle must be monitored because of recent contact he had with Waters, his former live-in companion.

Riddle was on bond from a domestic assault case involving Waters. As part of Bill's bond order, Riddle was to have no contact with Waters, who was present in the courtroom today.

"My order has been violated," Bill admonished Riddle in the courtroom. Bill warned Riddle that he considered incarceration.

At one point during the hearing, Riddle interrupted Bill, which caused the judge to snap back.

"Please ... the only person who likes their sentence interrupted is an inmate," Bill said.

Bill also told Waters not to have any further contact with Riddle.

"If Miss Waters initiates contact, she might be the one standing in front of me next time," he said.

Riddle said the meeting with Waters, which occurred at a Birmingham movie theater on Valentine's Day, was by happenstance and that Waters initiated the contact.

"I've been to a lot places. I see a lot of different people," Riddle also said after the proceeding. "When I see her, I'll have to make her an invisible woman. I'm not permitted to acknowledge the humanity of Mary Waters."

Riddle also said he believes he is being "tag-teamed" by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and the Department of Justice.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy responded to Riddle's comments in a written statement after the hearing.

"This office handles over 8,000 domestic violence cases a year," she said. "We are treating this case the same as any other domestic violence case.

"We are duty-bound as officers of the court to immediately report any violation of court conditions. We agree with the court's decision to reinstate the tether today."

Riddle, who also indicated that he's considering retaining prominent lawyer Geoffrey Fieger, joked about the tether.

"Man, I can't wear my cowboy boots with this thing on," he said.

In addition to the state assault case, Riddle has been indicted by the Justice Department in two corruption cases in federal court in Detroit.

The first case, in which Riddle is accused of shaking down businesses for consulting payments while he worked as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, ended in a mistrial Wednesday. The government says it will try the case again.

Riddle and Waters are scheduled to stand trial in federal court June 1 on allegations they bribed former Southfield City Councilman William Lattimore in connection with a pawn shop relocation. Lattimore has pleaded guilty to bribery and awaits sentencing.












Riddle back on tether in assault case
MLive
2/19/2010, 10:21 a.m. EST
The Associated Press
http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/national-107/1266606032254590.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

AP — DETROIT - A Detroit political consultant whose corruption trial ended in a mistrial this week is in hot water again.

A judge on Friday ordered Sam Riddle confined to his home on electronic tether. His contact with a former companion, Mary Waters, at a theater on Valentine's Day violated the rules of his release in a pending assault case.

Waters accused Riddle of pulling a gun on her in December when she caught him with another woman.

Assistant Prosecutor Rebecca Camargo says it was Waters who apparently initiated the contact Sunday.

On Wednesday, Riddle's corruption trial in federal court ended without a verdict.

He's accused of a bribery scheme with Monica Conyers when she was on the Detroit City Council. U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn wants to see Riddle on Monday.











Riddle must wear tether again
February 19, 2010
BEN SCHMITT and JOE SWICKARD
DETROIT FREE PRESS
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100219/NEWS01/302180013

DETROIT - Embattled political consultant Sam Riddle must wear a tether again.

A Wayne County judge today ruled today that Riddle violated a no-contact order with his ex-girlfriend Mary Waters, a former state representative, when the two were spotted together outside of a Birmingham movie theater on Valentine's Day.

Just after noon today, Riddle posted a profanity-laced update on his Twitter and Facebook accounts:
“I will live my life as I (expletive) see fit. I'll suffer any consequence for not surrendering my soul -don't like that? Get off my (expletive) page,” he said.

The hearing stems from a Dec. 21 incident in which Riddle is accused of pointing a shotgun at Waters and racking it after she found him with another woman in her home.

Riddle was charged with felonious assault and subsequently ordered to have no contact with Waters.

Riddle told Judge Gregory Bill that he merely ran into Waters outside the theater and walked the other way.

But Bill, who removed the tether earlier this month, was unmoved.

"There's been a blatant violation ... no matter who instituted the contact," Bill said of the no-contact order. "I toyed with short-term incarceration."

Riddle was annoyed after the ruling.

"I didn't go to the movies," he said. "I could run into one of you guys out there. I guess I'm not allowed to acknowledge the humanity of Mary Waters."

Riddle's electronic tether will be programmed with Waters' Detroit address and will alert authorities if he comes too close.Riddle's lawyer Adrienne Hinnant-Johnson told Bill that Waters initiated the contact and it was brief.

She said she told Riddle that "no contact, means no contact."

After the hearing, Hinnant-Johnson said: "I'm glad Sam is at least not locked up."

Riddle was just on trial in U.S. District Court for an unrelated political corruption case. The case ended in a mistrial Wednesday.

"Quite frankly, I'm beginning to feel like I'm being tag-teamed by the Wayne County Prosecutor and the Department of Justice," he said.

Before the hearing, Waters said she and Riddle remain friends.

"I am not a battered woman who can't give up a guy," she insisted. "I want to make it clear that we're friends, and that's the foundation of our relationship."

She further distanced herself from the label of battered woman by adding, "I'm so much stronger than to be chasing after some guy. We are friends."

She said she understands that "Sam can't leave the women alone, and the women can't leave him alone ... he loves the attention."

Waters said, "We can still be buddies, and we can still be friends," even though they no longer have an intimate, romantic relationship."

A pretrial conference on the domestic case against Riddle is scheduled for March 19.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy issued a statement after Riddle’s court appearance: “This office handles over 8,000 domestic violence cases a year. We are treating this case the same as any other domestic violence case. We are duty bound as officers of the court to immediately report any violation of court conditions. We agree with the court's decision to reinstate the tether today. "

Political consultant Sam Riddle walks out of the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse in Detroit on Wednesday [2/17/2010]. (RASHAUN RUCKER/Detroit Free Press)

Prosecutor: Sam Riddle violated parole
Published: Feb. 18, 2010 at 8:55 PM
UPI
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/02/18/Prosecutor-Sam-Riddle-violated-parole/UPI-16021266544519/

DETROIT, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- A political adviser accused in a domestic-violence case with a former Michigan lawmaker allegedly violated parole and must appear in court, a prosecutor said.

Sam Riddle was ordered to appear at an emergency hearing Friday before Wayne Circuit Judge Gregory Bill after being spotted with his former live-in girlfriend, former state Rep. Mary Waters, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday.

At a recent hearing, Bill ordered Riddle to have no contact with Waters, against her protests, the Detroit Free Press reported.

On Dec. 21 Riddle allegedly pointed a shotgun at Waters after she caught him with another woman in the condo they shared, Detroit police said.

Waters declined comment on the apparent parole violation and Riddle could not be reached for comment, the newspaper said.

No date was scheduled Thursday for Riddle's separate extortion case, which ended in a mistrial in federal court Wednesday.

Riddle, 63, pleaded not guilty to a seven-count indictment that included charges of conspiracy, extortion and lying to the FBI.

Prosecutors alleged Riddle teamed up with his former boss, former City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, to shake down businesses with matters before the City Council.

The mistrial renewed debate over Detroit juries' racial makeup, the Detroit News said.

Several jurors told reporters outside the courthouse they felt race had been an issue in the breakdown of deliberations.

All but one of the 12 jurors were ready to convict Riddle on all or some of the counts, but Angela Woods, the lone black juror, held out -- accusing others at one point of wanting to "hang the black man," the News said.











Judge to reconsider Riddle's bond on Friday
BY BEN SCHMITT and JOE SWICKARD
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
Posted: 5:14 p.m. Feb. 18, 2010
http://www.freep.com/article/20100218/NEWS01/100218046/1003/news01/Judge-to-reconsider-Riddles-bond-on-Friday

A Wayne Circuit Judge has scheduled an emergency hearing Friday for political consultant Sam Riddle after he was reportedly spotted at a movie theater with his former girlfriend Mary Waters, an apparent violation of his bond terms.

Maria Miller, a spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed the hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. before Judge Gregory Bill.

On Dec. 21, according to Detroit police, Riddle pointed a shotgun at Waters, a former state representative, after she caught him with another woman in the condo they shared. Their movie date was reported by a source close to the case.

At a recent hearing, Bill ordered Riddle not to have any contact with Waters, against her protests.

“Our office asked for the hearing, and the circumstance that led to our asking for the hearing will come out on the record tomorrow in court,” Miller said.

Reached this evening, Waters declined comment.

Riddle, whose separate extortion-related case ended Wednesday in a mistrial in federal court, could not immediately be reached.

Earlier this month, Bill agreed to a GPS tether for Riddle at Waters’ urging.

"Please, your honor, " Waters said from the courtroom gallery during the Feb. 3 hearing. Bill again ordered Riddle not to have any contact with Waters.

John Minock, one of Riddle’s lawyers in his federal political corruption cases, said he was not aware of the bond hearing but is not representing Riddle in the assault case. That lawyer, Adrienne Hinnant-Johnson, could not immediately be reached for comment.











Two court rulings deal blow to Riddle
Also, judge refuses to drop charge in corruption case
1/20/2010 12:01am
Doug Guthrie and Paul Egan
The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100120/METRO01/1200363/1409/METRO/Two-court-rulings-deal-blow-to-Riddle



Sam Riddle, left, and attorney John Minock listen to testimony during his preliminary exam in his assault case. (Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News)

Detroit --Political consultant Sam Riddle suffered two setbacks Tuesday as one judge ordered him to stand trial on domestic assault allegations and another refused to dismiss a disputed charge in his pending political corruption trial.

Riddle, 63, was bound over from 36th District Court to stand trial in Wayne County Circuit Court on a charge of felonious assault and a weapons offense for his alleged actions after former state Rep. Mary Waters, who was Riddle's live-in companion, came home to find him in bed with another woman on Dec. 21.

" Waters "I snatched the covers back and said, 'Who is this?' testified.

She said Riddle responded by telling her, "Why don't you get the gun and shoot me?"

" Waters testified. "I said, 'That's not my style,'

Waters said Riddle pulled a shotgun from beneath the bed and "racked it" after she fished a camera from a drawer and tried to photograph the two in bed.

"He had been drinking. Sam had been depressed. ... I didn't know if he had been taking the Valium. ... I was afraid of the situation. I was not afraid of Sam," she testified.

Riddle and Waters had lived together for five years. Riddle has denied having sex with the other woman, saying they were working on "neighborhood issues" when Waters walked in.

Also Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn denied a request by Riddle's attorneys to dismiss one of the seven criminal counts Riddle faces in a political corruption trial set to start on Monday.

Cohn rejected arguments that a mail fraud count Riddle is charged with stemming from his time as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers is "unconstitutionally vague."

Riddle faces a maximum of four years on the assault charge and 20 years on the bribery allegations.











Waters Testifies Against Riddle
Riddle Bound Over For Trial
POSTED: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
UPDATED: 7:53 pm EST January 19, 2010
Click On Detroit.com
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22272307/detail.html

Sam Riddle [Detroit Free Press file photo]

A 36th District Court judge today found probable cause to send political Consultant Same Riddle to go to trial on a felonious assault charge in connection with a Dec. 21 incident with his former girlfriend Mary Waters, a former state representative.

Judge Kenneth King bound Riddle, 63, over to trial on the felony charges.

Waters testified against Riddle during the brief hearing. She said she arrived home on Dec. 21 incident at her town house on Navarre Place and found Riddle with another woman. She said she got a camera; he got a shotgun.

Waters was the sole witness in the preliminary examination. Riddle’s lawyer, John Minock, did not cross examine her after she testified.

Riddle and Waters are codefendants in a separate federal case, accused of bribery to help a pawnshop win approval to move and expand in Southfield.

A jury was seated last week in Riddle's Synagro case, and opening statements are scheduled for Jan. 25.

Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn today rejected a motion that the mail fraud charge against Riddle be dismissed in the Synagro-related case.




DETROIT -- Although political consultant Sam Riddle and his ex-girlfriend Mary Waters are both defendants in a federal bribery case, Waters testified against her ex-lover in an assault hearing Tuesday.

Riddle and Waters, a former State Rep., were in 36th District Court Tuesday morning in connection with two felonious assault charges and a felony firearms possession charge against Riddle. He was bound over for trial to Wayne County Circuit Court.

The assault charges stem from a Dec. 21 domestic dispute at the couple's eastside Detroit town home.

Riddle was arrested after Waters said she came home and found him in bed with another woman and a fight ensued, police said.

Police had said that when Waters grabbed a camera, Riddle pointed a shotgun at her face and racked it.

In court Tuesday, Waters took the stand and said that Riddle did not point the gun directly at her, but he did rack it and said, "Drop the (expletive) camera."

Waters said that at that point she said to herself, "I am getting out of here," and she went outside and called police.

Waters also described Riddle as a gun expert. When asked why she referred to him as an expert, she said, "As far as I know, he was in the Army and he qualified as an expert."

It’s unclear if Waters will testify against Riddle in the assault preliminary examination.

Waters and Riddles are co-defendants in a bribery case. They are accused of taking bribes in exchange for helping a pawnshop move and expand in Southfield.

The third case Riddle, 63, is tangled up in is the Synagro Technologies case. Riddle has been federally charged with seven counts of bribery and extortion in two cases of receiving and delivering bribes on behalf of his former boss, Monica Conyers, who was a Detroit City Council member, to win approval of the billion-dollar sewage sludge contract awarded to Synagro Technologies Inc. in 2007.

His attorneys asked a judge Sunday to dismiss the third count of mail fraud in the Synagro Technologies case.

A jury was seated last week in the Synagro trial and opening statements are scheduled for Jan. 25.











Riddle to stand trial on assault charges
Doug Guthrie
The Detroit News
Last Updated: January 19. 2010 3:32PM
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100119/METRO/1190381/

Sam Riddle and attorney John Minock. (Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News)

Riddle, 63, was bound over from the city's 36th District Court on a charge of felonious assault and a weapons offense for his alleged actions after former state Rep. Mary Waters found him in her bed with another woman on the afternoon of Dec. 21. (Charles V. Tines. The Detroit News)

Political consultant Tracey Martin-Henry, Sam Riddle, and attorney John Minock. Riddle was ordered to stand trial on assault charges. (Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News)

Detroit-- Controversial political consultant Sam Riddle was ordered this morning to stand trial on claims he pulled a shotgun on his former domestic partner and co-defendant in a federal corruption case.

Riddle, 63, was bound over from the city's 36th District Court to stand trial in Wayne County's Circuit Court on a charge of felonious assault and a weapons offense for his alleged actions after former state Rep. Mary Waters found him in her bed with another woman on the afternoon of Dec. 21.

Judge Kenneth J. King said he heard enough evidence in the brief hearing to believe a crime may have been committed. Riddle was ordered to appear on Feb. 1 for a formal reading of the charges against him in the higher court.

King said Waters, the only witness to testify today, "was hesitant to say she was in fear of Mr. Riddle, but she was in fact in fear."

Waters testified that she found Riddle in bed with a woman when, "I snatched the covers back and said, 'Who is this?' "

She said Riddle responded by telling her, "Why don't you get the gun and shoot me."
"I said, 'That's not my style,' " Waters testified.

After fishing a camera out of a drawer and trying to take a photo of the two together in the bed, Waters said Riddle pulled a shotgun from beneath the bed and "racked it."

"He had been drinking. Sam had been depressed. ... I didn't know if he had been taking the Valium. ... I was afraid of the situation. I was not afraid of Sam," she testified.

Riddle also is on bond awaiting two federal corruption trials, one stemming from his work as an aide to former Detroit Councilwoman Monica Conyers, and the other involving charges that he and Waters allegedly bribed a Southfield councilman to win approval for a pawn shop's relocation.

Because ofthe assault charges, Riddle briefly was ordered by a federal judge to live with his mother in Flint until being granted permission to move back to an apartment near Seven Mile and Telegraph. He spent Christmas in Flint, but was back in Detroit by New Year's Eve.

Riddle and Waters are scheduled to go to trial together later this year on federal charges stemming from bribes they are alleged to have paid William Lattimore, 55, including a $7,500 bribe in 2007. The Southfield city councilman's seat was declared vacant in August after he pleaded guilty to bribery. He is scheduled to be sentenced later this month to up to 30 months.

Riddle and Waters had lived together for five years. He managed her unsuccessful 2008 campaign in the Democratic Party primary for the U.S. congressional seat retained by Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick.

Riddle denied he was having sex with the woman Waters found him with, TaKesha Washington, 32. He has said he was working with Washington on "neighborhood issues." He also told The Detroit News that while under the pressure of facing federal charges, he had resumed drinking alcohol, an issue, he said, "I'm going to have to address."

Riddle also faces seven criminal counts in a federal trial set to start Monday. It is alleged that while serving as a top aide to Conyers, she and Riddle devised a scheme to use her position as a trustee of the Detroit General Retirement System to get about $20,000 from a technology company seeking financing from the city worker pension fund. Another of the counts alleges Riddle delivered a bribe to Conyers for her vote to approve a $1.2 billion sewage sludge contract with Texas-based Synagro Technologies Inc.

Conyers pleaded guilty last summer to a bribery conspiracy charge and awaits sentencing in March. She isn't expected to be called as a witness in the trial against Riddle. Federal investigators have said their case is based largely on thousands of intercepted calls to Riddle's cellular telephone.











Detroit consultant in hot water in state court
 January 19, 2010 11:34 AM ET
Associated Press
FOX 28 News
http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=11844900

DETROIT (AP) - A Detroit political consultant facing trial next week on corruption charges has been sent to trial in a separate case involving allegations of domestic violence.

Sam Riddle's former companion, Mary Waters, says he pulled out a shotgun after she found him in bed with a woman on Dec. 21.

Waters testified Tuesday in 36th District Court in Detroit. She says she pulled the bedcovers and asked, "Who is this?"

Riddle told The Detroit News that the encounter with the other woman wasn't sexual. He says they had been working on neighborhood issues. Riddle was ordered to trial for assault and other charges.

In federal court, he's charged with taking bribes for Monica Conyers when she was on the Detroit City Council.











Flint native Sam Riddle to face trial on felonious assault charges
By Kristin Longley
Flint Journal
January 19, 2010, 11:30AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/01/flint_native_sam_riddle_to_fac.html

Fox 2 screen shotSam Riddle appearing on Fox 2's "Let it Rip" on June 19.

FLINT, Michigan — A Detroit judge is sending Flint political consultant Sam Riddle to trial on assault charges in connection with an incident involving his former girlfriend, Mary Waters, a former state representative, The Detroit Free Press reports.

The charge stems from a Dec. 21 incident in which police said Waters came home to find Riddle with another woman.

Riddle is accused of pointing a shotgun at Waters after she retrieved a camera to document the incident, the Free Press reports.

Riddle, a Flint native, is a former political consultant for ex-Flint Mayor Don Williamson and a former mayoral candidate himself.

He also is a defendant in a federal bribery case out of Detroit.











Riddle to face trial on assault charges
BY BEN SCHMITT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Posted: 10:48 a.m. Jan. 19, 2010
Updated: 5:33 p.m. Jan. 19, 2010
http://freep.com/article/20100119/NEWS01/100119020/0/CFP09/Riddle-to-face-trial-on-assault-charges

Sam Riddle (Detroit Free Press file photo)

A 36th District Court judge today found probable cause to send political consultant Sam Riddle to go to trial on a felonious assault charge in connection with a Dec. 21 incident with his former girlfriend Mary Waters, a former state representative.

Judge Kenneth King bound Riddle, 63, over to trial on the felony charges.

Waters testified against Riddle during the brief hearing. She said she arrived home on Dec. 21 incident at her town house on Navarre Place and found Riddle with another woman. She said she got a camera; he got a shotgun.

Waters was the sole witness in the preliminary examination. Riddle’s lawyer, John Minock, did not cross examine her after she testified.

Riddle and Waters are codefendants in a separate federal case, accused of bribery to help a pawnshop win approval to move and expand in Southfield.

A jury was seated last week in Riddle's Synagro case, and opening statements are scheduled for Jan. 25.

Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn today rejected a motion that the mail fraud charge against Riddle be dismissed in the Synagro-related case.











Riddle's move to Detroit allowed
Judge said he should be closer to attorneys to prepare for trial
Paul Egan
The Detroit News
Last Updated: December 30. 2009 1:00AM
http://detnews.com/article/20091230/METRO01/912300384/Riddle-s-move-to-Detroit-allowed

Sam Riddle, here at his mother's home in Flint on Christmas Eve, has been allowed to move back to Detroit to prepare for trial. (John M. Galloway / Special to The Detroit News)

Detroit -- Political consultant Sam Riddle can move back to Detroit while he awaits trial on a raft of felony charges, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani adjusted Riddle's bond conditions over the objections of federal prosecutors, who said Riddle should have to remain at his mother's home in Flint, where another federal judge sent him after he was charged with a Dec. 21 domestic assault in Detroit.

Battani noted that Riddle needs to prepare for a complex political corruption trial set to begin Jan. 19 in federal court and said it will be easier for him to get ready if he is closer to his attorneys, John Minock and Edward Wishnow. She also noted that a state judge handling the assault case set no residency restrictions.

Riddle, 63, had lined up an apartment near Seven Mile and Telegraph but needed court approval to move.

Riddle was already awaiting trial in two federal corruption cases when he allegedly pulled a shotgun on his live-in companion, former state Rep. Mary Waters, after she came home to find him with another woman.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Cares opposed the request and told Battani the government could have asked that Riddle be locked up to await trial after the alleged incident involving Waters.

"These conditions ... are not negotiable," Cares said. "It may be somewhat inconvenient for him and inconvenient for Mr. Riddle's counsel, but he put himself in that position."

Riddle also must observe a curfew, wear an electronic tether, abstain from alcohol and have no contact with Waters.

Riddle faces extortion related charges stemming from his time as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, who awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in a bribery case. Riddle and Waters are charged separately with bribing a Southfield city councilman in connection with that city's approval of a pawn shop relocation.

Asked how his mother would react to the news that he would again be leaving home, Riddle said, "She sees me all the time, and she still will."

Riddle has admitted to an alcohol problem. Battani said she would switch the daily testing for alcohol consumption to random testing, but warned Riddle not to slip up.

"There's zero tolerance," Battani told Riddle. "We have a big holiday coming up that tends to be a drinking holiday. If in fact you drink, and you're caught, your bond will be revoked, period."

Minock, who earlier said he needed more time to prepare for Riddle's January trial, said having his client in Detroit will save time.











Judge: Riddle can return to Detroit
Last Updated: December 29. 2009 8:07PM
Paul Egan
The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20091229/METRO/912290391/Judge--Riddle-can-return-to-Detroit

A federal judge ruled today that political consultant Sam Riddle, seen here, can leave his mother's home in Flint.

Detroit -- A federal judge ruled today, over the objections of federal prosecutors, that political consultant Sam Riddle can leave his mother's home in Flint and return to Detroit while he awaits trial on political corruption and other felony charges.

U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani noted that Riddle needs to prepare for a complex political corruption trial set to begin in federal court in Detroit Jan. 19 and said it will be easier for him to get ready if he is living closer to his attorneys. Battani also noted that a state court judge did not set any restrictions on where Riddle could live when imposing bond in his most recent criminal case involving an alleged domestic assault.

Riddle, 63, had lined up an apartment near Seven Mile and Telegraph but needed court approval to move there.

Riddle attorney John Minock asked Battani to approve the request to amend Riddle's federal bond conditions "for the sake of convenience."

Riddle was already awaiting trial in two federal corruption cases when he was charged with state felonies in connection with a Dec. 21 incident in which he allegedly pulled a shotgun on his live-in companion, former state Rep. Mary Waters, after she came home to find him with another woman. After that incident, U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman ordered Riddle to leave Detroit and stay with his nearly 90-year-old mother in Flint, while wearing an electronic tether.

Riddle must also observe a curfew, abstain from alcohol and have no contact with Waters.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Cares opposed the request and told Battani the government could have asked that Riddle be locked up to await trial after the alleged incident involving Waters.

"These conditions ... are not negotiable," Cares said. "It may be somewhat inconvenient for him and inconvenient for Mr. Riddle's counsel, but he put himself in that position."

Riddle faces extortion related charges stemming from his time as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, who awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to bribery.

Riddle and Waters are charged separately with bribing a Southfield city councilman in connection with that city's approval of a pawn shop relocation.

Asked how his mother would react to the news that he would again be leaving home, Riddle said, "She sees me all the time, and she still will."

Riddle has admitted to an alcohol problem. Battani said she would switch the daily testing for alcohol consumption to random testing, but warned Riddle not to slip up.

"There's zero tolerance," Battani told Riddle. "We have a big holiday coming up that tends to be a drinking holiday. If in fact you drink, and you're caught, your bond will be revoked, period."











Riddle wants to return to Detroit
Paul Egan
The Detroit News
Last Updated: December 28. 2009 6:52PM
http://detnews.com/article/20091228/METRO/912280406/Riddle-wants-to-return-to-Detroit

After spending a week at his mother's home in Flint, political consultant Sam Riddle said he is ready to return to Detroit to face the charges against him.

Detroit -- Political consultant Sam Riddle wants to leave his mother's home in Flint and return to Detroit to await trial on a raft of criminal charges.

Riddle's Ann Arbor attorney, John Minock, filed papers in federal court today seeking a change in Riddle's bond conditions in his federal corruption cases.

Political consultant Sam Riddle wants to leave his mother's home in Flint and return to Detroit to await trial on a raft of criminal charges.

Riddle's Ann Arbor attorney, John Minock, filed papers in federal court today seeking a change in Riddle's bond conditions in his federal corruption cases.

After Riddle was arrested and charged with felonies in connection with a Dec. 21 incident in which he allegedly pulled a shotgun on his live-in companion, former state Rep. Mary Waters, a federal judge ordered Riddle to leave Wayne County and stay with his nearly 90-year-old mother in Flint, while wearing an electronic tether.

Minock told U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman when he made the order that having Riddle in Flint would make it difficult for Riddle to prepare for his upcoming trials. The first trial, stemming from alleged shakedowns while Riddle was a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, is to start in January. A later trial, in which Waters is a co-accused, involves bribes allegedly paid to a former Southfield city councilman.

Borman said if Riddle wanted permission to live in Detroit, he would have to provide a proposed address to the court's pre-trial services, so officials could check out where he would be and who he would be staying with.

"Defendant does have a proposed residence in Detroit, and has provided pre-trial services with the information regarding that residence," Minock said in a court filing today.

Prosecutors have yet to respond to the request, and Borman has yet to rule.

Other bond conditions: Riddle also must observe a curfew, abstain from alcohol and have no contact with Waters.











Riddle, Waters speak out on altercation
She stands by police statement; he says he made mistakes
Last Updated: December 25. 2009 6:37PM
Doug Guthrie
The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20091225/METRO/912250356/Riddle--Waters-speak-out-on-altercation

Sam Riddle readies for Christmas in Flint on Thursday with his mother, Essie Mae Riddle. A judge has ordered him to temporarily stay at her home. (John M. Galloway / Special to The Detroit News)

Flint --While former state representative Mary Waters has reaffirmed statements given to police about being threatened with a shotgun by her former domestic partner Sam Riddle, the embattled political consultant said Thursday he never put Waters in danger.

"I would never have caused any harm to come to her in any way," Riddle said at his mother's home in Flint, where U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman has temporarily ordered him to live.

Riddle, 63, is on bond awaiting trial on two federal corruption cases, one stemming from his work as an aide to former Detroit Councilwoman Monica Conyers, the other involving a bribe he and Waters allegedly paid a Southfield councilman to win approval for a pawn shop's move.

Now, Riddle also is charged in the city's 36th District Court with felonious assault and a weapons offense.

"Never in a million years did I dream I would find myself in this position with Mary," Riddle said. "Any emotional distress I have caused, well, apologies are never enough. Our relationship obviously was compromised by what happened, but if you look at the human side of what happened here it is simply very painful."

Waters on Thursday said she stands by her statements to police about Riddle cocking a shotgun he pointed at her Monday after she confronted him inside her apartment where she found Riddle with another woman. Waters said statements issued Wednesday on her behalf by the Rev. Horace Sheffield III that appeared to contradict police reports were the result of a "misunderstanding."

After the arrest, Sheffield issued a statement that said the gun Riddle wielded was not loaded and that it had not been pointed at her face. Waters sought to clarify the situation Thursday.

"We had a conversation and (Sheffield) put that out," she said. "There were the best of intentions. He's a great guy, and he means well. We were talking about the Sam we both know, that's all. I stand behind the police report."

Waters said she has asked Sheffield to withdraw his statements and he has agreed.

Late Thursday night, Sheffield issued a six-paragraph statement that again stated that he issued the earlier statement on Waters' behalf and for her to say otherwise "indicates that there is some confusion about the facts and the truth. I simply released the statement that Mary Waters edited and ask me to put out."

"Not only did Mary Waters authorize the release and ask me to send it out on her behalf, she made the first call to me, not I her, at 7:00 a.m. in the morning and asked me to help get the right word out, that being, that the facts presently being reported by the media and on the police report were not true," Sheffield said in his statement.

Thursday, Riddle said he couldn't talk about it when asked if he pointed a gun at Waters."

Waters was eager for the public to understand the nature of her relationship with Riddle -- that there was plenty of good involved since they started seeing each other a dozen years ago. "And now, here it is -- Dec. 23, 2009 -- and it's over," she said.

On Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the incident, Waters began packing Riddle's belongings. She moved his car to the curb and placed much of his stuff inside.

Riddle has until Jan. 23 to remove the rest of his belongings from her garage, according to a court order.

In Flint on Thursday, Riddle's 86-year-old mother, Essie Mae Riddle, said she is happy to be spending Christmas with her son. She declined to talk about the charges her son faces. The home where she has lived for almost 50 years is decorated with photos of her children, including Sam. A trophy on the fireplace mantel was issued to "soldier of the month" Sam Riddle when he was in the Army in 1965.

Riddle said he will remain at his mother's home until the court allows him to return to live in Detroit. He said he has arranged to move to a home on the city's northwest side.

Riddle said his mistake was bringing 32-year-old TaKesha Washington to Waters' east-side apartment where a domestic dispute erupted when Waters caught them together.

Riddle said the situation wasn't sexual. He said he has been working with Washington on "neighborhood issues."

He said he's been under pressure facing the federal charges and he had resumed drinking.

"I'm going to have to address the issue of alcohol," Riddle said about a federal judge's decision to put him under order to submit to daily tests to determine if he is drinking.

"I won't play a pity card or an alcohol card. We are responsible for our actions," Riddle said.











Waters Moves Riddle's Belongings Out
WXYZ NEWS- Detroit
Last Update: 12/24/2009 10:16 am
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story/Waters-Moves-Riddles-Belongings-Out/P96CLTdJGkeI600nRefzvA.cspx





DETROIT (WXYZ) - Sam Riddle's troubles do not appear to be limited to legal issues. His live-in girlfriend, Mary Waters, moved Riddle's belongings out of her condo and into the garage. Two days after finding Riddle with another woman in her home and having a shotgun pointed at her, Waters wasted no time moving Riddle's personal items off the premises.

Waters is saying goodbye to the man she's lived with for four years as she dumped all his belongings -- from cowboy boots to photos to golf clubs, and dozens of shoes and clothes -- from his bedroom.

Her boyfriend, political consultant Riddle, is accused of pointing a shotgun at her after she walked in on him and another woman. Waters wouldn't go into specifics of what she saw when she came home earlier this week, but did say, "

Waters, a former state representative, says it's a painful time, and it's not just this week's incident.

Preparing for trial herself, she and Riddle are accused in a bribery case out of Southfield. Waters says she knew Riddle had fallen off the wagon and admitted to drinking again, likely because of the federal corruption charges he's facing.











Judge orders Flint political consultant Sam Riddle to his mother's home for the holidays
By Kristin Longley
Flint Journal
December 24, 2009, 8:20AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/12/judge_orders_flint_political_c.html




FLINT, Michigan — Looks like Sam Riddle will be home for the holidays — on a judge's orders.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the indicted political consultant was ordered by a federal judge to move in with his mother in Flint for the weekend following a charge of felonious assault.

Riddle is accused of pointing a loaded shotgun at his live-in girlfriend, former Rep. Mary Waters, after she found him with another woman.

The Free Press reports:
He also is to abide by a 9 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew, undergo daily alcohol testing, be evaluated by a mental health professional, wear a GPS tether and avoid contact with (Waters)...

As he left the Wayne County Jail, Riddle said in an impromptu news conference outside that “at no point in time was Mary Waters’ life in any danger.” He called Waters a “very fine lady” whose feelings were hurt by a man trying to “act half his age.”

Riddle, who is from Flint, is a former political consultant to former Flint Mayor Don Williamson. He also once ran for mayor of Flint.











Mary Waters packs up Sam Riddle's belongings as he heads to his mom's house
By Aaron Foley
MLive.com
December 24, 2009, 6:59AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/12/mary_waters_packs_up_sam_riddl.html

One of the more interesting things about former State Rep. Mary Waters' statement issued to the media on Wednesday is that while she recanted her original allegation that her live-in boyfriend pointed a gun at her, she did acknowledge a "wrongdoing" on the part of Sam Riddle.

After the embattled Riddle, already under scrutiny for corruption, was ordered to house arrest at his mother's home in Flint, Waters began packing all of Riddle's things.

Waters tells WDIV that Riddle began drinking heavily in recent months and encouraged him to seek help.

"I saw him go continue to go down down down and it was stressful watching him," Waters said.

She told WXYZ that she had witnessed domestic violence in her family in the past and that she didn't want to experience it again. "You just move out the way," she said.

Detroit Free Press reporters caught up with Waters as she cleaned out their garage. “I feel liberated. I’m going to get my house in order.”

Meanwhile, the alleged "other woman" in Riddle's life, TaKesha Washington, took to Facebook and let her followers know that she wasn't worried about some of the things people have been saying about her:
"either way u spell or spin it I'm me... (expletives) talkin about a look image or reputation... wtf..? I'm TaKesha MF SUB$TANULIICIOUS my (expletive) Been tarnished if I worried about what a (expletive) said about me, I would have Been off'd myself, I mean when did that (expletive) start payin bills and takin care of kids..? and make it SO ... See Morebad its by the same type of ppl~~> the ones that don't know me... (expletive) Em yea, u right but a real 1 like me Has 2 to have the last word AND laugh in This matter... my story Never changed... SO I'ma say some (expletive) I probably wont be able to then.. Make my name taste like (expletive) in ya mouths..."











Waters: 'I stand behind the police report'
Last Updated: December 24. 2009 1:00AM
Doug Guthrie
The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20091224/METRO/912240466/Waters---I-stand-behind-the-police-report

Waters told police she came home to find Riddle with another woman and that he pointed a shotgun at her.

Detroit -- Former state representative Mary Waters said she stands by her statements made to police after a domestic dispute Monday and that statements issued on her behalf by the Rev. Horace Sheffield III were the result of a "misunderstanding."

Police arrested Waters' live-in companion, political consultant Sam Riddle, Monday after a dispute, and he now faces a charge of felonious assault and a weapons offense. Waters told police she came home to find Riddle with another woman and that he pointed a shotgun at her.

After the arrest, Sheffield issued a statement to an online public relations service that said the gun Riddle wielded was not loaded and that it had not been pointed at her face. In an interview Thursday, Waters sought to clarify the situation.

"We had a conversation and (Sheffield) put that out," she said. "There were the best of intentions. He's a great guy, and he means well. We were talking about the Sam we both know, that's all. I stand behind the police report."

Sheffield could not immediately be reached for comment. Waters said she has asked Sheffield to withdraw his statements and that he has agreed.

Waters was eager for the public to understand the nature of her relationship with Riddle -- that there was plenty of good involved. They began seeing each other in 1997 and continued until Riddle left Detroit for Colorado in 2000. When he returned in 2005, the relationship began again.

Over the years, each has helped see the other through medical problems. Riddle was a constant presence when Waters underwent chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer last year.

"And now, here it is -- Dec. 23 -- and it's over," she said.

On Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the incident, Waters began packing Riddle's belongings. She moved his car to the curb and placed much of the material inside.

Riddle has until Jan. 23 to remove the rest of his belongings, according to a court order.

"If he doesn't, I'll be looking for a charity," she said.











Judge sends consultant Sam Riddle home to his mom
Consultant leaves jail, heads to Flint after bond hearing
Last Updated: December 24. 2009 1:00AM
Paul Egan
The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20091224/METRO01/912240436/Judge-sends-consultant-Sam-Riddle-home-to-his-mom

U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman ordered Sam Riddle on Wednesday to stay at this Flint home with his mother, who is almost 90 years old. (John M. Galloway / Special to The Detroit News)

Riddle (John M. Galloway / Special to The Detroit News)

Detroit -- Political consultant Sam Riddle, facing a raft of criminal charges and battling an admitted drinking problem, left Wayne County Jail and headed for his hometown of Flint on Wednesday to spend Christmas with his nearly 90-year-old mother.

U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman ordered Riddle, 63, to stay with his mother until the court approves a place for him to stay in Detroit while he awaits trial in two federal corruption cases.

Borman ordered Riddle not to drink or take drugs or to possess firearms, and to be home by 9 each night. The judge ordered daily testing and told him to have no contact with the woman he is accused of assaulting, former state Rep. Mary Waters.

Riddle was released Wednesday from two days in custody. Detroit police arrested him Monday and prosecutors charged him with felonious assault and a firearms offense, accusing him of pointing a shotgun at Waters after she came home to find Riddle with another woman.

As he left the jail, Riddle said he was guilty of trying to act like a man half his age but denied the most serious allegations. He did not deny the "other woman" allegation and said alcohol was a factor. "When you hit your 50s and early 60s, you get fast cars and you try to hang with fast women," Riddle said. "And guess what, we can't keep up with either one of them."

The new state charges are on top of two sets of corruption charges Riddle faces. A federal judge has issued a gag order in one of the cases and told Riddle to stop commenting on it in Facebook and Twitter.

"I'll continue to fight ... I'll continue to Twitter, and I'll leave Jack Daniels alone," Riddle said as he left jail. He said he spent Tuesday night in the same cell where former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick served 99 days for lying under oath.

At a bond review hearing in federal court prompted by the state charges, Borman also ordered a mental health evaluation.

"The conduct that brings us here, while extreme and threatening, is not the usual conduct of the defendant," Borman said. "Significant restrictions are needed to make sure it isn't repeated."

Based on reports from pretrial services, Borman said Riddle had an alcohol problem but had been "on the wagon" for about six years until stresses related to recent legal problems.

Waters, who is charged along with Riddle in one of the two federal corruption cases, issued a statement Wednesday denying the gun Riddle is accused of pointing at her was loaded and saying Riddle's good deeds outweigh his bad ones.

Waters released the statement through the Rev. Horace Sheffield III.

"I have been trying for the last few days to contact the Detroit Police Department to correct some erroneous statements ... involving an incident which occurred at my residence on Monday," Waters said in the statement.

"First, Mr. Riddle was not found naked in my house in the act of having sex with another woman," she said. "Additionally, the gun was not loaded and was not pointed at my face. While I don't condone his wrongdoing in this instance, I also know that the overall good he has achieved outweighs the bad, and I remain prayerful for him."

But Detroit Police 2nd Deputy Chief John Roach said the statement attributed to Waters "is inconsistent with what she told the officers who responded."

Riddle has a January trial in front of U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn on extortion-related charges stemming from his time as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers.

He and Waters are to stand trial later next year in front of U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani on charges they bribed a former Southfield city councilman.

On Tuesday, 36th District Magistrate Renee McDuffee set a $25,000 bond for Riddle as a result of the alleged incident with Waters. Riddle had to post a $2,500 cash bond and wear an electronic tether.

During Riddle's time behind bars, a war of words erupted on Riddle's Facebook page, with some of his more than 4,000 Facebook friends attacking his alleged conduct and others coming to his defense.

"Glad to hear you're out, Sam," friend Rosalind Hudson posted shortly before 6 p.m.
By 9:45 p.m., a posting on his Facebook page offered this: "Home with my mom ... Merry Christmas! Love you all ..."

Meanwhile, Waters spent much of Wednesday night clearing Riddle's belongings from their home, according to broadcast reports.

If the items weren't collected by family and friends in the next few weeks, they would be given "to charity," she told Fox 2.

And as for any chance of reconciliation with Riddle, she told WDIV (Channel 4): "That train has left the track."











Riddle out of jail, denies shotgun incident
Last Updated: December 23. 2009 7:57PM
Paul Egan and George Hunter
The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20091223/METRO01/912230402/Riddle-out-of-jail--denies-shotgun-incident

Sam Riddle walks out of the Wayne County Jail on Wednesday evening where he was held for two days on charges stemming from a domestic violence incident. (Brandy Baker / The Detroit News)

Former state Rep. Mary Waters issued a statement Wednesday denying the gun Riddle is accused of pointing at her was loaded and saying Riddle's good deeds outweigh his bad ones. (Brandy Baker / The Detroit News)

TaKesha Washington, 30, the woman Riddle had in the apartment he shares with Waters, was arraigned Tuesday on a misdemeanor controlled substance charge for alleged possession of marijuana. She also was charged on an outstanding warrant for allegedly driving with an invalid license. She was released on $200 bond. (Detroit Police Department)

Detroit -- Political consultant Sam Riddle left the Wayne County Jail shortly before 5 p.m. today, saying he was guilty of trying to act like a man half his age but denying he pulled a shotgun on his live-in companion, former state representative Mary Waters.

"Mary Waters' life was never in any danger," Riddle told reporters as he walked out of the jail into freezing temperatures, wearing only a sweat suit.

Riddle, 63, was arrested Monday and charged Tuesday with felonious assault and a weapons offense, accused of pointing a shotgun at Waters after she came home to find him with another woman. He spent about 48 hours in custody.

Riddle did not deny the "other woman" allegation and said alcohol was a factor in what happened. "I did not pull a gun on a lady," he said.

"When you hit your 50s and early 60s, you get fast cars and you try to hang with fast women," Riddle said. "And guess what, we can't keep up with either one of them."

The state charges are on top of federal charges in which Riddle awaits trial in two separate federal corruption cases. A federal judge has issued a gag order in one of the cases and told Riddle to stop commenting on the cases on social network Web sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

"I'll continue to fight ... I'll continue to Twitter, and I'll leave Jack Daniels alone," Riddle said as he left jail.

At a bond review hearing in federal court today, U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman decided not to revoke Riddle's bond in his federal cases, but told Riddle he must live with his mother in Flint at least through Christmas and cannot have contact with former state Rep. Mary Waters.

Borman also ordered a mental health evaluation for Riddle, who was arrested Monday and charged Tuesday with pointing a shotgun at Waters, his live-in companion.

Borman said Riddle is to refrain from alcohol and drugs and be tested daily for consumption and he must not possess firearms.

Riddle must also observe a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

"The government, I think, is being generous in terms of not seeking detention after extremely serious conduct involving guns," Borman told Riddle.

"The conduct that brings us here, while extreme and threatening, is not the usual conduct of the defendant," he said. "Significant restrictions are needed to make sure it isn't repeated."

Based on reports from pre-trial services, Borman said Riddle had an alcohol problem in the past but had been "on the wagon" for about six years until stresses related to recent legal problems contributed to him starting to drink again.

Waters issued a statement today denying the gun Riddle is accused of pointing at her was loaded and saying Riddle's good deeds outweigh his bad ones.

Waters released the statement through the Rev. Horace Sheffield III, chairman of the Detroit Ecumenical Ministers Alliance.

"I have been trying for the last few days to contact the Detroit Police Department to correct some erroneous statements ... involving an incident which occurred at my residence on Monday," Waters said in the statement.

"First, Mr. Riddle was not found naked in my house in the act of having sex with another woman," she said. "Additionally, the gun was not loaded and was not pointed at my face. While I don't condone his wrongdoing in this instance, I also know that the overall good he has achieved outweighs the bad, and I remain prayerful for him."

But Detroit Police 2nd Deputy Chief John Roach said today the statement attributed to Waters "is inconsistent with what she told the officers who responded."

Waters' attorney, Richard Convertino, is outside the country and has been unavailable for comment.

Riddle also has a January trial in front of U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn on extortion-related charges stemming from his time as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers. He and Waters are to stand trial later next year in front of U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani on charges they bribed a former Southfield city councilman.

On Tuesday, 36th District Court Magistrate Renee McDuffee set a $25,000 bond for Riddle as result of the alleged incident with Waters.

Riddle must post $2,500 in cash, wear an electronic tether at his own expense and stay away from Waters. Minock said Riddle has come up with the bond money.











Sam Riddle linked to bribes, won't be locked up
By The Associated Press
December 23, 2009, 7:38PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/12/sam_riddle_linked_to_bribes_wo.html

[Fox 2] Riddle

A Detroit political consultant facing two corruption trials is temporarily returning to his mother's home in Flint and must follow a 9 p.m. curfew.

A federal judge said Wednesday that Sam Riddle can remain free while awaiting trial but needs daily alcohol tests and a mental-health evaluation.

Riddle is in hot water after being charged in state court with assault. He's accused of pointing a shotgun at his companion, Mary Waters.

Riddle denies putting her in danger. Waters says the gun was unloaded and not aimed at her face.

Riddle goes to trial soon on bribery charges involving his former boss, ex-Detroit Councilwoman Monica Conyers. He and Waters are co-defendants in a second case. Riddle says he plans to leave "Jack Daniels alone."

Riddle due in court for bond review
Last Updated: December 23. 2009 4:02PM
George Hunter, Paul Egan and Doug Guthrie
The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20091223/METRO/912230347/Riddle-due-in-court-for-bond-review

Sam Riddle

TaKesha Washington

Despite the assertion of lawyer John Minock, above, Magistrate Renee McDuffee called Sam Riddle "a danger to the community." (Steve Perez / The Detroit News)

Detroit -- Controversial political consultant Sam Riddle is due back in court today to learn if his bond on public corruption charges will be tightened, after a judge called him a "danger to the community" for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.

Riddle has been ordered to appear before U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman at 1:30 p.m. for a review of his $10,000 unsecured bond as he awaits trial on bribery-related charges that could imprison him for 20 years.

He remained jailed Tuesday night and faces another six years in prison on accusations he pointed a loaded shotgun at his live-in girlfriend, state Rep. Mary Waters, on Monday.

Riddle was arraigned on felonious assault and firearms charges in 36th District Court. Police sources say he pointed the gun at Waters when she caught him in bed with TaKesha Washington, 30, of Detroit and took out a camera. Waters was able to phone police, who arrested Riddle.

Riddle stood mute during his arraignment. Magistrate Renee McDuffee rejected his attorney's assertion that he posed no danger.

"Not only did he aim the shotgun, but he cocked it," McDuffee said. "That puts the shell at the ready, and put (Waters) in danger. I believe that Mr. Riddle is a danger to the community."

McDuffee set bond at $25,000 or 10 percent of that amount for Riddle to be released. He was also ordered to wear a GPS tether at his expense; is not allowed within 1,000 feet of Waters; and cannot return to the east side condo they share. He hadn't posted bond as of 9:30 p.m., sheriff's officials said.

"This is for the protection of Mary Waters," McDuffee said. "Any personal items (from Riddle's home) will have to be secured by a third party."

Riddle's attorney, John Minock, said Riddle posed no danger to his girlfriend.
"(Riddle) and Mary Waters still feel deeply for each other," Minock said. "I can only imagine the pressure they must be under."

Riddle waived his right to a preliminary exam within 14 days; the hearing was set for Jan. 19.

In the federal case, prosecutors have not said whether they will ask for bond revocation, or what, if any, changes in Riddle's bond conditions they might seek.

John Freeman, a former federal prosecutor in Detroit, said Riddle's assault charges would not normally result in bond revocation for the type of federal charges he faces -- although he said it remains a possibility.

If a federal judge wanted Riddle locked up while awaiting trial, the domestic assault and firearm allegations would provide a justification, Freeman said.

Riddle is scheduled to go to trial next month in front of U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn on extortion related charges related to his time as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers. He and Waters are scheduled to stand trial Feb. 2 in front of U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani on allegations they bribed a former Southfield city councilman. That trial date is likely to be pushed back.

Washington, who was arrested Monday on suspicion of possession of marijuana and an outstanding warrant for driving without a license, was arraigned and released on $200bond Tuesday in 36th District Court.

She was expected to turn herself in to Roseville authorities on an embezzlement charge, court officials said.











Waters cleans house; Riddle home with mom
By AMBER HUNT and ZLATI MEYER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
Posted: 2:25 p.m. Dec. 23, 2009
Updated: 10:41 p.m. Dec. 23, 2009
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091223/NEWS01/91223024/1318/Waters-cleans-house-Riddle-home-with-mom&template=fullarticle

Sam Riddle (Detroit Police Department)

TaKesha Washington (Detroit Police Department

Mary Waters emptied her home of Sam Riddle's clothing, sports equipment, photos and shoes by piling it all in her garage on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. (ZLATI MEYER/ DFP)

Sam Riddle won’t spend Christmas behind bars, but the indicted political consultant isn’t welcome back in Wayne County — at least temporarily.

Riddle, 63, was ordered by a federal judge Wednesday to move in with his mother in Flint at least through the weekend.

He also is to abide by a 9 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew, undergo daily alcohol testing, be evaluated by a mental health professional, wear a GPS tether and avoid contact with his live-in girlfriend, former state Rep. Mary Waters.

Riddle is charged by Detroit Police of felonious assault and domestic violence, accused of pointing a loaded shotgun at Waters and cocking it after she found him with another woman Monday.

As he left the Wayne County Jail, Riddle said in an impromptu news conference outside that “at no point in time was Mary Waters’ life in any danger.” He called Waters a “very fine lady” whose feelings were hurt by a man trying to “act half his age.”

On Wednesday evening, Waters was emptying her home on the 1200 block of Navarre of Riddle’s stuff, ranging from a set of golf clubs and two pairs of brown cowboy boots to piles of shirts and framed photos. She heaped the athletic wear, sports equipment and other miscellania on one side of the two-car garage attached to her house.

“I feel liberated,” she said. “I’m going to get my house in order.”

More than a dozen pairs of shoes, a rack of clothing and a pile of mail remained inside a bedroom on her second floor, however.

Riddle reportedly was found Monday in a compromised position with a 30-year-old woman, TaKesha Washington, who identifies herself on LinkedIn as a health assessment coordinator for LifeTime Fitness. Washington also was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.

On Wednesday, Riddle was released nearly three hours after he appeared before U.S. District Judge Paul Borman at a bond revocation hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Cares said the Monday incident violated the terms of Riddle’s federal bond release on two pending federal bribery cases.

Federal authorities allege Riddle delivered a bribe in the Synagro Technologies scandal. Riddle and Waters are codefendants in a separate federal case, accused of bribery to gain approval of a pawnshop in Southfield.

Cares wanted Riddle permanently placed with Riddle’s mother in Flint and barred from Wayne County unless meeting with his attorneys. But Edward Wishnow, one of Riddle’s lawyers, argued that would impede trial preparations.

Borman said he would revisit whether Riddle could move back to Detroit once his lawyers provided an address.

Attorney John Minock said Borman’s order that Riddle have no contact with Waters might prove difficult because they are codefendants.

Waters released a statement during the day Wednesday, saying that Riddle was “not found naked in my house in the act of having sex with another woman,” as police have told reporters.

The statement added that “the gun was not loaded and was not pointed at my face.”

Riddle has until Jan. 23 to claim his belongings from Waters’ home, though she said she had set aside essentials — like his computer, toothbrush and deodorant — for his sister to pick up earlier that day.

“I wish him the best,” she said Wednesday night.

Riddle, meanwhile, later in the evening posted a note on Facebook: "Home with my mom...Merry Christmas! Love you all."











Mary Waters: Sam Riddle was not found naked with another woman, and he didn't point a gun at me
By Aaron Foley
MLive.com
December 23, 2009, 12:05PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/12/mary_waters_sam_riddle_was_not.html

AP file photo. Sam Riddle and Mary Waters

Former State Representative Mary Waters has released a statement to Fox 2 about what happened between her and live-in boyfriend Sam Riddle after he allegedly pointed a gun at her.

Earlier reports stated that Waters walked in on Riddle in bed with TaKesha Washington -- who has had several interactions with Riddle on Facebook. Riddle and Washington were arrested, with the former being charged with felonious assault.

Waters released a statement to the Rev. Horace L. Sheffield III, who then passed the word along to Fox 2.

Here's what it reads:
"I have been trying for the last few days to contact the Detroit Police Department to correct some erroneous statements that have been attributed by the media to their report involving an incident which occurred at my residence on Monday December 21, 2009 involving Sam Riddle. First, Mr. Riddle was not found naked in my house in the act of having sex with another woman. Additionally, the gun was not loaded and was not pointed at my face. While I Mdon't condone his wrong doing in this instance I also know that the overall good he has achieved outweighs any bad, and I remain prayerful for him."











Mary Waters Releases Statement Regarding Incident with Sam Riddle
Updated: Wednesday, 23 Dec 2009, 12:01 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 23 Dec 2009, 11:59 AM EST
FOX News, Detroit
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/mary-waters-releases-statement-regarding-incident-with-sam-riddle

Former state Rep. Mary Waters (Credit: FOX 2 News)

DETROIT - The Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, chairman of the Detroit Ecumenical Ministers Alliance, was asked to release the following statement on behalf of and from Mary Waters.

"I have been trying for the last few days to contact the Detroit Police Department to correct some erroneous statements that have been attributed by the media to their report involving an incident which occurred at my residence on Monday December 21, 2009 involving Sam Riddle. First, Mr. Riddle was not found naked in my house in the act of having sex with another woman. Additionally, the gun was not loaded and was not pointed at my face. While I Mdon't condone his wrong doing in this instance I also know that the overall good he has achieved outweighs any bad, and I remain prayerful for him."

No other statements or interviews will be forthcoming concerning this incident at this time.











Meet TaKesha Washington, the woman caught in bed with political consultant Sam Riddle
By Aaron Foley
MLive.com
December 23, 2009, 8:30AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/12/meet_takesha_washington_the_wo.html

TaKesha Washington [Tagged]

Sam Riddle has never been mayor, a city councilman or even a school board member. He's never held any political office in Detroit, but he's certainly earned his place in Detroit's political history.

The longtime political consultant most recently was an aide to former city councilwoman Monica Conyers. He already found a place among disgraced Detroit politicos after his connections to the Synagro scandal were revealed. Now we know more details about his personal life -- placing them side by side with the marital indiscretions of a former mayor, or even the paternity scandal of another formal mayor.

WDIV reports that Riddle and the other woman, TaKesha Washington, met on Facebook. Washington seems to be quite the social media aficionado. Check out what we've found:

A LinkedIn account reveals that she is employed at LifeTime Fitness as a health assessment coordinator. (Considering that Riddle has a heart condition, maybe this wasn't such a bad pairing after all.) Previously, Washington was employed as a manager at Steak 'n Shake.

A Socializr page doesn't reveal much, except that she enjoys nights out with her girlfriends.

Her Twitter account lets us know that she's a fan of Nicki Minaj, the Lil Wayne protege often hailed as the next great thing in female-centric hip-hop. Minaj encourages her fans to live by the credo "I'm a girl, and I'm rich. It's Barbie, you little (expletive)!"

Washington's Tagged page probably gives us the most depth. Here, we learn she has a gallery of photos -- some of her teenage daughter, some of her posing provocatively -- a journal of poems, and lots and lots of pictures and music. (Turn down the volume if you're at work; Washington has a Gucci Mane song on autoplay.)

Here's a short bio of her:
"I'm a very down to earth female. Articulate, comprehensive, thought provoking. :-} I live in Detroit, but wasn't raised here. My education is key. I'll try NEthing (W/ in reason) once. Sweet when U kno me, your potential best friend. I admire the human body in any form, not picky about sex, race, body type, or personal opinions (W/ in reason)... BUT.. Outspoken, blunt and straight 2 da point. I don't tell u what U want 2 hear, BUT what U need 2 hear. I don't worry if U don't like me, ? is do I CARE if U don't like me. I refuse to take BS. I'm on here 4 conversation mainly, companionship mostly. Good or bad I'd like 2 kno what your thinking, the mind is never empty. I answer all messages and comments weather their good or bad. If you have the nerve 2 post it, surely U won't mind the response. @ any rate thanks again 4 da viist, don't be a stranger. Duces (peace) 4U2NV..."

Washington's Facebook page doesn't use her real name, just the moniker "TaKesha Substan U'Licious." After she was named in the incident, she made her Facebook page open to visitors and had quite a bit to say in status messages, including that the amount of friend requests she's getting is parallel to the A&E TV show "Hoarders." (There's one more thing she and Riddle have in common: the constant status updates.)

The 30-year-old Washington could also be the "Young Thang Pouring" liquor that Riddle described in a Facebook status, but that has not been confirmed.











Sam Riddle's bond to be reviewedAssault charges prompt hearing
December 23, 2009
BY AMBER HUNT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
http://www.freep.com/article/20091223/NEWS01/912230356/Sam-Riddle%5C-s-bond-to-be-reviewed

Police say Sam Riddle aimed a gun at his girlfriend, who caught him with TaKesha Washington, below.

TaKesha Washington

Embattled political consultant Sam Riddle not only pointed a shotgun at his live-in girlfriend when she apparently caught him with another woman, but he cocked the weapon, too.

That's what Magistrate Renee McDuffee said in setting a $25,000 bond for Riddle during his Tuesday arraignment on charges of felonious assault and using a firearm to commit a felony.

Update: Sam Riddle ordered to stay at mom's house.

Bond for Riddle, 63, was set at 10%, or $2,500.

McDuffee, calling Riddle a danger to society, also ordered that he be placed on a GPS tether before he can be released.

He also must stay away from former state Rep. Mary Waters, with whom he shared a townhouse on Navarre Place in Detroit and federal charges for alleged bribes to secure approval for a pawnshop to locate in Southfield.

In light of the new charges, Riddle has been ordered to appear before U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman at 1:30 p.m. today for a bond review in his pending federal cases. As a result, Riddle was detained and had to spend another night in the Wayne County Jail, his attorney John Minock said late Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Minock told journalists Riddle and Waters "care deeply for each other."

"I can only imagine the pressure they're under," he said.

A Detroit Police source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Free Press on Monday that Waters found Riddle with another woman in a compromising position. Waters retrieved a camera, and Riddle got a shotgun and pointed it at her, the source said.

The other woman -- 30-year-old TaKesha Washington -- was arraigned Tuesday on a possession of marijuana charge, Detroit Police said. Washington was to be turned over to police in Roseville, where she is wanted on embezzlement charges, said Roseville Deputy Police Chief Anthony Cona.

"The cycle of domestic violence must be broken," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said about the case in a prepared statement.

Riddle, who was taken by police to Detroit Receiving Hospital for examination Monday after complaining of chest pain, faces up to four years in prison if convicted of the assault charge and an additional two years on the felony firearm charge.

He is to be in court Jan. 19 for a preliminary examination on the charges.











Waters Packs Riddle's BelongingsWaters Speaks Out About Riddle's Drinking Problem
POSTED: Wednesday, December 23, 2009
UPDATED: 6:25 pm EST December 24, 2009
Click On Detroit.com
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22047190/detail.html




DETROIT -- Former state Rep. Mary Waters packed all of her live-in boyfriend, Sam Riddle's, belongings Wednesday, saying she is focused on moving past her troubles.

Earlier that day, a federal judge tightened bond restrictions for political consultant Riddle after he was charged with domestic violence, accused of pointing a shotgun at Waters after she said she found him with another woman.

Waters told Local 4 Riddle has been drinking heavily this past year and it began to take a toll on their relationship.

"I saw him continue to go down, down, down and it was stressful watching him," Waters said.

She also said she spoke with Riddle about getting help.

When asked whether she thinks there is future for her and Riddle, Waters said. "No. That train has left the track."

Riddle, 63, was transferred from the Wayne County Jail Wednesday afternoon to face Federal Judge Paul Borman for a bond hearing to determine if he violated any of the terms of the two unrelated federal charges he is facing. Riddle was already out on a $10,000 bond in the federal case when he was arrested Monday.

Borman said Riddle must stay at his mother's home in Flint through the holiday weekend, but he will have to return to Detroit on Jan. 5 for another hearing. Riddle was released from jail Wednesday afternoon, and he immediately headed to Flint and was not have any contact with Waters.

The outspoken consultant stopped to talk to the media after he was released from jail and said that he would follow the judge's orders.

"I can just say this and that is: I care a great deal for Mrs. Waters. I will abide by the court order and avoid all contact with Mrs. Waters because she is a very fine lady, who was betrayed by an older guy who was trying to be half his age," said Riddle.

Borman also ordered Riddle to undergo daily drug and alcohol testing and mental health counseling and follow a strict 9 p.m. curfew. Riddle's attorneys have said that the stress of the two federal bribery cases have led him to binge drinking.

"He has had an ongoing battle with alcohol for a number of years, and back in October is when he really fell of the wagon, so to speak. I think it's just a case of pressure and stress," said Henry.

Riddle said that the time behind bars the last few days has given him some time to reflect.

"There are a couple of things that I've learned -- that I should have learned a long time ago and that is: No. 1, a drunk thinks he can do two things: both of them begin with F's. One of them is fighting and the other is an unmentionable. We're not good at either one. We usually pass out and go to sleep," said Riddle after leaving the jail.

Riddle's attorneys argued that they needed to have access to him to prepare for the upcoming federal trial, which is set to begin in January, but Borman said the attorneys will have to go and visit him at his mother's home in Flint.

Riddle is in hot water and he is now entangled in three concurrent criminal cases.

Riddle is facing charges in two cases of receiving and delivering bribes on behalf of Monica Conyers, who was a Detroit City Council member, to win approval of the sewage sludge contract awarded to Synagro Technologies Inc. in 2007.

Conyers has pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge. She resigned from council after she accepted a plea deal. Her sentencing is set for early next year.

Both Riddle and Waters have been investigated on suspicion of alleged pay-offs involving the relocation of Zeidman's Jewelry and Loan in Southfield.

According to prosecutors, Waters made phone calls to Southfield Councilman William Lattimore in return for his vote in the relocation of the jewelry store. Waters is accused of giving Lattimore $12,500 for his vote.

Prosecutors said Waters did not receive cash for her role but did get a Rolex watch, which was worth about $6,000.

Riddle Caught Up In Domestic Dispute
On Monday, Riddle was arrested after Waters came home to the Detroit townhouse they share and allegedly found him in bed with another woman, according to police.
When Waters grabbed a camera, Riddle pointed a loaded shotgun at her face, police said.

Riddle and the woman he was allegedly in bed with, Takesha Washington, were arrested.

He was arraigned in 36th District Court on two charges of felonious assault and felony firearms. The next court date on the assault charges will be on Jan. 19.

Washington was charged Tuesday with possession of marijuana and an outstanding warrant of driving without a valid license.

Washington also faces a probation violation charge out of Roseville.

Magistrate Renee McDuffee also ordered him to wear a GPS tether and not to have any contact with Waters. Riddle is not allowed to return to their home to collect his belongings.

Waters told Local 4's Kevin Dietz that she will be changing the locks to the Detroit home they share. Waters let Local 4 in her home as she packed Riddle's belongings Wednesday evening. She said that his sister came to pick some stuff up, but if all of his belongings are not collected within the next few weeks, she will donate his stuff to charity.

Waters released a statement Wednesday, giving a different account of Monday's incident than police.

"I have been trying for the last few days to contact the Detroit Police Department to correct some erroneous statements that have been attributed by the media to their report involving an incident which occurred at my residence on Monday, December 21, 2009 involving Sam Riddle. First, Mr. Riddle was not found naked in my house in the act of having sex with another woman. Additionally, the gun was not loaded and was not pointed at my face. While I don't condone his wrong-doing in this instance, I also know that the overall good he has achieved outweighs any bad, and I remain prayerful for him," Waters said in a statement.











Magistrate calls Riddle a 'danger'
The Detroit News
George Hunter, Doug Guthrie and Paul Egan

Last Updated: December 22. 2009 7:22PM
http://detnews.com/article/20091222/METRO01/912220405/Magistrate-calls-Riddle-a--danger

A magistrate on Tuesday called embattled political consultant Sam Riddle a "danger to the community" during an arraignment on charges that he assaulted his girlfriend, former state Rep. Mary Waters.

Sam Riddle was arraigned Tuesday in 36th District Court in Detroit on charges of felonious assault. (Detroit Police Department)

Sam's Riddle booking photo (Detroit Police Department)

TaKesha Washington's booking photo (Detroit Police Department)

Detroit -- A magistrate today called embattled political consultant Sam Riddle a "danger to the community" during an arraignment on assault charges in 36th District Court.

Riddle was charged with felonious assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony, as well as a firearm charge, a two-year felony. Riddle stood mute to the charges.

Magistrate Renee McDuffee said Riddle was a danger because he not only pointed a shotgun at his live-in girlfriend, former state Rep. Mary Waters, but that he actually racked it.

John Minock, Riddle's attorney, asked McDuffee for a reasonable bond.

"I would point out that not only did he aim the shotgun, but he cocked it," McDuffee said. "That puts the shell at the ready, and I believe that Mr. Riddle is a danger to the community."

McDuffie set bond at $25,000 or 10 percent of that amount for Riddle to be released. He was also ordered to wear a GPS tether at his expense.

"This is for the protection of Mary Waters," McDuffee said.

Meanwhile, Riddle has been ordered to appear before U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman Wednesday for a review of his bond in his pending federal cases. Riddle has been free on a $10,000 unsecured bond. Prosecutors would not say Tuesday what if any changes in his bond they would be seeking.

Under the bond in his state case, Riddle is also not allowed within 1,000 feet of Waters and is prohibited from going to the residence that they share on the city's east side.

"Any personal items will have to be secured by a third party," McDuffee said.
Riddle waived his right to a preliminary exam within 14 days and the hearing was set for Jan. 19.

Police were called Monday to a confrontation between Riddle and Waters. She is alleged to have found Riddle in their apartment with another woman. Riddle is alleged to have brandished a shotgun during the incident.

The other woman, TaKesha Washington, 30, was arraigned this morning in 36th District Court on a misdemeanor controlled substance charge for alleged possession of marijuana. She also was charged on an outstanding warrant for allegedly driving with an invalid license. She was released on $200 bond.

The accusations could have an impact on Riddle's status in U.S. District Court, where he has remained free on $10,000 unsecured bond pending trial on extortion-related charges stemming from his time as a top aide to former Detroit Councilwoman Monica Conyers. Those charges are related to alleged shakedowns connected to the $1.2billion Synagro sludge contract and other matters handled by Conyers in her capacity as a councilwoman and city pension trustee.

Waters and Riddle also face federal bribery charges for allegedly passing money to former Southfield Councilman William Lattimore to win approval of a pawn shop's relocation.

McDuffee said she has been in touch with the U.S. Attorney Office about the case. A hearing about whether Riddle's federal bond should be revoked could happen as early as Wednesday, Minock said.

"Obviously these are serious charges but I am sure (Riddle) and Mary Waters still feel deeply for each other," Minock said. "I can only imagine the pressure they must be under."











Riddle could get bond revokedConsultant could get bond revoked in federal cases for incident at his apartment Monday
Last Updated: December 22. 2009 2:22PM
George Hunter, Paul Egan and Charlie LeDuff
The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20091222/METRO01/912220380/Riddle-could-get-bond-revoked

Sam Riddle, shown earlier this year, is facing extortion and bribery charges in two separate federal cases. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit -- Political consultant Sam Riddle, already awaiting trial in two federal corruption cases, landed in more hot water Monday when Detroit police arrested him following a domestic violence incident.

Riddle's run-in with police could result in the revocation of his bond in his federal cases, where he was ordered to "not commit any offense in violation of federal, state or local law while on release."

Former state Rep. Mary Waters, Riddle's live-in companion, arrived home Monday afternoon to find Riddle with another woman, said a police source who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the incident.

An altercation ensued, during which Riddle brandished a long gun, the source said.

"Sam Riddle is in custody after our officers responded to a domestic violence situation," said Detroit Police 2nd Deputy Chief John Roach. "He hasn't yet been charged with anything."

Police removed four shotguns from Riddle's east side apartment about 6:30 p.m. Monday before leaving with Riddle handcuffed in the back seat of a squad car. One shotgun was loaded, said another police source.

For more than an hour, domestic violence counselors were inside the apartment, according to the second police source, while Riddle sat in one car and a woman found in the apartment with Riddle and also arrested sat in another. She may face unrelated charges, according to the police sources.

Riddle, appearing disheveled and wearing glasses, gray sweat pants and a blue sweatshirt, was taken to a police station, though police officials said they might also take Riddle to Detroit Receiving Hospital because he had complained about his heart condition.

Riddle was expected to be held overnight, pending a warrant, according to the second police source.

John Minock, Riddle's Ann Arbor attorney, said it's possible the domestic incident could affect Riddle's $10,000 unsecured bond.

However, "given the nature of this incident, it does not appear to have anything to do with the federal case and should not affect the bond," Minock said.

But Riddle has already had run-ins with the judge hearing one of his two cases, U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn, over Riddle's comments to the news media and on social networking Web sites. Cohn issued a gag order, which he said he had to tighten Friday.

"For sure this incident is a basis for the government to move to revoke his bond," said Detroit attorney Ben Gonek, who has an extensive criminal practice in federal and state courts.

Nobody knows what the judge might do, but "given Riddle's defiance against court orders, it wouldn't be surprising if the judge did revoke his bond."

Riddle is set to go to trial in January on extortion-related charges stemming from his time as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers. Those charges include alleged shakedowns related to the $1.2 billion Synagro sludge contract and other matters that came before Conyers as a councilwoman and a city pension trustee.

Later, Riddle and Waters are to stand trial on bribery charges, accused of bribing former Southfield Councilman William Lattimore in connection with the City Council's approval of the relocation of a pawn shop.

Riddle's friend, the Rev. Horace Sheffield III, said he has been worried about Riddle's behavior recently and even "cautioned" him.

"I was concerned by Sam's behavior, and the toll the trial was taking on him," Sheffield said. "I thought that Sam was not dealing with this thing well."

Riddle was a guest on Sheffield's television show "Real Talk" Saturday on WADL (Channel 38).

His life and career have been marked by controversy, drawing notice for his connections.

In 2000, Riddle was working for free to represent Tamarla Owens, whose first-grade son took a handgun into a Flint elementary school and killed 6-year-old Kayla Rolland. Later Michael Moore, one of Riddle's longtime friends, included Owens in "Bowling for Columbine."

Then-City Councilwoman Kay Everett hired Riddle as a consultant in 2003 and 2004.

While working for her, Everett was indicted on 27 counts of extortion and bribery.

Riddle worked in the early 1990s as a spokesman for former Detroit Councilwoman Monica Conyers' husband, U.S. Rep. John Conyers, and was the campaign manager for Geoffrey Fieger's gubernatorial run in 1998.

Riddle has struggled with drinking problems, according to court records in Colorado and Wayne County.











Riddle in police custody following domestic dispute
Last Updated: December 21. 2009 9:42PM
George Hunter, Oralandar Brand-Williams and Charlie LeDuff
The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20091221/METRO/912210404/Riddle-in-police-custody-following-domestic-dispute

Riddle

Detroit -- Controversial political consultant Sam Riddle was arrested today following a domestic violence complaint, officials said.

Police responded to a report about an argument at Riddle's apartment on Navarre, Detroit Police 2nd Deputy John Roach said.

"Sam Riddle is in custody after our officers responded to a domestic violence situation," said Roach this afternoon. "He hasn't yet been charged with anything."

Former state Rep. Mary Waters, Riddle's live-in companion, arrived home and got into a dispute with him after she found him with another woman, said a police source, speaking on condition of anonymity. Riddle pulled a long-armed weapon on her, the source said.

At 6 tonight, five Detroit police cars sat outside Riddle's east side apartment. Riddle was inside one of the squad cars and police officials were inside the apartment talking to Waters. At about 6:30 p.m., police removed two shotguns from Riddle's apartment, placed them in a trunk of a cruiser and pulled away with Riddle handcuffed in the back of a cruiser.

A short time later, Riddle was led into the northeastern district station on Nevada.
Police officials said they also planned to take Riddle to Detroit Receiving Hospital because he has a heart condition.

The woman Riddle was found with was also arrested, and may face unrelated charges, police said.

Riddle is awaiting trial in two separate felony cases in federal court and has been free on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

John Minock, Riddle's Ann Arbor attorney, said it's possible the domestic assault incident could affect Riddle's bond in the federal case. However, "given the nature of this incident, it does not appear to have anything to do with the federal case and should not affect the bond," he said.

Riddle is set to go to trial in January on extortion-related charges stemming from his time as a top aide to former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers.

Later next year, Riddle and Waters, are to stand trial on bribery charges, accused of bribing former Southfield Councilman William Lattimore.

Riddle's friend, the Rev. Horace Sheffield III, said he has been worried about Riddle's behavior recently and even "cautioned" him about it.

"I was concerned by Sam's behavior, and the toll the trial was taking on him," Sheffield said. "I thought that Sam was not dealing with this thing well."

Riddle was a guest on Sheffield's television show "Real Talk" Saturday on WADL (Channel 38).











Sam Riddle arrested after alleged domestic dispute at his home in Detroit
By The Associated Press
MLive
December 21, 2009, 6:34PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/12/reports_sam_riddle_arrested_ac.html

Political consultant Sam Riddle. [AP File Photo]

A political consultant facing trial in a Detroit City Council pay-to-play scandal has been arrested following a possible domestic dispute at his home.

Police spokesman John Roach tells The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press that Sam Riddle hasn't been charged, but was taken into custody Monday after officers responded to a domestic complaint.

Riddle had been living with girlfriend, ex-state Rep. Mary Waters. Both are awaiting trial on accusations of bribing a Southfield councilman.

Riddle also is charged with taking bribes for then-Detroit City Council member Monica Conyers to ensure her vote on a sludge contract. The wife of U.S. Rep. John Conyers pleaded guilty and will be sentenced March 10.

Riddle's trial is next month.











Waters 'Sets Story Straight'Outspoken Political Consultant Ordered Not To Have Contact With Girlfriend Mary Waters
POSTED: Monday, December 21, 2009
UPDATED: 1:08 pm EST December 23, 2009
Click On Detroit.com
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22029397/detail.html

Sam Riddle and Former Michigan State Representative Mary Waters

Sam Riddle’s video arraignment

Sam Riddle’s video arraignment

DETROIT -- Former State Rep. Mary Waters released a statement denying some of the reports of what happened at her home Monday.

Sam Riddle, 63, was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on a domestic violence charge after he allegedly pulled a loaded shotgun on Waters, who was his live-in girlfriend.

He was video arraigned in 36th District Court on two charges of felonious assault and felony firearms.

"I have been trying for the last few days to contact the Detroit Police Department to correct some erroneous statements that have been attributed by the media to their report involving an incident which occurred at my residence on Monday, December 21, 2009 involving Sam Riddle. First, Mr. Riddle was not found naked in my house in the act of having sex with another woman. Additionally, the gun was not loaded and was not pointed at my face. While I don't condone his wrong-doing in this instance, I also know that the overall good he has achieved outweighs any bad, and I remain prayerful for him," Waters said in a statement.

Riddle was not released from jail Tuesday after the U.S. attorney's office filed a motion to stop his release.

The feds intervened as Riddle was about to post 10 percent of his $25,000 bond.

Riddle, already out on a $10,000 bond in other case, will be transferred to federal court at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday for a bond hearing to determine if he violated any of the terms of the two unrelated federal charges he is facing.

Magistrate Renee McDuffee also ordered him to wear a GPS tether and not to have any contact with Waters. Riddle is not allowed to return to their home to collect his belongings; a third party must collect them.

Waters told Local 4's Kevin Dietz that she will be changing the locks to the Detroit home they share and friends will be helping her pack his belongings.

She also said she believes Riddle needs professional help.

Sources told Local 4 Waters found Riddle in bed with another woman when she returned to their home Monday afternoon. When Waters grabbed a camera, Riddle reportedly pointed a loaded shotgun at her face.

Detroit Police Department spokesman John Roach said Riddle did not physically assault Waters.

However, McDuffee said in court Tuesday that after she read the police report, which states Riddle racked the shotgun, she considers him a danger to the community. Two shotguns were removed from the home.

Waters called police and Riddle and the woman he was allegedly in bed with, Takesha Washington, were arrested. She was charged Tuesday with possession of marijuana and an outstanding warrant for driving without a valid license.

Washington also faces a probation violation charge out of Roseville.

Sources told Local 4 that Washington is half of Riddle's age and that the two met on Facebook and then agreed to met up.

Riddle posted several comments on Facebook Monday alluding to alcohol.

Riddle's attorney, Tracy Henry, said the stress of the federal bribery cases out of Detroit and Southfield have led him to binge drinking.

"He has had an ongoing battle with alcohol for a number of years, and back in October is when he really fell of the wagon, so to speak. I think it's just a case of pressure and stress," said Henry.

Shortly after his arrest Monday afternoon, Riddle was admitted to the Detroit Receiving Hospital to be treated for a heart condition.

The next court date on the assault charges will be on Jan. 19.

Riddle is now entangled in three concurrent criminal cases.

Riddle is facing unrelated charges in two cases for receiving and delivering bribes on behalf of Monica Conyers, who was a Detroit City Council member, to win approval of the sewage sludge contract awarded to Synagro Technologies Inc. in 2007.

Conyers has pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge. She resigned from council after she accepted a plea deal. Her sentencing is set for early next year.

Both Riddle and Waters have been investigated for alleged pay-offs involving the relocation of Zeidman's Jewelry and Loan in Southfield.

According to prosecutors, Waters made phone calls to Southfield Councilman William Lattimore in return for his vote in the relocation of the jewelry store. Waters is accused of giving Lattimore $12,500 for his vote.

Prosecutors said Waters did not receive cash for her role but did get a Rolex watch, which was worth about $6,000.

Minock said Riddle must be out of jail to prepare for his upcoming federal trial in January.

12172009 - Deputy Richard Zych - Benzie County SD

Former Benzie Deputy Sentenced
Date: December 14, 2010
By Eric VanDussen
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/11358






A former Benzie County court officer has been sentenced to a year in jail.

Richard Zych pleaded guilty last month to one count of aggravated assault, under a plea deal. He was originally charged with three counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.

District Judge John Foresman admonished Zych and handed down the maximum one-year sentence allowed under the plea agreement.

"You used your position as deputy sheriff to put her in a position which made her vulnerable. And that kind of conduct cannot be tolerated," Foresman told Zych in court Monday.

The prosecutor alleged that Zych used force and coercion while sexually assaulting a female victim on at least three occasions in 2009, manipulating his position over her.

Zych had worked in the Benzie County Sheriff's Department since 1997. The department terminated earlier this year.










Former deputy pleads guilty to aggravated assault
Posted: 11.29.2010 at 3:27 PM
Up North Live
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=547396




A former Benzie County Corrections Deputy, accused of sexually assaulting a woman, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault Monday.


BEULAH -- A former Benzie County Corrections Deputy, accused of sexually assaulting a woman, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault Monday.

Rick Zych was accused of groping a woman three times after he pulled her over in a Sheriff's vehicle earlier this year.

As a part of the plea bargain Zych had to admit to at least one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct fourth degree.

Zych faces up to one year in jail when he is sentenced on December 20.











Deputy Accused of Pulling Woman Over, Groping Her
Posted: 06.24.2010 at 11:40 PM
Up North Live
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=474777

BENZIE CO. -- An update on the Benzie County Corrections Deputy accused of sexually assaulting a woman.

On Friday a judge ordered Deputy Rick Zych to stand trial, after that the sheriff fired him.

The sheriff says Zych violated the department's code of conduct.

A woman claims Zych sexually assaulted her three times last year. She says he pulled her over with a sheriff's vehicle and forcefull groped her.

Zych's preliminary examination continues this week.











Deputy Charged With Sexual Assault
Posted: 04.22.2010 at 12:13 PM
Up North Live
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=447140




Deputy Rick Zych was in court Thursday, officially charged with two counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.


A Benzie County Deputy is charged with two counts of sexual assault.

Deputy Rick Zych was in court Thursday, officially charged with two counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.

The Sheriff says the incident was brought to the attention of law enforcement in December of 2009. The case was referred to the Michigan State Police for investigation.

“You must be fair and impartial and be sure a good investigation is done. That is why we handed it over to State Police. It would not have been proper for us to investigate our own person,” said Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman.

Zych was placed on administrative leave without pay or benefits effective last week. He was released on a $50,000/PR bond.

Zych will be back in court for a preliminary exam within fourteen days. If found guilty the misdemeanor charges could be punishable for 2 years and/or $500.00 fine.














Benzie deputy suspended amid CSC charges
Court bailiff accused of sexually assaulting woman
By ALEX PIAZZA
The Record Eagle
Fri Apr 16, 2010, 07:55 AM EDT

BEULAH -- Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman suspended one of his deputies without pay after police said he twice sexually assaulted a woman.

Authorities this week charged Richard "Rick" Lee Zych, 52, of Honor, with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The high-court misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to two years in prison and/or $500.

He "engaged in non-consensual sexual contact" with a woman "by using force and coercion" on two occasions last year, court records show. The woman was an acquaintance, but they weren't in a relationship, Heckman said.

Zych, a court bailiff who's worked for the department since 1997, was suspended on Wednesday without pay or benefits. His arraignment is scheduled for April 22 in 85th District Court.

A union representing Zych filed a grievance on Thursday, contending the sheriff's department wrongfully suspended him without pay.

"He obviously hasn't been afforded his due process rights to defend himself," said Pat Spidell, a Police Officers Association of Michigan representative.
Heckman said he'll respond to the grievance soon.

The sheriff's department in December suspended Zych with pay pending a Michigan State Police investigation. Zych was required to call the department twice a day while on paid suspension, but because Heckman on Wednesday stripped him of his pay and benefits, he no longer has to check in. He did not return a call for comment.

Zych is the most recent Benzie County sheriff's deputy charged with sexual assault.

The sheriff's department two years ago fired Craig Baker, a corrections sergeant, after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a girl, then 14, in 2005. A judge dismissed the case because the alleged victim said she lied about the incident, but Heckman refused to reinstate Baker.

At least two other Benzie officers this decade were convicted on sexual assault charges.

Heckman said the department must continue to conduct thorough background checks to ensure similar incidents don't occur. The sheriff's department requires its deputies, both for corrections and road patrol, to undergo a psychological examination before they're hired.

"Those weren't always done in the past," Heckman said. "It's a necessary piece of the puzzle. The more eyes you have looking at it, it's going to help you."











Deputy Charged With Sexual Assault
Posted: 04.15.2010 at 11:19 AM
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=444224




BENZIE COUNTY -- A Benzie County Deputy is charged with two counts of sexual assault.

Deputy Rick Zych was arrested Wednesday on the fourth degree criminal sexual assault charges. The Sheriff says the incident was brought to the attention of law enforcement in December of 2009. The case was referred to the Michigan State Police for investigation.

“You must be fair and impartial and be sure a good investigation is done. That is why we handed it over to State Police. It would not have been proper for us to investigate our own person,” said Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman.

Zych was placed on administrative leave without pay or benefits effective Wednesday afternoon. He was released on a $50,000/PR bond.

Zych will be back in court for arraignment on the charges April 22. If found guilty the misdemeanor charges could be punishable for 2 years and/or $500.00 fine.













Bailiff investigated for off-duty assault
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Record Eagle
Thu Dec 17, 2009, 07:22 AM EST
http://record-eagle.com/benzie/x546327681/Bailiff-investigated-for-off-duty-assault

BEULAH -- A Benzie County sheriff's deputy is suspended with pay pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Rick Zych, who serves as a court bailiff, was suspended Monday pending a Michigan State Police investigation. Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman said the investigation involves an alleged off-duty assault of an acquaintance.

Zych, 52, has worked for the department since 1997.