Monday, December 27, 2021

12272021 - Warren Activist Jerry Bell - Investigated / Arrested For Kidnapping, Strangulation And Auto Theft - While On Probation For Previous DV Assault Of Ex

 



















This latest assault that Jerry Bell is being investigated for is the result of prosecuting attorney Jennifer Janetsky victim blaming and downplaying the horrific September 2021 domestic violence assault committed by Warren activist Jerry Bell.
“There are only two people who have the ability to change the pattern that is happening in this relationship,” Janetsky said. “One is Ms. Nard..."






Prosecuting attorneys plea bargain domestic violence charges down so they can get a win - with no concern at all for the danger they are placing the victim in. 
Victims of domestic violence are the easiest victims of this plea bargaining tactic - because they are so beaten down emotionally and psychologically by the abuse and their abuser. Not only does an abuser blame the victim for their abuse, but the victim begins to believe that they are at fault for the abuse. Thus, abuse victims are putty in the hands of prosecuting attorneys when it comes to outrageous plea deals for abusers.
Prosecuting attorney Jennifer Janetsky AND defense attorney Elisha Oakes agreed to Bell's plea bargain of  having the six felony charges of Bell's attack on Nard dropped.

What will happen now in the domestic violence case against Jerry Bell?
Bell admits in the video that he posted on Facebook (12292021) that he has been in contact with Nard - despite the no-contact order which Judge Michael Chupa issued on November 12, 2021.
“After the 12 classes have been completed, the no-contact order will be modified to no-hostile contact,” said Judge Michael Chupa. “That means you may talk to Ms. Nard and you may be in her presence, but you will not be permitted to threaten, harass, intimidate, insult, accuse, molest, harm, frighten or terrorize her for any reason. If you engage in an activity that I wouldn’t do to my spouse, I will not ignore that and I will lock you up for a good, long time.”

Bell is in violation of probation/no-contact order - which means he could be immediately arrested and then sentenced to the original jail time for the charges he pled guilty to (misdemeanor charges of stalking and domestic violence). 
Because the two attorneys agreed to the plea bargain, Chupa said he would support it but indicated the terms of the agreement were not subject to change and that any violations of probation would not be tolerated.

However, because this would be Bell's third criminal offense, he would be sentenced as a habitual offender for the September 2021 domestic violence assault. Additionally, Bell is looking at additional criminal charges for violating a no-contact order AND any additional charges (if filed) in the December 27, 2021 assault - thus the meaning behind Judge Michael Chuga's statement at Bell's sentencing in November 2021: "...I will lock you up for a good, long time.” The only person in the court system that is holding Bell accountable and the only person who Bell fears right now, is Judge Chaga. It is now Judge Chaga's chance to obtain justice in this case - with no say from the plea bargaining prosecutor.

Therefore, until Bell is arrested and jailed, the danger he poses to Nard is astronomical - because as an abuser, Bell is blaming Nard for his impending arrest. Bell may appear calm and collective in his FaceBook videos, but trust me, he is raging and. Nard's life is in extreme danger right now!







Notes on January 04, 2022 Macomb Daily news article
* Prosecuting attorney Jennifer Janetsky and defense attorney Elisha Oakes agreed in November 2021 to the felony charges being dropped against Jerry Bell. They are the ones who are responsible here. As a victim/witness for the state, Nard had no power/authority to "drop the (previous) charges" against Bell. [Warren activist released; pleads guilty to misdemeanors. Six felony charges dropped. Macomb Daily. November 14, 2021.]
* Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard DID NOT "bring charges against former fiancé". It is the  prosecuting attorney who files charges in a criminal case - not a victim (witness for the state).

Bond set at $500K for Warren activist Bell
Macomb County Commissioner brings charges against former fiance for a second time
Macomb Daily
January 4, 2022

A Warren community activist has again been charged after his former girlfriend and Macomb County commissioner filed a criminal complaint alleging he kidnapped and attempted to strangle her.

Warren resident Jerry T. Bell was arraigned Tuesday in 37th District Court before Judge Michael Chupa on charges stemming from allegations made by his former fiancé, Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard. This marks the second time Nard has pressed similar charges against Bell in the past four months.

Bell is charged with carjacking, a felony that carries a term of life or any term of years; extortion, a 20-year felony; unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony; assault by strangulation, a 10-year felony; aggravated stalking, a five year felony; felonious assault, a four-year felony; and a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence, second offense.

“You are well aware of the history of this case,” said Genesee County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer Janetsky, who prosecuted the previous case involving Bell and Nard that came before Chupa last October.  “Mr. Bell is on probation to you right now because of his previous offense against the same victim. These are very serious charges again. He remains in violation of your probation for simply having contact with Ms. Nard. We are asking for a cash bond of $100,000 per felony count.”

Chupa set bond at $500,000 cash surety and Bell will be required to wear a GPS tether should he post bail.

Bell appeared via video from the Warren jail.

A probable cause conference was scheduled for Jan. 18; a preliminary examination hearing is scheduled for Jan. 25.

“The allegations don’t match the facts or the reality of the situation,” said criminal defense lawyer Craig Tank, who is representing Bell in the case. “I support the requirement for a GPS tether because it would protect Mr. Bell from further unfounded allegations.”

Nard alleges Bell threatened her with a knife and forced her to go shopping at several stores on Dec. 27 and that he stole her car while she was inside the Shoe Rack Outlet on Gratiot Avenue.

Bell declined to make any comment on the case during the proceedings and said Tank would be speaking on his behalf.

After the Jan. 4 arraignment, Tank gave an example of how he believes Nard’s allegations do not match with case evidence.

“My client is being accused of kidnapping because he took Ms. Nard shopping at several stores and spent money on her,” said Tank. “What actually happened does not match up with the allegations.”

Last October, Bell was charged with one count of misdemeanor domestic violence and six felony counts: two counts of criminal sexual conduct; extortion; assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or by strangulation; felonious assault; and kidnapping.

The charges stemmed from an alleged incident that reportedly occurred on Sept. 20, 2021 between Bell and Nard. Nard dropped the felony charges and on Nov. 12, Bell pled guilty to misdemeanor stalking and domestic violence.

Chupa set strict requirements for Bell at the Nov. 12 hearing including five years of reporting probation and 52 weeks of batters intervention counseling. The judge also kept in place a no-contact order between Bell and Nard until Bell could prove to the court he had completed 12 batters intervention classes.

Chupa reiterated the guidelines of the no-contact order to Bell during Tuesday’s proceedings.

“It means what it sounds like: no phone calls, no emails, no text messages, no Twitter, no Skype, no internet site I never heard of before,” said Chupa

“You may not appear where she is for any reason or purpose. You may not send her a message, or flowers, or pizzas or ask someone else to deliver a message for you. If you are eating in a restaurant and she walks in, you must leave immediately.  I will not accept accidents or mistakes. If you go parachuting that is up to you, but your parachute better not drop you where Ms. Nard is. I will not even allow gravity to put you in her presence.”

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido recused himself in both cases involving Nard and Bell and turned the information, provided to him by Warren police, over to the State Attorney General’s office. The case was assigned to the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office both times. Warren police turned information in the current case over to the Macomb County Prosecutor on Dec. 28 and a warrant for Bell was issued by the Genesee County Prosecutor on the afternoon of Jan. 3.

Bell turned himself in to police at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
















Jerry T. Bell Jr. - Facebook post
January 02, 2022 @ 3:38 AM

Good Morning! I want to take the time to thank the many of supporters who communicated with me for the past 6 days. Your continued support allows for me to fight any and all false accusation placed on me by my former ex-fiancee Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard. Some of you have now been accused publicly and threatened by Ms. Nard because of your involvement and support of me. Please do not let her behavior and bullying tactic get the best of you like it did me. I sincerely apologize to all for the drama that's being played out in this current situation. And once again thank you for your continued support. Love Y'all!

















Jerry T. Bell Jr.- Facebook Post
December 31, 2021 @ 2:01 AM
















Jerry T Bell Jr. - Facebook Video
December 30, 2021 @ 6:16 AM

















Warren activist releases video, claims his ex fabricated story
Bell says he will turn himself in if warrant is issued
Macomb Daily
December 30, 2021




A Facebook live video posted early Wednesday morning by Warren activist Jerry T. Bell challenges the information Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard reported to Warren and Clinton Township police on Monday alleging that he threatened her and stole her car.

Bell describes his relationship with Nard in the 43-minute video and indicates that he wants to ensure his side of the story is known.

Warren police have been looking for Bell since Dec. 28 in relation to Nard’s allegations and executed a search warrant at his home on Ready Avenue in Warren Tuesday afternoon. Bell was not there, but Nard’s vehicle was parked in the driveway.

Bell contacted Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer Wednesday night and again Thursday morning and said if a warrant is issued for his arrest, he will turn himself in. No warrant had been issued as of Thursday at 5 p.m.

Nard’s mother passed away in Flint on Sunday and Bell said Nard asked him to drive her to various stores on Monday so she could purchase clothing items for the funeral and run some other errands including picking up medication for herself at the pharmacy.

“I was trying to be supportive to her during a time I thought she needed it,” said Bell. “She just lost her mother and I knew she was very upset over the loss.”

He said everything seemed fine until they made their last stop at the Shoe Rack Outlet on Gratiot Avenue.

“It did not seem like she was in distress to me,” said Bell. “We got to our last store and she got out of the car with me, entered the store and out of the clear blue, she ran behind the counter and told the store clerk to call the police. Out of the clear blue she said I pulled a knife on her. Wow. Why would I do that?”

Bell said he asked Nard what she wanted and if she needed money and she reportedly told him she did not want to get into her car with him. Bell said he then exited the store, got into her vehicle and drove to his residence. He left the car in his driveway with the keys under the wheel well and texted Nard to let her know of its whereabouts, he said.

“Michelle claimed to have loved me so much, but if I did not do what Michelle wanted me to do she threatened to call the judge and have me locked up,” said Bell. “If I packed my things up to leave, if we were having a disagreement and I wanted out, she would threaten to call the cops and make a complaint against me and have me locked up.  This is what happened two days ago. This is what happened back in September.”

Bell said on the morning of Dec. 27, he removed several of his personal items from Nard’s home and took them back to his residence and articulated his desire that they remain apart for an unspecified amount of time.

Bell is currently on probation after pleading guilty in 37th District Court to misdemeanor charges of stalking and domestic violence on Nov. 12 in relation to an incident involving Nard that took place in September. Originally, Bell was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and six felony counts, including kidnapping and felonious assault in that case, but Nard asked that all of the felony charges be dropped. Bell signed a plea agreement that required he complete 52 weeks of batterers intervention counseling and be on reporting probation for five years.

A no-contact order is currently in place between Bell and Nard. Nard had requested during the Nov. 12 hearing that it be lifted, but Judge Michael Chupa ruled that it was to stay in place until Bell had completed 12 counseling sessions and showed proof of completion to the court.

Bell and Nard have had an on again, off again relationship since May of 2021. Bell introduced Nard as his fiancee at a Warren City Council meeting earlier this year and said in the Facebook video that he gave her a $2,600 engagement ring earlier this month and that an April 8, 2022 wedding was planned.

“We loved each other,” said Bell. “I loved her and I thought she loved me. We were in a relationship and moving forward and expected to be married April 8.”

Nard acknowledged that she accepted Bell’s proposal and the ring, but said she did not intend to actually marry him. She indicated that she accepted the proposal to “keep him motivated” to go to his classes and probation sessions.

Although the couple was to have no contact until Bell had completed the required amount of counseling sessions, Bell said Nard actually picked him up from the Macomb County Jail the night that he was released and that they had been together for all but two days since Nov. 12.

Nard confirmed that she gave Bell a ride home the night he was released from jail and that he and his 8-year-old daughter spent Christmas day with her and some of her family members at her residence on Hudson Avenue. But she denies that Bell was living at her Hudson home in recent weeks as he described.

Bell said he had helped paint and do other renovations at the home over the past several months and that the couple purchased furniture together for the home including a refrigerator and television.

“She has a home, I have a home and she bought the house next door to her original home which is where we have been living,” said Bell. “We were working on that home. Michelle does not want you to know that. She is acting as if she did nothing wrong and as if we never spent time around each other, which we did.”

Nard said on Wednesday she did not regret asking for felony charges from the September incident to be dropped.

“The incident is still under investigation,” said Dwyer. “We are interviewing people and the detectives are continuing to gather information.”















Activist Jerry Bell accused of car theft
Cops: Suspect’s location presently unknown
Press Reader
December 29, 2021



Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer confirmed that a search warrant was issued for the home of Warren activist Jerry T. Bell after his former fiancee alleged he stole her car and threatened her Monday.

Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard alleges her former fiance Jerry T. Bell drove away with her Buick while she was shopping at a Clinton Township store on Monday.
Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer confirmed that a search warrant was issued for the home of Warren activist Jerry T. Bell after his former fiancee alleged he stole her car and threatened her Monday.

Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard told police Bell drove off with her white 2006 Buick Rendezvous while she was shopping at the Shoe Rack Outlet on Gratiot Avenue in Clinton Township Monday evening.

“We found out that while she was shopping at the Shoe Rack, she motioned to a clerk to call 911,” said Dwyer. “The victim indicated that she was kidnapped from a home at 7229 Hudson in the City of Warren by her ex-boyfriend Jerry Bell.”

Warren police issued a bulletin Tuesday morning indicating

Bell was wanted for questioning in connection with a reported kidnapping, strangulation and unlawful driving away of an automobile.

Police executed a search warrant at Bell’s Warren residence on Ready Avenue Tuesday afternoon and recovered Nard’s Buick, which was parked at that location. Bell was not on the premises. Dwyer indicated police were in contact with the taxi cab company where Bell is employed, as well as with the Wayne County Medical Examiner, where he also works part time.

“We are communicating with Mr. Bell but he is not cooperating with turning himself in and we are not sure where he is located at this time,” said Dwyer. “We are going to the Prosecutor’s Office for warrants that will include probation violation, stalking and any other charges that the Prosecutor would issue.”

Dwyer said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido indicated because of Nard’s position as a Macomb County Commissioner, he was recusing himself from the case and turning information over to the state Attorney General’s office. Bell is currently on probation after pleading guilty in 37th District Court to misdemeanor charges of stalking and domestic violence on Nov. 12 in relation to an incident involving Nard that took place in September. Originally, Bell was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and six felony counts, including kidnapping and felonious assault in that case, but Nard asked that all of the felony charges be dropped. Bell signed a plea agreement that required he complete 52 weeks of batterers intervention counseling and be on reporting probation for five years.

A no-contact order is currently in place between Bell and Nard. She requested during the Nov. 12 hearing that it be lifted, but Judge Michael Chupa ruled that it was to stay in place until Bell had completed 12 weeks of classes and showed proof of completion to the court.













How many red flags do you see in this video? What will it take for the prosecuting attorney and judge in this case to wake the hell up and realize how much danger Jerry Bell's ex is in? 

Jerry T Bell Jr. - Facebook Video
December 29, 2021

VIDEO Google Drive- Jerry T Bell Jr - FB Video - An Abuser Telling His Side Of The Story
















Warren activist Jerry Bell accused of car theft
Macomb County commissioner presses charges against former fiancé for second time
Macomb Daily
December 28, 2021




Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer confirmed that a search warrant was issued for the home of Warren activist Jerry T. Bell after his former fiancée alleged he stole her car and threatened her Monday.

Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard told police Bell drove off with her white 2006 Buick Rendezvous while she was shopping at the Shoe Rack Outlet on Gratiot Avenue in Clinton Township Monday evening.

“We found out that while she was shopping at the Shoe Rack, she motioned to a clerk to call 911,” said Dwyer. “The victim indicated that she was kidnapped from a home at 7229 Hudson in the City of Warren by her ex-boyfriend Jerry Bell.”

Warren police issued a bulletin Tuesday morning indicating Bell was wanted for questioning in connection with a reported kidnapping, strangulation and unlawful driving away of an automobile.

Police executed a search warrant at Bell’s Warren residence on Ready Avenue Tuesday afternoon and recovered Nard’s Buick, which was parked at that location. Bell was not on the premises. Dwyer indicated police were in contact with the taxi cab company where Bell is employed, as well as with the Wayne County Medical Examiner, where he also works part time.

“We are communicating with Mr. Bell but he is not cooperating with turning himself in and we are not sure where he is located at this time,” said Dwyer. “We are going to the Prosecutor’s Office for warrants that will include probation violation, stalking and any other charges that the Prosecutor would issue.”

Dwyer said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido indicated because of Nard’s position as a Macomb County Commissioner, he was recusing himself from the case and turning information over to the state Attorney General’s office.

Bell is currently on probation after pleading guilty in 37th District Court  to misdemeanor charges of stalking and domestic violence on Nov. 12 in relation to an incident involving Nard that took place in September. Originally, Bell was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and six felony counts, including kidnapping and felonious assault in that case, but Nard asked that all of the felony charges be dropped. Bell signed a plea agreement that required he complete 52 weeks of batterers intervention counseling and be on reporting probation for five years.

A no-contact order is currently in place between Bell and Nard. She requested during the Nov. 12 hearing that it be lifted, but Judge Michael Chupa ruled that it was to stay in place until Bell had completed 12 weeks of classes and showed proof of completion to the court.





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Monday, December 20, 2021

12202021 - FBI Agent Richard Trask - Plea Bargain - Sentenced To 2 Days In Jail For Assault On Wife (07182021)

 

FBI Agent Richard Trask OIDV Case:



























Trask Plea Bargain Under MCL 769.4a (any domestic violence offense less than murder):

Sec. 4a (4) Discharge and dismissal under this section shall  MUST be without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of this section or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime...

(5) Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person. Discharge and dismissal under this section must be without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of this section or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime, but it is a prior conviction in a prosecution under sections 81(4) and (5) and 81a(3) of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 and 750.81a. There must be only 1 discharge and dismissal under this section with respect to any individual.

(8) As used in this section:
  (a) "Assaultive crime" means 1 or more of the following:
  (i) That term as defined in section 9a of chapter X.
  (ii) A violation of chapter XI of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 to 750.90h.
  (iii) A violation of a law of another state or of a local ordinance of a political subdivision of this state or of another state substantially corresponding to a violation described in subparagraph (i) or (ii).


(g) It shall be unlawful for any person—
(9) who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any
firearm or ammunition...

*MCL 769.4a Lautenberg Loophole: "Discharge and dismissal under this section must be without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of this section or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime.."















Bodycam video shows takedown of FBI agent in Whitmer kidnap plot
WOOD TV8 News
Dec 19, 2021





"Do not turn your volume off on this case. OK? Keep it on the whole time."




















Anti-Trump FB rant posted by FBI agent on Whitmer kidnapping case
WOOD TV8 News
Dec 19, 2021







KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — One of the lead FBI agents on the federal kidnapping case involving Michigan’s governor didn’t just betray the badge off-duty, he also showed questionable judgment online by posting an obscenity-laden, anti-Trump tirade.

“If you still support our piece of s–t president you can f–k off,” began the 2020 post on Richard Trask’s personal Facebook page.

As Trask, 40, prepares to enter a plea Monday on charges he beat and choked his wife at their Kalamazoo County home, Target 8 investigators are revealing the contents of a vitriolic, Trump-bashing post on Trask’s personal Facebook page.  

Target 8 has also obtained police body camera video of Trask’s July 18, 2021, arrest for allegedly assaulting his wife after they attended a swinger’s party at a Kalamazoo-area hotel.  

Trask’s Facebook declaration blasting then-President Donald Trump was dated March 28, 2020.

At the time, the FBI was in the early stages of its investigation into the alleged plot to abduct Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat.

Trask played a central role in the case, which has since become one of the most politicized in Michigan’s history, with defense attorneys claiming the FBI orchestrated the abduction plan itself through its direction of confidential informants. 

Federal prosecutors have argued in court documents that the defendants were predisposed to commit the crime, which the U.S. Department of Justice has described as “fatal to an entrapment defense.”

Trask, a former FBI agent who also coaches CrossFit, titled his 2020 diatribe against the former president “Toilet thought of the day,” a heading he used for other Facebook rants as well. 

“As someone whose wife works in the hospital I hope you burn in hell along with your d—–bag  f—–g reality tv star,” Trask wrote in the post. “His ego is going to kill a lot of people and anyone who supports that is a dumb–s. This is what you get when you elect an egotistical/narcissistic maniac to the top office. He needs people to be nice to him or he won’t help. F–k you, do–he.” 

The tirade accompanied a link to a WWJ Newsradio story headlined “After Trump Attacks Whitmer, She Says Vendors Aren’t Sending Desperately Needed Coronavirus Supplies.” 

Michael Zweiback, a former assistant U.S. attorney in California now practicing privately, told Target 8 Trask’s post would have caused him concern.

“I’m always worried about the optics because sometimes the optics can mean that there’s more going on here,” explained Zweiback in a Zoom interview with Target 8. “Then it becomes my responsibility as the federal prosecutor to investigate, to make sure that, ‘is this someone with just a big mouth, or is this someone who’s doing more than just spouting off on social media.’”

Zweiback said the Facebook post calls into question not only the judgment of the FBI agent, but also that of the entire FBI team on the case.

“You always have the best and brightest doing those types of cases, and so it puts a real question mark as to what was going on with the people who were supervising the investigation, number one at the highest levels, and then down the line,” Zweiback said. “What do we know about this agent? Were there other issues of misconduct that may have been in his background?” 

The FBI, which fired Richard Trask in September 2021, declined comment for this report. 

While some experts believe Trask’s Facebook post was ill-advised given his position, they told Target 8 it did not violate the Hatch Act, a federal law that restricts civil service employees from actively managing or participating in partisan political campaigns.

According to Michael Hills, a lawyer for one of the defendants in the alleged kidnap plot case, federal prosecutor Nils Kessler notified him of Trask’s Facebook post.

“Trask, as you know, signed off on the (criminal) complaint (and) testified in the preliminary examination in this case,” said Hills, according to a transcript of a September 2021 motion hearing.

“(Trask) was on multiple affidavits for search warrants, involved in interviews, and he, as this court knows….. was charged in state court with assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder for his attack on his wife. Then, this week I get an email from… Mr. Kessler showing special agent Trask’s Facebook post, and he is —- I’ll spare the quotes, but he is using a lot of profanity and basically ranting,” reported Hills to the judge. 

Target 8 questioned Trask about his Facebook posts as he left the Kalamazoo County Courthouse on Aug. 4 after an appearance related to his felony assault case.

Trask ignored reporters’ questions, walking straight to his vehicle and driving away.

His defense attorney, Sarissa Montague, made a statement to reporters outside the courthouse. 

“Richard Trask is an honorable man who has served this community for many many years. He has spent his entire career protecting and serving this nation,” said Montague. “He loves his family. He loves his job, and he loves this country… This is a very very difficult time for him and for his family, and we are asking that while this case is pending, you give him privacy and you give his family privacy.”

Police body camera video, obtained by Target 8 through the Freedom of Information Act, documented Richard Trask’s arrest in the early morning hours of July 18, 2021.

Trask’s wife had called 911 around 2 a.m.

When deputies from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department arrived at Trask’s Oshtemo Township home, the agent’s wife explained the couple had returned home from a swinger’s party she had not wanted to attend. 

She told deputies she’d reluctantly agreed to check out the gathering because it was “date night.” 

Trask’s wife said the couple argued upon their return home, and Trask grabbed her head and smashed it “multiple times” against a piece of furniture in the bedroom.

She said he then began choking her to the point where she thought she might lose consciousness. 

But Trask’s wife told deputies she managed to break free by grabbing his beard and testicles, at which point she said her husband left the home in her vehicle. 

“She’s got a pretty good laceration on the side of her head,” reported one of the responding deputies. “She’s got strangulation marks around her neck.” 

There were two children in the home at the time of the alleged assault, a small child the couple shared and the domestic abuse survivor’s pre-teen son. 

A colleague of Trask’s wife came and retrieved the children for the night.

At one point, Kalamazoo County Deputy Paul Kidd sought to reassure Trask’s wife, after she stated repeatedly that she was embarrassed. 

“You are incredibly strong for the injuries you have,” said Kidd. “I can tell you’ve got a lot of will. Don’t be embarrassed. You’re handling this a lot better than a lot of people that we go to. You’re holding it in really well. You’re very composed. I know you’re in a lot of pain.” 

Once in the ambulance, a medic noted Trask’s wife was “still bleeding pretty good out of her head.” 

Meanwhile, deputies began trying to locate Trask, not knowing if the special agent was armed.

“Counter-terrorism. Yeah, he could be hiding anywhere,” commented one deputy. 

Early on, one of the responding officers instructed another, “Do not turn your volume off. Keep it on the whole time,” referring to the deputy’s body-worn camera. 

Trask’s wife said while they’d both been drinking, only her husband was intoxicated.

“She doesn’t know what he’s doing,” reported a deputy. “She’s texting him, but his location is off. He’s getting to that erratic state.”

Kidd called Trask’s cell phone multiple times.

“Hey Richard, it’s Deputy Kidd, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department. Just trying talk to you,” he said, leaving a message on Trask’s cell phone.

“Looks like you had an incident at your house tonight. Trying to get your side of the story,” Kidd said. 

Two hours after deputies arrive at Trask’s home, someone spotted his wife’s vehicle in a shopping center parking lot.

A deputy tapped on the back passenger side window with his flashlight, slowly moving toward the driver’s side door.

A disheveled Richard Trask emerged slowly from the driver’s seat, wearing only shorts. 

He had blood on his face, which appeared to be his wife’s. 

“What is going on?” questioned a bleary-eyed Trask.

“What is going on?” he repeated, as a deputy turned him around and cuffed him.

“You got any weapons on you?” asked the deputy.

“No,” responded Trask.

“Where are your guns at?” questioned the deputy.

“At the house,” responded Trask. 

The deputy read the FBI special agent his Miranda rights, and Trask declined to make a statement.

With Trask secured in the back of the squad car, the sheriff’s deputy informed him of the reason for his arrest.

“You’re being arrested for domestic violence. Aggravated domestic violence causing strangulation,” said the deputy.

Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting ultimately charged Trask with felony assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

If convicted, it’s punishable by up to ten years in prison.

Trask is scheduled for a plea hearing in the assault case in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court on Monday.

The defendants charged with conspiring to kidnap Whitmer are scheduled for federal trial in March. 

Trask will not be testifying in the federal kidnapping case. 















Fired FBI agent accepts plea deal, sentenced to 2 days time served for assaulting wife
WOOD TV8 News
Dec 20, 2021


A fired FBI agent who worked to investigate the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has accepted a plea agreement for charges of assaulting his wife. 

















Ex-FBI agent speaks during his assault sentencing
MLive
Dec 20, 2021

Richard Trask II, a former FBI agent, speaks virtually in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. Trask pleaded no contest to misdemeanor aggravated assault, he was originally charged with one felony count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder that stemmed from a domestic violence incident that occurred in July.

















Ex-FBI agent tied to Whitmer kidnapping investigation pleads to aggravated assault of wife
MLive
Dec. 20, 2021

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – Through tears, a former FBI agent said he accepted full responsibility for assaulting his wife at their home earlier this year.

Richard James Trask II pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court on Dec. 20. The plea came as part of a plea deal that reduced the charge from a felony charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

Trask, 40, assaulted his wife July 18 by choking her and hitting her head against a nightstand, injuries from which she needed staples to heal, according to the facts of the case agreed upon by Trask’s attorney Sarissa Montague and Kalamazoo County Assistant Prosecutor Mary Ann Berdan.

The assault happened at the couple’s home in Oshtemo Township.

Trask was a lead agent in the FBI’s case against the people accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, before he and the agency parted ways in September. The FBI declined to comment on the circumstances of Trask’s departure from the bureau.

Trask was sentenced to the amount of time he already spent in jail – two days – by Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Gary Giguere Jr.

Berdan asked Giguere to rule that Trask could not obtain a law enforcement license in Michigan, but Giguere did not grant the request.

Trask has been going through individual and family counseling through his own choice, not through a court requirement, Montague said.

Trask and his wife had the same amount of alcoholic drinks the night of the assault, she said during a statement at the sentencing. He was also taking a prescription steroid at that time, she said.

She said she thinks Trask was drugged with GHB, commonly known as a date-rape drug, when they stopped at a party hosted at the Delta Hotels by Marriott property in Oshtemo Township.

“The eyes of the man staring back at me that night were not my husband’s eyes,” she said. “That reason alone is why I do not fear my husband. It simply wasn’t him.”

Trask said he does not remember the night of the assault, but takes full responsibility for his actions and the pain they have caused.

“Throughout my career of almost two decades, I have maintained a spotless record,” Trask said. “I’ve had an honorable career and I’m proud of that. I cannot take back what happened that night, but I can take solace in knowing that I was not myself.”

The wife did not cooperate with the prosecution, and said she did not think Trask should be convicted of any crime.

“This agreement was reached largely on her failure to cooperate with us,” Berdan said.

Trask joined the U.S. Air Force in spring 2001 and served in the Middle East during the War on Terror. He also worked as a military investigator. He joined the FBI in 2011 where he investigated domestic terrorism, counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence programs, including espionage, terrorism and domestic extremism, he said in court records.

“I’m not asking the court for forgiveness,” Trask said. “I’m asking for my family to not suffer further and prolong the effects of my mistakes. I will continue to try to serve my community and my family.”

















Ex-FBI agent in Whitmer kidnap plot enters plea in case tied to wife's assault
The Detroit News
December 20, 2021



Former FBI Special Agent Richard Trask, the lead investigator in the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping conspiracy case, pleaded no contest Monday to aggravated assault charges stemming from allegations he beat his wife in July after returning home from a swingers party. 

Trask entered the plea to the misdemeanor offense before Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Gary Giguere, court officials said. He was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay court costs. 

Trask's attorney, Sarissa K. Montague, told The Detroit News after the hearing "this was a difficult situation for the family" and "we are looking forward to moving forward."

The Monday plea for Trask comes after he was fired from the FBI in September. Trask originally faced one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, less than murder, in connection with the incident. That charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

A no contest plea isn't an admission of guilt but is treated as such for the purposes of sentencing.

An affidavit filed in July by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office in Kalamazoo County District Court said Trask's wife had bloody lacerations to the right side of her head and "blood all over chest, clothing arms and hand," as well as "severe" bruising to her neck and throat following the alleged incident.

The former special agent had worked for FBI since 2011 and served as the FBI's public face in the Whitmer case, testifying in federal court about the investigation. He has worked on cases involving espionage, terrorism and domestic extremism investigations.

Trask, 39, of Kalamazoo, was the public face of the FBI in the Whitmer investigation. He testified in court proceedings for five men awaiting trial in federal court on a range of charges, including kidnapping and weapons of mass destruction conspiracies. 

Prior to his September firing, prosecutors revealed they had decided not to use Trask as a witness during the trial. The decision was announced as they referred to social media posts in which Trask called former President Donald Trump a douchebag and "piece of s---."

Trask's July arrest came as defense lawyers started to reveal a trial strategy that involved suppressing evidence, attacking the work of FBI agents, and claiming FBI informants entrapped men accused in the conspiracy. 

Trask testified in federal court in January against Delaware resident Barry Croft, an accused plotter who is portrayed as the group’s bomb maker. Trask identified Croft as the national leader of the 3 Percenters, a small militia that participated in the Jan. 6 insurgence at the U.S. Capitol.

During the court hearing, Trask helped provide context about multiple undercover recordings that included Croft. 

Defense lawyers have portrayed their clients as tough talkers who were exercising their First Amendment rights who never carried out any kidnapping plot.















Fired FBI agent accepts plea deal, sentenced to 2 days time served for assaulting wife
WOOD TV News
December 20, 2021

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A fired FBI agent who worked to investigate the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has accepted a plea agreement for charges of assaulting his wife.

Richard Trask told the judge Monday he has no memory of the July assault but takes responsibility for what happened.

Trask pleaded no contest to a charge of aggravated assault and has agreed to never work in law enforcement in the state of Michigan.

The judge sentenced him to two days of time served, court fines and fees, and no probation.

Investigators say Trask had attended a swinger’s party with his wife at an Oshtemo Township hotel.

Prosecutors say he choked his wife and hit her head against the nightstand later that night, and that they made the plea agreement mainly because she refused to cooperate on the case. 

Trask’s wife Heather Foulke spoke in his defense during the sentencing, saying she believes he had a reaction with alcohol and a prescription medication and may have been drugged with GHB at the party.

“I told the deputy that night that we left the party abruptly because something happened that I did not like. I told him my husband was acting weird. I also told him that I found it odd that over the course of that night my husband and I both consumed the same number of alcoholic beverages that strangely I was completely sober, but my husband was not,” Foulke said.

Trask spoke asking for leniency before the judge issued his sentence.

“As the result of the situation I’ve lost the only career I’ve known. My retirement is gone. I’ve lost friends. My reputation has been destroyed. My children have had to face questions. My wife has faced harassment. My family has had to further suffer because I can no longer provide for them,” Trask said.

He says his wife has forgiven him and he has sought counseling.

“The events in July were a tragedy. I take full responsibility for my actions which caused pain and suffering to my wife and to my family,” Trask said. 























An FBI Agent In The Michigan Kidnapping Case Has Pleaded No Contest To Assaulting His Wife
Buzz Feed News 
December 20, 2021



Richard Trask, who had been the public face of the high-profile investigation, was fired by the FBI following his July arrest. He is one of three agents in the Whitmer kidnapping case whom the government will no longer call as witnesses.

The FBI agent who was the public face of the investigation into the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer pleaded no contest Monday to a misdemeanor charge of assaulting his wife earlier this year.

Richard Trask, who was fired from the FBI after the July 18 incident, was sentenced to time served — two days in jail following his arrest in a grocery store parking lot after he fought with his wife in their home at the end of a night that featured a visit to a swingers party.

Trask’s wife, appearing in Kalamazoo County court via Zoom, read a statement in which she speculated that her husband might have been drugged with the date rape drug GHB at the party or had an adverse reaction to mixing prednisone and alcohol. “This man has served and protected you for the past 20 years and the prosecution has chosen to crucify him unnecessarily,” she told the judge.

In his own statement, also delivered via Zoom, Trask told the court, “I cannot recall any details of the night but I do take responsibility.” He added, “As a result of this situation, I’ve lost the only career I’ve ever known.”

Trask’s legal troubles are among many complications for federal prosecutors pursuing kidnapping conspiracy charges against five men accused of plotting to spirit Whitmer away from her vacation home last fall.

Trask was the agent who signed the affidavit that supported the men’s arrest on Oct. 7, 2020, and he later testified in federal court in favor of keeping the men locked up. Because he no longer works at the bureau, the government will no longer call on him to testify at the trial in the case, scheduled to begin March 8.

Two other FBI agents central to the case, Jayson Chambers and Henrik Impola, will also not be on the Justice Department’s witness lists. They were the handling agents for a key informant, known as “Dan,” who infiltrated an armed extremist group whose members developed the plot.

In August, federal prosecutors said that Chambers would not be a witness at trial. The announcement came five days after BuzzFeed News revealed that he had incorporated a security business in 2019 that was linked to an internet troll.

Then on Friday, prosecutors said that Impola, who has been accused of perjury in an unrelated case, would not be called either. Although prosecutors have denied that the allegations have substance, the issue came up again in Michigan state court on Monday, where a hearing had been scheduled to review claims of entrapment by three defendants in a case closely tied to the kidnapping plot.

In addition to the five federal defendants, a sixth pleaded guilty in January and agreed to cooperate with the prosecution. Eight additional men have been charged in Michigan state court for providing material support to terrorism, for a total of 14. Both federal and state prosecutors deny they entrapped the men. “We believe we have proof beyond a reasonable doubt of their guilt and will be presenting it at trial,” Assistant Attorney General John Pallas stated in Jackson County court Monday.

But defense attorney Andrew Kirkpatrick, who represents Paul Bellar in the state case, said that the impeachment allegations against Impola could undermine the government’s case. “His credibility is absolutely at issue with this court regarding any entrapment motions,” Kirkpatrick told Judge Thomas Wilson. He and attorneys for two other defendants said that in light of Friday’s news, Impola would not be a witness and they needed additional time to review information about the government’s internal inquiry into the perjury claim.

Kirkpatrick said he would subpoena the FBI for that information, and at his request, Jackson County judge Thomas Wilson granted an adjournment on the entrapment issue until late February.

Impola referred requests for comment last week to the FBI, which declined to comment.

In the same hearing, Wilson denied a motion by the Michigan attorney general to reinstate charges against Bellar and two other defendants of making terrorist threats. Those charges had been dismissed by a lower court in March.

Wilson similarly rejected a request by the defense to overrule the district court and dismiss all charges, while granting a request to reduce bond for Joseph Morrison, the founder of the organized militant group Wolverine Watchmen, to $5,000 from $150,000. Morrison is expected to be released before Christmas. He has been in jail for 438 days.



















Ex-FBI agent who led Whitmer kidnapping plot investigation pleads no contest in assault of wife
Washington Examiner
December 21, 2021
The former lead investigator in the attempted kidnapping case of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pleaded no contest to charges that he beat his wife.

Former FBI agent Richard Trask, who was the public face of the case before being fired from the bureau in July, entered the plea to a misdemeanor offense in Kalamazoo County's 9th Circuit Court on Monday, though the Detroit Times noted that it is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing.

Judge Gary Giguere sentenced him to time served, after Trask got credit for two days in jail, and to pay court costs.

Trask, 39, was fired from the FBI in September after an affidavit in July described an alleged incident that left his wife bleeding heavily and with bruises around her neck. The beating allegedly took place at their home following a night out that may have included a swinger party.

In a statement to the court, Trask's wife said he may have been drugged with a date rape drug.

“This man has served and protected you for the past 20 years, and the prosecution has chosen to crucify him unnecessarily,” she said.

Trask said he cannot remember much about the night.

“I cannot recall any details of the night, but I do take responsibility,” he said. “As a result of this situation, I’ve lost the only career I’ve ever known.”

Federal prosecutors said before Trask was fired that they would not call on him to testify at the trial for the alleged Whitmer kidnapping plot conspirators after his anti-Trump social media posts came to light.


















FBI agent and Whitmer kidnapping plot investigator pleads guilty to assaulting wife
FOX 2 News - Detroit
December 21, 2021



KALAMAZOO, Mich. - A lead investigator in the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pleaded no contest Monday to assaulting his wife, though he said he has no memory of it.

Kalamazoo County prosecutors struck a deal with former FBI agent Richard Trask after his wife declined to cooperate further.

Trask was accused of assaulting his wife at their Kalamazoo-area home in July. She had lacerations on her head and blood on her chest, arms and hand, sheriff’s investigators wrote.

"I take full responsibility for my actions which caused pain and suffering to my wife and to my family," Trask said.

Heather Foulke said she told a sheriff’s deputy that they had left a hotel party because Trask was "acting weird." She believes he may have been drugged.

Trask got credit for two days in jail and will serve no additional time in custody. He lost his job with the FBI after the incident














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