Thursday, September 1, 2011

09012011 - Deputy Ryan Salisbury - Grand Traverse County SD

Deputy Ryan Salisbury [Grand Traverse SD]: December 12, 2012 domestic violence assault:


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: Fighting termination after DV conviction:


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: DV plea agreement


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: 2011 investigation for domestic violence assault:





In late 2011, Grand Traverse Sheriff Deputy Ryan Salisbury was investigated for a domestic violence incident with his ex-wife. The prosecutor declined to file charges against Deputy Salisbury.

A year later, in December 2012, Deputy Salisbury was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend at a bar. He was charged with disorderly conduct and domestic violence. In January 2013, the domestic violence charge was dropped and Deputy Salisbury pled guilty to disorderly conduct.

In February 2013, Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley fired Deputy Salisbury from the Sheriff Department for the December 07, 2012 domestic violence assault.

DEPUTY RYAN SALISBURY:
December 07, 2012 arrest for domestic violence:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/12/deputy-ryan-salisbury-grand-traverse-sd.html











Grand Traverse deputy takes plea bargain
Domestic violence charge dropped as part of the deal
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record Eagle
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 07:14 AM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x1746076848/Grand-Traverse-deputy-takes-plea-deal




...In late 2011, Leelanau County assistant prosecutor Doug Donaldson declined to issue a domestic violence charge against Salisbury for an alleged assault on a different woman in Grand Traverse County. That woman, Salisbury's then-wife, asked Donaldson not to charge.

Koop said Salisbury's history is problematic considering his profession.

"I have a snapshot of his behavior in two situations involving a wife and a live-in girlfriend," he said. "That snapshot says to me that this officer has a behavioral issue that needs to be addressed."








Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy charged after alleged assault at Traverse City bar
By Garret Ellison
MLive
December 29, 2012 at 9:05 AM
Updated December 29, 2012 at 12:30 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/grand_traverse_county_sheriffs_1.html



...Salisbury was investigated in 2011 by Leelanau County authorities for suspicion of domestic violence, but was not arrested...

                                 




GT County deputy charged in assault case
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record-Eagle
Sat Dec 29, 2012, 07:14 AM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x730421853/GT-County-deputy-charged-in-assault-case





...in 2011 was investigated for an alleged assault against another woman. Assistant Leelanau County Prosecutor Doug Donaldson, who handled that case after Leelanau Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned special prosecutor, declined to issue charges then.


The victim in that case, Salisbury's now ex-wife, "was adamant about not wanting to go forward" with charges, Donaldson said....









GT deputy arrested after report of assault
He also was a suspect in a separate assault last year
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record Eagle
Sat Dec 08, 2012, 03:35 PM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x2120612569/GT-deputy-arrested-after-report-of-assault


...Salisbury was investigated last year by Leelanau County authorities for suspicion of domestic violence, but was not arrested. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned to the case after Schneider removed himself.


Assistant Leelanau Prosecutor Doug Donaldson handled that case, which he characterized as a "shoving match."

"It was not a significant assault," he said.

The female victim later decided she didn't want to press charges, Donaldson said, and none were issued. But the fact that Salisbury is in trouble now for an alleged assault complaint made Donaldson think twice about the previous case.

"It gives me pause for thought regarding my prior decisions, but they are what they are," he said..








Grand Traverse Sheriff's Deputy Arrested
They Record Eagle
Fri Dec 07, 2012, 06:28 PM EST
TRAVERSE CITY — BY ART BUKOWSKI
http://record-eagle.com/local/x520558107/Grand-Traverse-sheriffs-deputy-arrested


...Salisbury was a suspect in an assault against another woman last year, but Leelanau County authorities declined to charge him with a crime...   ...Salisbury was investigated for domestic violence about a year ago. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned to the case after Schneider removed himself.

Assistant Leelanau Prosecutor Doug Donaldson handled that case, which he characterized as a "shoving match."

"It was not a significant assault," he said.

The female victim later decided she didn't want to press charges, Donaldson said, and none were issued. But the fact that Salisbury was arrested again for an alleged assault complaint made Donaldson think twice about the previous case.

"It gives me pause for thought regarding my prior decisions, but they are what they are," he said...

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

08302011 - Officer Kenneth Bluew - Murder Of Pregnant Girlfriend Jennifer Webb




Jennifer Webb Murder Case Links


















On August 31, 2011, the Buena Vista Township Police Department [MI] found Jennifer Webb's body in an area near the department's firing range. Jennifer was eight months pregnant.

* A special thank you to Cloudwriter for her assistance with this post *





ALSO SEE:
BEHIND THE BLUE WALL [CLOUDWRITER]:

"...an officer who worked at the Buena Vista Township Police Department was sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim..." [FOX NEWS]


"...Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved..." [WJBK NEWS]


"...Jennifer was at least eight months pregnant, due to give birth to a baby boy she named Braxton in September. Few details are being released about her death...." [WNEM NEWS]


















































Body found near North Outer in Buena Vista Township was a pregnant woman, prosecutor says
MLive
August 31, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/body_found_near_north_outer_in.html

BUENA VISTA TWP. — The body found in Buena Vista Township early this morning was that of a pregnant woman, according to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.
State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious” and Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, according to Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker.

No suspect is in custody in connection with the death, according to Thomas. who declined to discuss whether investigators have a suspect.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.” The woman’s identity has not been released.

Thomas said an autopsy occurred today on the woman’s body, but he said results aren’t being released and said investigators are waiting on results of toxicology tests done on the body.

Booker said he could share no further details. The chief said it was a “mutual decision” to have state police handle the investigation, though Buena Vista detectives investigated the township’s last homicide in July. The chief declined to provide further explanation.













Woman's body found at gun range
NBC25 Newsroom
August 31, 2011


Jennifer Webb, murdered. She was 8 months pregnant with her son Braxton James Donald Webb.







State police trooper blocks access to Outer north of Freeway in Buena Vista Township








BUENA VISTA TWP. -- A Saginaw County woman, who was due to give birth in just a few weeks, was found dead at a police gun range in Buena Vista Township early Wednesday morning.

Jenny Webb had already named her unborn son, Braxton James Donald Webb.

The Buena Vista Township Police Department has handed the investigation over to Michigan State Police and Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas is already reviewing evidence. He made a rare appearance at the scene Wednesday.

Thomas is not releasing any details except to say the woman was late in pregnancy.

In the meantime, NBC25 is learning more about Jenny Webb through her online activity. Before her Facebook page was closed to the public it showed she had more than 300 friends and was expecting the birth of her first child Sept. 23rd.

She posted a number of photos on her Classmates.com page showing her at football games and on vacation. She wrote on there that she was hoping to get a class reunion together. She also wrote that she would one day like to have children.

"She had a bubbly personality. She was always so upbeat. You could be feeling doom and gloom and she would come in and put a smile on your face," said Barry Beer, a former co-worker of Webb's.

Beer says he worked with Jenny at Anderson Logistics in Birch Run. He says he moved to Virginia but kept in touch with her through Facebook. He says he was shocked to hear of Jenny's death.

"It's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies," said Beer.

Those very close to the Jenny Webb investigation say they're disgusted and disappointed about what happened but won't get into specifics right now.

However, her neighbors are talking about the loss.

"It was a shock to me because I can't believe anyone would do that to her," says Steve Wobig, who says he's lived next to Jenny for seven years.

Steve says she lived alone and took care of herself as well as anyone who needed her help.

"She was a really nice neighbor, friendly, nice to everybody. She always said 'Hi' and if you needed any help she would help you. She will really be missed."

She most recently worked at P.F. Markey Incorporated and graduated from Bridgeport High in 1997. A cheerleader and life-long resident of the area, Webb had several siblings and spent time at the Candlelite Bowling and Banquet Center in Bridgeport Township.

The owner says he can still see Jenny's smiling face.

He says he feels sorry for the family who has to deal with two tragedies, the death of a daughter and a grandchild.

As for Beer, he says he still can't believe Jenny is gone.

"It's just a tragedy . It's hard to put into words. She'll by missed by many, many people."

According to an obituary, funeral service is planned for September 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at W. L. Case and Company, located at 4480 Mackinaw Road. Ronald Sinclair will officiate.













Suspicious death reported in Buena Vista Township
MLive
August 31, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/suspicious_death_reported_in_b.html



BUENA VISTA TWP. -- State police investigators are revealing few details regarding a body discovered in Buena Vista Township but are calling the death "suspicious."

Police discovered the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends at Hack, north of Freeway and west of the Buena Vista Township Police Department gun range, according to Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker.

State police blocked access to the crime scene at the intersection of Freeway and North Outer. Representatives on scene declined comment and referred all inquiries to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.

Booker, who arrived on scene early Wednesday after the body was discovered, said he could share no further details.

He said it was a "mutual decision" to have state police handle the investigation, though Buena Vista detectives investigated the township's last homicide in July. Booker declined to provide further explanation.

The victim's identity and apparent manner of death have not been revealed.

WNEM, Channel 5, previously reported that State Police Crime Lab personnel were on scene.


Although the prosecutor claims no arrests have been made and refused to comment on a suspect, sources told FOX 2 an officer who worked at the Buena Vista Township Police Department was sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim.

An autopsy has been completed, but officials still haven't released the results.

One thing is clear, this was an unexpected death for a woman excited to bring a new life into the world.




















Police officer who found pregnant woman's body identified
ABC News
Sep 01, 2011
http://www.abc12.com/story/15379740/police-officer-who-found-pregnant-womans-body-identified

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP (WJRT) - (09/01/11) - While police are still saying very little about the suspicious death of a pregnant Saginaw County woman, one of the woman's friends talked to ABC12 and gave us possible insight as to why the police and prosecutor's investigation remains shrouded in mystery.

Investigators spent several hours near a Saginaw County gun range Wednesday.

Friends of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb say she confided in them about her relationship with a married Buena Vista Township Police Officer. It is the same officer who found her body.

"She was the happiest person in the world," an unidentified friend said.

ABC12 heard the same description from a number of people who knew Webb.

Her bosses at P.F. Markey in Saginaw Township say she was one of the best employees at the company and her friends say she was very excited about the upcoming birth of her baby. The baby boy was due in a few weeks.

Webb was found dead near a gun range in Buena Vista Township right around midnight Tuesday night.

Buena Vista Township police officers were first on the scene, reporting a possible suicide, but the investigation was immediately turned over to the Michigan State Police.

Today, we also spoke to the Buena Vista Police Officer who found her body. Ken Bluew told ABC12 that he in fact found Webb's body, but that's all he wanted to say about the incident.

Webb's friends, including the one we spoke to, tell us she and Bluew were romantically involved.

"Jennifer and I were very close friends and she shared all the details with me about everything that was going on in their relationship," the friend said.

Webb told her friend that Bluew was the father of her unborn child. "They met privately, she found she was pregnant, shared it with him," she said.

The location where Webb's body was found also played a part in their relationship. "To my knowledge, that's where they met previously and that's where they met and discussed issues like child support and taking care of the baby in the future," the friend said.

Investigators will not confirm any of this.

When ABC12 talked with Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker Thursday, he was asked what Bluew's status was with the department and if is he still on duty or suspended. Booker's only comment was that he doesn't comment on the status of any Buena Vista Township police officer.

An autopsy has been done, but a cause of death has not been released.

So far, investigators will only call Webb's death suspicious
.















Candlelight vigil held Friday night in Bridgeport
Connect Michigan
September 02, 2011
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=658093






BUENA VISTA TWP.
-- Jenny Webb's family and friends gathered at the Bridgeport Township Pavillion Friday night for a candlelight vigil to remember Webb and her unborn son Braxton.

"Vivacious, energetic, spontaneous. Just a beautiful person," said family friend Deb Nussear, who had known Jenny since she was a little girl.

The Saginaw County prosecutor is now labeling the death of Webb and her unborn child as a homicide investigation, and investigators are not revealing much about the case.

"We're waiting on Michigan State Police crime lab reports, results, and toxicology reports," says Michael Thomas, Saginaw County prosecutor.

It's been several days since Jenny Webb's body was found. An autopsy is complete, but the findings are still not known.

Co-workers, family, and friends visited the W.L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel to pay respects to the family of the 32 year old Webb.

Thomas would not comment about suspects but says witnesses are being cooperative. Detectives are working late into the evening. Troopers are speaking directly with Webb's family who remain guarded and grieving.

Thomas says, "It's a tragedy. It's as serious a situation as you can find. A young lady who was going to be giving birth shortly and had a baby that most likely would have survived and so basically we've lost two people here."

Webb's funeral is Saturday at 4:00PM.

She had already named her unborn son, Braxton James Donald Webb.

Webb posted a number of photos on her Classmates.com page showing her at football games and on vacation. She wrote on there that she was hoping to get a class reunion together. She also wrote that she would one day like to have children.

"She had a bubbly personality. She was always so upbeat. You could be feeling doom and gloom and she would come in and put a smile on your face," said Barry Beer, a former co-worker of Webb's.

Beer says he worked with Jenny at Anderson Logistics in Birch Run. He says he moved to Virginia but kept in touch with her through Facebook. He says he was shocked to hear of Jenny's death.

"It's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies," said Beer.

Those very close to the Jenny Webb investigation say they're disgusted and disappointed about what happened but won't get into specifics right now.

However, her neighbors are talking about the loss.

"It was a shock to me because I can't believe anyone would do that to her," says Steve Wobig, who says he's lived next to Jenny for seven years.

Steve says she lived alone and took care of herself as well as anyone who needed her help.

"She was a really nice neighbor, friendly, nice to everybody. She always said 'Hi' and if you needed any help she would help you. She will really be missed."

She most recently worked at P.F. Markey Incorporated and graduated from Bridgeport High in 1997. A cheerleader and life-long resident of the area, Webb had several siblings and spent time at the Candlelite Bowling and Banquet Center in Bridgeport Township.















Family speaks out on pregnant woman's homicide
WNEM News
Sep 02, 2011
Saginaw Township Prosecutor, Mike Thomas

Family and friends are remembering Jenny Webb, the pregnant woman whose body was found outside a police gun range in Buena Vista Township.

Visitation was underway most of Friday at a Saginaw Township funeral home. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding her death, answers that police aren't giving up.

WNEM TV5's Liz Gelardi spoke to some family members of Jenny's to see if they know anything else.

"It's just not the same, it's just not my sister who was always the one that was there and the one that I could talk to and cry to and just sit with, it's just, it's going to be hard," said Angie Webb, Jennifer's sister.

The pain is still real and emotions are raw for Angie as she talks about her 32-year-old sister, Jennifer Webb.

Angie Webb tells TV5 her sister was a ray of sunshine, her best friend, and she can't begin to make sense of her sudden death.

"We're all still in a fog, it hasn't really I mean its hit us but it hasn't, it's just unreal," said Angie.

Police found Jennifer Webb's body early Wednesday morning in Buena Vista Township.

At the time they called her death suspicious. Now the Saginaw Township Prosecutor, Mike Thomas, has labeled her death a homicide.

Jennifer was at least eight months pregnant, due to give birth to a baby boy she named Braxton in September. Few details are being released about her death.

TV5 asked the family if they could tell us anything else about what happened.

"We really, honestly, don't know what happened," said Angie. "We have our ideas of what happened, but we want the MSP and the prosecutor to be able to do their jobs."

Angie believes foul play is involved, the prosecutor says he is treating the death as a homicide.

Family and friends say they'll wait for the truth to come out.

In the meantime, they're remembering a woman who touched their lives and the baby they never had a chance to meet.

"It's just so unfair, two wonderful people were taken from us and it's just so unfair," said Angie.

The candle light vigil is tonight at 9:30 p.m. at the Bridgeport Pavilion behind the township offices.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. at W.l. Case Funeral Home


WNEM SLIDESHOW:

 Jennifer M Webb


Webb was reportedly 8 months pregnant. The photos printed here are with permission from her family [WNEM]



The Michigan State Police Crime Lab is investigating the case. [WNEM]



An autopsy was performed Wednesday afternoon, but the medical examiner is not releasing the cause of... [WNEM]


According to a profile at Classmates.com, Webb graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997 and went to Delta College from 1997 to 1999, and Saginaw Valley State University from 1999 to 2002...[WNEM]


She didn't deserve it, there [were] problems that could have been solved other ways," said family friend Rose King. "It's very sad for all of us that knew her, that at 32 years old, she was taken away from us this way," said Rose's husband, Bob...[WNEM]















Funeral set for pregnant Bridgeport woman found dead in Buena Vista
MLive

SAGINAW TWP. Funeral arrangements are set for Jennifer M. Webb, the 32-year-old pregnant woman found dead under “suspicious” circumstances in Buena Vista Township on Wednesday.

Family and friends can attend Webb’s funeral at 4 p.m. Saturday at W.L. Case and Co., Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw in Saginaw Township.

An obituary for the Bridgeport Township woman describes her as “the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like you knew her all your life."

“She thoroughly enjoyed being with people,” reads the obituary, which described Webb as a fan of hunting and camping.

The 1997 Bridgeport High School graduate attended Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, her obituary states.

State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious,” and Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker said.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said on Wednesday, “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.”















Death of Pregnant Michigan Woman Deemed Suspicious
FOX News
September 02, 2011
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/02/death-pregnant-michigan-woman-deemed-suspicious/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C92428

The mysterious death in Michigan of a pregnant woman close to giving birth has sparked a police investigation into the death, which is being described as suspicious.

The woman, whom acquaintances have identified as 32-year-old Jennifer Webb, was expected to give birth next month, MyFoxDetroit.com reported. Police have yet to publicly identify her.

"She was excited she was going to have a baby," neighbor Steve Wobig told the TV station.

Her body was found early Wednesday in a rural area in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township, near the police department's gun range.

Buena Vista Township police initially responded to a suicide report, but the Saginaw County prosecutor said it now is being looked at as a suspicious death, MyFoxDetroit.com reported.

Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved. The prosecutor said no arrests have been made and has refused to comment on possible suspects.

MyFoxDetroit.com cited unnamed sources who said a Buena Vista police officer had been sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim.

Autopsy results are pending.

Webb's obituary in the Saginaw News says she enjoyed hunting and camping, as well as Michigan football.

"Jennifer was the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like yo knew her all your life," the obituary reads.
















Jennifer Marie WEBB

 
WEBB, Jennifer Marie of Bridgeport, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 31, 2011, age 32 years. Jennifer was born in Saginaw, Michigan April 12, 1979, the daughter of Donald and Dawn (Loth) Webb. She graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997 and had attended Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. She had been employed at Andersen Logistics and was currently working for P. F. Markey. Jennifer was an avid Michigan football fan. She enjoyed hunting and camping. Jennifer was the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like you knew her all your life. She thoroughly enjoyed being with people. Jennifer is survived by her parents, Donald and Dawn Webb; her grandmother, Norma Loth; a brother, Jeffrey (Heather Zoellner) Webb; a sister, Angela Webb; nieces and nephew, Kayley Jo Colling, Cass City, Hunter and MacKenzie Webb; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and hundreds of friends. The funeral service will take place 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2011 at W. L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Rev. Ronald Sinclair will officiate. Friends may call at the chapel on Friday from 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.













Jennifer Webb's death being treated as homicide 'until we can determine it's something else,' prosecutor says
MLive
September 02, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/jennifer_webbs_death_being_tre.html

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has identified a woman found deceased Tuesday night in Buena Vista Township as 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, saying he’s “treating this as a homicide until we can determine it’s something else.”

The body of Webb, of Saginaw, who was about eight months pregnant according to Thomas, was found near North Outer Drive where it ends north of Hack.

Thomas said her body was discovered Tuesday night but he declined to say who found her.

“We know what the manner of death is, but we’re not releasing that at this time,” Thomas said. “We want to make sure, in our witness interviews, that the information we’re getting is based upon facts and evidence and knowledge of the event, and not what they read in The Saginaw News or from watching Channel Whatever.”

The prosecutor declined to comment when asked if investigators have a suspect. He said the investigation of Webb’s death “will continue through the weekend from our end and from the police end.”

Michigan State Police are investigating the incident. Earlier this week, they had described the death as "suspicious."

The prosecutor said authorities are waiting for further results of laboratory tests done by Michigan State Police forensic scientists, “and we don’t have them yet.”

“Per our Saginaw County death investigation procedure, we’re treating this as a homicide until we can determine it’s something else,” Thomas said.
















Jennifer Webb Murder Or Suicide?
Solariasun.Com
September 02, 2011
http://solariasun.com/6063/jennifer-webb-murder-or-suicide/

Jennifer Webb Murder Or Suicide – Questions are being asked if Jennifer Webb's death was a murder or suicide after body was found near a Michigan police shooting range.

8 months pregnant, Jennifer Webb’s death was initially thought to be a suicide, but authorities have turned toward a murder motive when friends argued the 32 year old Michigan woman would never take her own life.

“She was excited she was going to have a baby,” neighbor Steve Wobig told a local TV station.

Jennifer’s body was found early Wednesday in a rural area in Saginaw County’s Buena Vista Township, near the police department’s gun range.

Reports from Michigan news sources state Buena Vista Township police initially responded to a suicide report, but the Saginaw County prosecutor has now classified it as a suspicious death.

Compounding the mystery is the prosecutors use of Michigan State Police investigators called in to take over the case from Saginaw deputies, perhaps occuring due to a police officer being involved in the suspicous death. When questioned regarding this change in investigative personnel the prosecutor said no arrests have been made and has refused to comment on possible suspects.

MyFoxDetroit.com cited unnamed sources who said a Buena Vista police officer had been sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim. Autopsy results are pending.












Pregnant Woman Found Dead Near Gun Range in Saginaw County
WJBK News - Detroit
September 01, 2011
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/police-probe-death-of-pregnant-saginaw-area-woman-20110901-wpms

SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. (WJBK) - The woman, who lived in Saginaw County, was expected to give birth next month. Neighbors said she was very excited about it. That is why what appeared first as a suicide investigators now believe is something now much different.

"She was excited she was going to have a baby," said Steve Wobig.

He told us his neighbor, Jennifer Webb had recently celebrated her baby shower. She was so thrilled about the arrival of her new baby, she even posted the ultrasound image as her Facebook profile picture.

Then word came the 32-year-old mother-to-be was found dead.

Tuesday night, Webb's body was discovered nearly Freeway and South Outer Drive, a rural area in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township near the police department's gun range that is frequented by officers.

Buena Vista Township Police responded to what at first was a suicide call, but now according to the Saginaw County prosecutor is being looked at as a suspicious death.

Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved.














Pregnant Woman Found Dead Near Saginaw
Victim Is 32-Year-Old Jenny Webb

Click On Detroit
September 1, 2011



BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Buena Vista Township police said the body of a pregnant woman has been found near a gun range.

The body was found early Wednesday morning near North Outer Drive.

Police have not released the name of the victim, but Local 4 has learned it is 32-year-old Jenny Webb, who was eight months pregnant.

An autopsy has been performed, but Webb's cause of death has not been released.

Police have confirmed that a decision was made to have Michigan State Police handle the investigation.














Police probe death of pregnant Saginaw-area woman
Chicago Tribune
September 1, 2011
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-pregnantwoman-dea,0,5883522.story

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich.— Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of a woman near the end of her pregnancy whose body was found in Saginaw County.

Officials haven't released the victim's name, but the owner of an industrial supply company tells The Saginaw News (http://j.mp/pRXZmM ) that she was one of his employees, Jenny Webb of Bridgeport Township.

Jim Terry owns P.F. Markey Inc. and says Webb was increasingly excited about the impending birth of her first child, who was due within a month.

Buena Vista Township police Chief Brian Booker says police found the body early Wednesday near his department's gun range, which is just east of Saginaw.

State police are calling the death suspicious but haven't released details.














'When she smiled, the whole office smiled'
Employer of pregnant victim found in Buena Vista remembers Bridgeport woman
MLive
September 01, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/when_she_smiled_the_whole_offi.html

A photo on Classmates appears to show the same Jenny Webb media reports indicate was found dead Wednesday in Buena Vista Township.

SAGINAW TWP. — Jenny Webb “never had a down day” and wore a “fabulous smile” that could light up the room, her former boss says.

While officials have yet to confirm her identity, media reports indicate Bridgeport Township's Webb was the pregnant woman found dead under “suspicious” circumstances in Buena Vista Township on Wednesday.

The day before, she was working as a customer service employee at Saginaw Township’s P.F. Markey Inc., 2880 Universal, the company’s owner said.

“She was probably the most energetic, happy employee we had,” said Jim Terry, who owns the company which distributes cutting tools, abrasives and other industrial supplies. “She had a fabulous smile. When she smiled, the whole office smiled.”

Terry said Webb particularly was excited in recent months as she readied to have her first child, which was due within a month.

“She was very upbeat about the pregnancy,” Terry said. “She was excited to have the baby.”

He said Webb was “family-oriented,” although she was not married yet.

Terry said Webb, who worked at the office for two years, was a “big” University of Michigan football fan despite never attending the Ann Arbor school.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas this morning said he was waiting for state police detectives, who had been working the case early this morning, before relaying more information about the victim.

He has yet to confirm the victim was Webb.

State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious,” and Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker said.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said on Wednesday, “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.”




Monday, August 29, 2011

08292011 - MSPTrooper David Morikawa - Sentenced - Iron River Post

Also See:
Trooper David Morikawa charged with CSC






Trooper David Morikawa

MICHIGAN OTIS [OFFENDER TRACKING INFORMATION SYSTEM]
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
DAVID PAUL MORIKAWA
MDOC Number: 812245
SID Number: 4121855H
Name: DAVID PAUL MORIKAWA
Racial Identification: White
Gender: Male
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Date of Birth: 12/31/1973 (38)
Image Date: 8/30/2011

MDOC STATUS
Current Status: Prisoner
Assigned Location: Lakeland Correctional Facility
Security Level: II
Earliest Release Date: 03/13/2013
Maximum Discharge Date: 07/13/2026

ALIASES: None

MARKS, SCARS & TATTOOS: Scar- Back Left Ankle - 6" long vertical scar


PRISON SENTENCES
ACTIVE
Sentence 1

Offense: Criminal Sexual Conduct, 2nd Deg (Person Under 13
MCL#: 750.520C1A
Court File#: 11009129-FH-S
County: Iron
Conviction Type: Jury
Minimum Sentence: 1 year 8 months 0 days
Date of Offense: 07/15/2009
Maximum Sentence: 15 years 0 months
Date of Sentence: 08/29/2011

Sentence 2
Offense:
Criminal Sexual Conduct, 2nd Deg (Person Under 13)
MCL#: 750.520C1A
Court File#: 11009129-FH-S
County: Iron
Conviction Type: Jury
Minimum Sentence: 1 year 8 months 0 days
Maximum Sentence: 15 years 0 months
Date of Offense: 07/15/2009
Date of Sentence: 08/29/2011











Morikawa sentenced for CSC
Posted by Nicole Walton
August 30th, 2011
http://www.wnmufm.org/2011/08/30/morikawa-sentenced-for-csc

CRYSTAL FALLS, MI– A former Michigan State Police trooper has been sentenced to prison on criminal sexual conduct charges.

David Morikawa, 37, of Crystal Falls was convicted of two counts of second-degree CSC in July in Iron County Circuit Court. He was accused of inappropriately touching his cousin when she stayed at his house two years ago.

Morikawa was sentenced Monday to 20 months in prison with credit for 46 days already served. He must also register as a sex offender.













Former state trooper sentenced to prison
by Aaron Martin
Posted: 08.30.2011 at 5:00 AM
Upper Michigan Source
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?list=~%5Cnews%5Clists%5Crecent&id=657248


37-year-old David Morikawa was convicted on two counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct.






FORMER STATE TROOPER SENTENCED TO PRISON. UPPER MICHIGAN SOURCE.


IRON CO. CIRCUIT COURT -- A former Michigan State Trooper will spend time in prison.

Monday, 37-year-old David Morikawa was sentenced to 20 months in prison after being convicted on two felony counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct in July. The convictions stem from a July 2009 incident between Morikawa and a 12-year-old girl.

Defense Attorney Grant Carlson asked the judge to go on the lower end of the 12 to 24month recommendation, sighting Morikawa's lack of a criminal record.

"Mr. Morikawa respects the jury system, and he respects the jury’s determination,” said Carlson. “Does he agree with it? Frankly that's irrelevant. He has accepted the verdict."

The victim wrote a statement to the court in part saying she has a scar she can't get rid of.

The victim’s mother, a relative of Morikawa, also addressed the court about the pain her family has suffered since the incident.

"What you have done to my daughter and our family is something I can't get over,” said the victim's mother. “Our family will never be the same...every holiday, for Christmas, for birthdays."

Before issuing his 20 month prison sentence, Judge C. Joseph Schwedler explained how this is about more than just punishing Morikawa.

"I will, in this process, send a message to the community that we won't tolerate this in Iron County, Michigan," said Schwedler.

Morikawa chose not to address the court and was emotionless when his sentence was read. He will be required to register as sex offender and will be given credit for 46days already served in jail.













Former trooper sentenced
August 29, 2011
The Daily News
UPDATE
By NIKKI YOUNK
Staff Writer
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page//content.detail/id/530240/Former-trooper-sentenced.html?nav=5002


CRYSTAL FALLS - Former state trooper David Morikawa was sentenced to at least 20 months behind bars for two felony counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct-person under age 13. Morikawa was sentenced in Iron County Court this morning.



FORMER TROOPER SENTENCED. IRON MOUNTAIN DAILY NEWS.

CRYSTAL FALLS - A former Michigan State Police trooper has been sentenced to serve a minimum of one year and eight months in prison for two felony counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct.

David Paul Morikawa, 37, of Crystal Falls was convicted of the charges following a four-day jury trial in July.

Jurors concluded that Morikawa was guilty of inappropriately touching his female cousin, who was 12 at the time, during the summer of 2009.

Morikawa and his attorney Grant Carlson appeared for a sentencing hearing Monday in Iron County Trial Court.

Carlson argued that his client has been punished already, by losing his job and his home, and will continue to be punished for the rest of his life, through Michigan's sex offender registry.

"There's enough pain in this case to go around," said Carlson.

Carlson added that Morikawa has no prior criminal record and has shown no pattern of committing sexual abuse.

Special Prosecutor Michael Stein pointed out that Morikawa lost his job and his home through his own choice of resigning from the Iron River Michigan State Police post, where he had worked for more than two years.

Stein also said that the court should consider the victim's pain, not Morikawa's.

"Some say the crime of rape is almost worse than murder, because the victims have to live with the horror for the rest of their lives," he said.

When invited to make a statement, the now 14-year-old victim turned over a written letter to Victim Rights Advocate Sue Bekkala to read aloud. The victim wrote about how the crime was like a "scar on her heart," how it made her less trusting and happy, and how it has torn her extended family apart.

Morikawa chose to not make a statement.

Judge C. Joseph Schwedler simply said that these types of crimes will not be tolerated in this community.

He ordered that Morikawa serve 20 months to 15 years in prison with credit for 46 days already served.












Morikawa found guilty of CSC
Posted by Nicole Walton
July 18th, 2011
WNMU Radio
http://www.wnmufm.org/2011/07/18/morikawa-found-guilty-of-csc

CRYSTAL FALLS, MI– A former Michigan State Police trooper from Crystal Falls has been convicted on two counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct.

David Morikawa, 37, went on trial last week for inappropriately touching his 12-year-old cousin when she stayed at his house two years ago.

The jury reached its verdict Friday after one of the jurors was excused for possibly being unfit. Once the juror was replaced with an alternate the guilty verdict became unanimous.

Morikawa faces up to 30 years in prison. Sentencing is set for August 29 in Iron County Circuit Court.










Ex-trooper guilty
Faces maximum penalty of 30 years in sex assault case

July 16, 2011
By NIKKI YOUNK - Staff Writer
The Iron Mountain Daily News
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/529394.html


David Morikawa, left, and his attorney Grant Carlson listen to the jury’s verdict in Morikawa’s criminal sexual conduct trial. The jury of four women and eight men found Morikawa guilty on two felony counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct-person under age 13. Nikki Younk/Daily News Photo


CRYSTAL FALLS - Following almost 11 hours of deliberation and a juror substitution, an Iron County jury convicted former state trooper David Morikawa of two felony counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct-person under age 13.

Morikawa, 37, of Crystal Falls will be sentenced at 10 a.m. on Aug. 29. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.

After deliberating for about six hours on Thursday, the jury of three women and nine men was in a deadlock. Two jurors remained opposed to the majority decision.

The votes were the same on Friday morning and it appeared that the court would be forced to declare a hung jury.

However, at about 11 a.m. Friday, one of the male jurors was excused under suspicion of being unfit.

Judge Mary Barglind, who sat in for the out-of-town Judge C. Joseph Schwedler, explained that the jury had handed her a note indicating that the juror had been investigated in the past for an undisclosed matter that would have influenced his opinion in the Morikawa case.

It was thus deemed inappropriate for him to continue his jury service, she added.

The juror may be held in contempt of court for not disclosing the information during jury selection.

Judge Barglind, Special Prosecutor Michael Stein, and Morikawa's attorney Grant Carlson agreed that the excused juror should be replaced by the alternate juror.

The alternate juror had heard the entire trial, but did not participate in the jury deliberations on Thursday or Friday morning.

About three hours after the substitution, the jury, now consisting of four women and eight men, returned a unanimous guilty verdict on both counts.

Morikawa was remanded into the custody of the Iron County Sheriff's Department pending sentencing.

He was tried for inappropriately touching his 12-year-old cousin when she was sleeping in the guest room of his house in July 2009.