Saturday, March 15, 2008
03152008 - Officer Mark James Sigler - Litchfield PD
Litchfield officer gets deferred sentence
By Don Reid, GateHouse News Service
Hillsdale Daily News
Posted Aug 11, 2008 @ 02:59 PM
http://www.hillsdale.net/news/x418528603/Litchfield-officer-gets-deferred-sentence
Litchfield, Mich. — Former Litchfield Police Department Officer Mark James Sigler was placed on a deferred sentence by Hillsdale County District Court Judge Donald L. Sanderson last week, after he pleaded no contest to domestic violence. He also paid a ticket for an expired license plate in the plea bargain.
Sigler was given the option of having the plea taken under advisement. The sentence was “deferred under the statutes,” and will be dismissed if he fulfills the conditions of probation.
Judge Sanderson said the information in his case was confidential, as Sigler will probably walk away with no sentence. Judge Sanderson declined comment and urged the paper not to publish a story on the case.
LPD Chief Steve Marson said Sigler, 24, of Reading, resigned his position on the LPD, after Chief Marson suspended him without pay for four weeks following a March 15 incident, court reports indicate.
Katurah Miller called 911 after she and Sigler became involved in an argument at 206 Southfield B2 in the evening, court documents said.
Chief Marson was informed by his officer on duty and, according to Hillsdale County Dispatch records, he asked the Michigan State Police to conduct the investigation and answer the call to allay any issues of bias.
Miller said Sigler “flicked me in the face” with his hand then pinned me against a sliding glass door. The statement also said he grabbed her by the face. During the altercation, she suffered a bloody nose.
That night Sigler was transported to the Branch County Jail by MSP, where he was booked and released on bond.
A no-contact order was issued warning Sigler not to contact her but she contacted the court the next day to request the order be removed.
[MI POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED PERPETRATED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW ENFORCEMENT MURDER SUICIDE]
Thursday, March 13, 2008
03132008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Allegan County SD
DEPUTY KEVIN HAAN, ALLEGAN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT.
Sheriff's deputy faces charges
by Advance Newspapers
Monday April 07, 2008, 10:53 AM
http://www.mlive.com/penaseeglobe/index.ssf/2008/04/sheriffs_deputy_faces_charges.html
An Allegan County Sheriff's Office Deputy was arrested three times in March and is currently on unpaid administrative leave.
Kevin Haan, 43, was arrested March 4 for making alleged threatening telephone calls to his estranged wife, then arrested again on March 13 for violation of the terms of his bond. According to bond conditions, Haan was under a court order to refrain from contacting his wife or consuming alcohol.
The third arrest, for alleged drunken driving, took place in Barry County on March 28.
A board of inquiry will recommend disciplinary action, which could result in Haan's termination
Deputy suspended for three arrests
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Holland Sentinel
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/040208/local_20080402016.shtml
An Allegan County road patrol deputy was placed on unpaid leave after being arrested for the third time last weekend.
Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said that Kevin Haan, 43, was first arrested by Allegan County deputies on March 4 for allegedly making threatening phone calls to his wife. Prosecutors charged him with malicious use of a phone.
He was initially placed on administrative leave with pay, Hull said.
Haan was arrested a second time for violating the conditions of a bond when he continued to contact his wife, Hull said.
On Friday, Haan was arrested by Barry County deputies on suspicion of drunken driving.
Hull said a board of inquiry, which includes two lieutenants and a sergeant of the Allegan County Sheriff's Office, met last week to determine whether Haan will be allowed to return to his position.
"They wanted some additional information and they are waiting on it right now," Hull said. "They will reconvene."
For the time being, Haan has been placed on unpaid leave.
Hull said Haan has no arrests prior to the March 4 incident. He called Haan a "great policeman" who has helped a lot of people in his 18 years with the sheriff's office.
Hull declined comment on any personal problems Haan may have been experiencing prior to his arrests.
"In any workplace, everyone knows about everyone's problems," he said. "I've been doing this for 34 years. Not much surprises me anymore."
Former Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [Oct. 15, 2012]
Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [March 28, 2008]
Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for violating domestic violence bond [March 13, 2008]
Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for domestic violence [March 04, 2008]
From: Cloudwriter / Behind The Blue Wall:
Sheriff's deputy faces charges
by Advance Newspapers
Monday April 07, 2008, 10:53 AM
http://www.mlive.com/penaseeglobe/index.ssf/2008/04/sheriffs_deputy_faces_charges.html
An Allegan County Sheriff's Office Deputy was arrested three times in March and is currently on unpaid administrative leave.
Kevin Haan, 43, was arrested March 4 for making alleged threatening telephone calls to his estranged wife, then arrested again on March 13 for violation of the terms of his bond. According to bond conditions, Haan was under a court order to refrain from contacting his wife or consuming alcohol.
The third arrest, for alleged drunken driving, took place in Barry County on March 28.
A board of inquiry will recommend disciplinary action, which could result in Haan's termination
Deputy suspended for three arrests
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Holland Sentinel
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/040208/local_20080402016.shtml
An Allegan County road patrol deputy was placed on unpaid leave after being arrested for the third time last weekend.
Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said that Kevin Haan, 43, was first arrested by Allegan County deputies on March 4 for allegedly making threatening phone calls to his wife. Prosecutors charged him with malicious use of a phone.
He was initially placed on administrative leave with pay, Hull said.
Haan was arrested a second time for violating the conditions of a bond when he continued to contact his wife, Hull said.
On Friday, Haan was arrested by Barry County deputies on suspicion of drunken driving.
Hull said a board of inquiry, which includes two lieutenants and a sergeant of the Allegan County Sheriff's Office, met last week to determine whether Haan will be allowed to return to his position.
"They wanted some additional information and they are waiting on it right now," Hull said. "They will reconvene."
For the time being, Haan has been placed on unpaid leave.
Hull said Haan has no arrests prior to the March 4 incident. He called Haan a "great policeman" who has helped a lot of people in his 18 years with the sheriff's office.
Hull declined comment on any personal problems Haan may have been experiencing prior to his arrests.
"In any workplace, everyone knows about everyone's problems," he said. "I've been doing this for 34 years. Not much surprises me anymore."
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
03122008 - Firefighter Mike Risher - Detroit FD
Also See:
WXYZ / Channel 7, Detroit [reporter Scott Lewis] investigation of Firefighter Mike Risher's violence against women:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/10/firefighter-mike-risher-detroit-fd.html
2005: A woman said she and Risher were arguing in the back seat of a minivan when Risher head-butted her. When she fought back, she said that Risher pinned her down and choked her.
2006: Risher gets in a bar fight and assaults a woman. The assault is caught on the bar's video cam.
2006: When police respond to Risher's assault of the woman, Risher flashes his badge and claims to the responding police that he is the victim.The police arrest the woman that Risher is seen attacking on the bar's video. Risher filed a false police report. The victim of his attack was falsely arrested.
2006: Victim of Risher's attack in the bar filed a lawsuit against Risher. She is awarded $15,000. But Risher only pays a small portion of the suit.
March 12, 2008: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.
Unknown Date: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.
September 18, 2009: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.
March 08, 2011: Risher assaulted Jennifer Panduren at a bar, when she and her friend Samantha Strozynski turned down his advances. Assault was caught on a security cam. Police refuse to review secuirty cam tape. Police refuse to file charges against Risher.
March 08, 2011: Risher assaulted Samantha Strozynski.
March 08, 2011: Risher arrested for disorderly conduct for assaulting Panduren and Strozynski. Charges were later dismissed.
March 08, 2011: Panduren [assaulted by Risher] was arrested for disorderly conduct. Charges were later dismissed.
Summer 2011: Risher attacked a woman when he accused her of spilling his drink. Risher picked her up by her neck and slammed her onto a boat deck after he accused her of spilling his drink.
Police reports from three incidents of domestic violence that Firefighter Mike Risher's now ex-wife filed with the Clinton Police Department. Risher was never arrested / charged, although Michigan has a mandatory domestic violence arrest policy. And, according to Michigan law, if police do not make an arrest during a domestic violence situation, they must file a report detailing their decision not to arrest.
New, disturbing information on off-duty firefighter Mike Risher who attacked two women
Posted: 11/15/2012
By: Scott Lewis
WXYZ News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/women-say-firefighter-used-badge-to-get-out-of-trouble7-action-news-investigation-turns-the-tide
(WXYZ) - The 7 Action News Investigators have uncovered new, disturbing information about the off-duty Detroit firefighter who attacked two women; this may not be his first offense of this kind.
Police are now looking into the case of off-duty firefighter Mike Risher attacking two women; Jennifer Panduren and Samantha Strozynski outside a bar in 2001. A high-profile attorney has also stepped in.
Meanwhile, two additional women told 7 Action News they were previously attacked by Risher.
It was Paczi Day 2011 when Panduren and Strozynski were arguing with Risher outside the Mars Bar in Hamtramck. Witnesses said Risher punched both in the face and knocked them to the pavement.
"I said to him, I was like, 'Oh, you're big, you're gonna punch a girl.’ And, yeah, I ate my words I guess you can say because he definitely did," Jennifer Panduren said.
Despite presenting security video to police, Strozynski says "Nobody would ever let us make a police report.”
Both women say they believe Risher received a free pass from police because he works as a firefighter.
An independent witness said police told him nothing much would come of the incident because Risher was a Detroit firefighter.
But everything changed after the 7 Action News Investigators exposed this incident three weeks ago.
After our investigation aired, Hamtramck Police brought in Panduren and Strozynski for interviews. They also took statements from two witnesses and are retrieving the women's medical records to document their injuries.
Hamtramck police Chief Maxwell Garbarino confirmed detectives are preparing a warrant request for the Wayne County prosecutor, seeking charges against the Risher. This comes a year and half after the incident happened.
High-powered attorney Ven Johnson has also offered to help Panduren and Strozynski. Johnson said although there is likely little or no money in it, he is preparing to file a civil lawsuit against Risher.
"No one's above the law. No one's above the law,” Johnson told Scott Lewis. “And it doesn't matter what you do for a living or who you work for, or how much money you make, you can't punch other people in the face and get away with it unprovoked. And that's exactly what we think Mr. Risher did."
Meanwhile, two additional women have come forward claiming Risher once attacked them as well.
One woman provided 7 Action News with pictures showing a scrape on her neck. She said the injury occurred last summer when Risher picked her up by her neck and slammed her onto a boat deck after he accused her of spilling his drink. An eyewitness backed up her story.
A second woman said Risher assaulted her in 2005. She said she and Risher were arguing in the back seat of a minivan when Risher head-butted her. When she fought back, she said that Risher pinned her down and choked her. That incident was also confirmed by a witness.
As we previously reported Risher and his then girlfriend were also sued over a bar fight in 2006 and ordered to pay the victims $15,000.
The lawsuit said that "Risher appears to be suffering from the effects of too many steroids. He has a larger than usual physic and a violent temper which he has trouble controlling".
Risher's ex-wife and a former girlfriend both confirm that he has taken steroids prescribed by a doctor.
Reports also show police were called to the Risher's Clinton Township home three times for domestic incidents. In one case, Risher's wife said he pushed her into a table, and knocked the wind out of her leaving a visible scrape. The report says she wanted to press charges but for some reason they were never filed.
Risher worked for a year in the Mount Clemens Fire Department but was terminated in 2003.
His six month performance evaluation gave him unsatisfactory ratings in "ability to get along with others," "carrying out instructions," and “work attitude.”
In all, Risher is accused of attacking five different women since 2005 with no significant repercussions.
Attorney Ven Johnson says it’s his motivation to push the Hamtramck case in civil court.
"My clients have the right to insist that [Risher] be held absolutely accountable for the last year going almost a year and a half,” said Johnson. “He was walking the streets smiling laughing about what he did to these ladies."
Hamtramck Police arrested Risher for disorderly conduct after the Mars Bar incident, but the ticket was later dismissed by a judge.
After Hamtramck Police submit their warrant request, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office will decide whether there is enough evidence to support a criminal charge.
Detroit Fire Commissioner Donald Austin released this statement to 7 Action News:
"The Detroit Fire Department learned of the allegations against Michael Risher when this story originally aired a few weeks ago. The Department has begun a thorough investigation of this incident.
"Regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, we need to determine whether Fire Fighter Risher violated the rules and regulations of the Detroit Fire Department. When our investigation is completed, we will take the appropriate disciplinary action, if any is warranted."
We also reached out to Mike Risher asking for comment on these latest developments.
So far, he has not responded.
WXYZ / Channel 7, Detroit [reporter Scott Lewis] investigation of Firefighter Mike Risher's violence against women:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/10/firefighter-mike-risher-detroit-fd.html
2005: A woman said she and Risher were arguing in the back seat of a minivan when Risher head-butted her. When she fought back, she said that Risher pinned her down and choked her.
2006: Risher gets in a bar fight and assaults a woman. The assault is caught on the bar's video cam.
2006: When police respond to Risher's assault of the woman, Risher flashes his badge and claims to the responding police that he is the victim.The police arrest the woman that Risher is seen attacking on the bar's video. Risher filed a false police report. The victim of his attack was falsely arrested.
2006: Victim of Risher's attack in the bar filed a lawsuit against Risher. She is awarded $15,000. But Risher only pays a small portion of the suit.
March 12, 2008: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.
Unknown Date: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.
September 18, 2009: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.
March 08, 2011: Risher assaulted Jennifer Panduren at a bar, when she and her friend Samantha Strozynski turned down his advances. Assault was caught on a security cam. Police refuse to review secuirty cam tape. Police refuse to file charges against Risher.
March 08, 2011: Risher assaulted Samantha Strozynski.
March 08, 2011: Risher arrested for disorderly conduct for assaulting Panduren and Strozynski. Charges were later dismissed.
March 08, 2011: Panduren [assaulted by Risher] was arrested for disorderly conduct. Charges were later dismissed.
Summer 2011: Risher attacked a woman when he accused her of spilling his drink. Risher picked her up by her neck and slammed her onto a boat deck after he accused her of spilling his drink.
New, disturbing information on off-duty firefighter Mike Risher who attacked two women
Posted: 11/15/2012
By: Scott Lewis
WXYZ News, Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/women-say-firefighter-used-badge-to-get-out-of-trouble7-action-news-investigation-turns-the-tide
(WXYZ) - The 7 Action News Investigators have uncovered new, disturbing information about the off-duty Detroit firefighter who attacked two women; this may not be his first offense of this kind.
Police are now looking into the case of off-duty firefighter Mike Risher attacking two women; Jennifer Panduren and Samantha Strozynski outside a bar in 2001. A high-profile attorney has also stepped in.
Meanwhile, two additional women told 7 Action News they were previously attacked by Risher.
It was Paczi Day 2011 when Panduren and Strozynski were arguing with Risher outside the Mars Bar in Hamtramck. Witnesses said Risher punched both in the face and knocked them to the pavement.
"I said to him, I was like, 'Oh, you're big, you're gonna punch a girl.’ And, yeah, I ate my words I guess you can say because he definitely did," Jennifer Panduren said.
Despite presenting security video to police, Strozynski says "Nobody would ever let us make a police report.”
Both women say they believe Risher received a free pass from police because he works as a firefighter.
An independent witness said police told him nothing much would come of the incident because Risher was a Detroit firefighter.
But everything changed after the 7 Action News Investigators exposed this incident three weeks ago.
After our investigation aired, Hamtramck Police brought in Panduren and Strozynski for interviews. They also took statements from two witnesses and are retrieving the women's medical records to document their injuries.
Hamtramck police Chief Maxwell Garbarino confirmed detectives are preparing a warrant request for the Wayne County prosecutor, seeking charges against the Risher. This comes a year and half after the incident happened.
High-powered attorney Ven Johnson has also offered to help Panduren and Strozynski. Johnson said although there is likely little or no money in it, he is preparing to file a civil lawsuit against Risher.
"No one's above the law. No one's above the law,” Johnson told Scott Lewis. “And it doesn't matter what you do for a living or who you work for, or how much money you make, you can't punch other people in the face and get away with it unprovoked. And that's exactly what we think Mr. Risher did."
Meanwhile, two additional women have come forward claiming Risher once attacked them as well.
One woman provided 7 Action News with pictures showing a scrape on her neck. She said the injury occurred last summer when Risher picked her up by her neck and slammed her onto a boat deck after he accused her of spilling his drink. An eyewitness backed up her story.
A second woman said Risher assaulted her in 2005. She said she and Risher were arguing in the back seat of a minivan when Risher head-butted her. When she fought back, she said that Risher pinned her down and choked her. That incident was also confirmed by a witness.
As we previously reported Risher and his then girlfriend were also sued over a bar fight in 2006 and ordered to pay the victims $15,000.
The lawsuit said that "Risher appears to be suffering from the effects of too many steroids. He has a larger than usual physic and a violent temper which he has trouble controlling".
Risher's ex-wife and a former girlfriend both confirm that he has taken steroids prescribed by a doctor.
Reports also show police were called to the Risher's Clinton Township home three times for domestic incidents. In one case, Risher's wife said he pushed her into a table, and knocked the wind out of her leaving a visible scrape. The report says she wanted to press charges but for some reason they were never filed.
Risher worked for a year in the Mount Clemens Fire Department but was terminated in 2003.
His six month performance evaluation gave him unsatisfactory ratings in "ability to get along with others," "carrying out instructions," and “work attitude.”
In all, Risher is accused of attacking five different women since 2005 with no significant repercussions.
Attorney Ven Johnson says it’s his motivation to push the Hamtramck case in civil court.
"My clients have the right to insist that [Risher] be held absolutely accountable for the last year going almost a year and a half,” said Johnson. “He was walking the streets smiling laughing about what he did to these ladies."
Hamtramck Police arrested Risher for disorderly conduct after the Mars Bar incident, but the ticket was later dismissed by a judge.
After Hamtramck Police submit their warrant request, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office will decide whether there is enough evidence to support a criminal charge.
Detroit Fire Commissioner Donald Austin released this statement to 7 Action News:
"The Detroit Fire Department learned of the allegations against Michael Risher when this story originally aired a few weeks ago. The Department has begun a thorough investigation of this incident.
"Regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, we need to determine whether Fire Fighter Risher violated the rules and regulations of the Detroit Fire Department. When our investigation is completed, we will take the appropriate disciplinary action, if any is warranted."
We also reached out to Mike Risher asking for comment on these latest developments.
So far, he has not responded.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
03062008 - Deputy Van Wert - Sentenced - Bay County SD
Also See:
Deputy Dale Van Wert charged with CSC
Ex-deputy a sex offender
Friday, March 07, 2008
THE SAGINAW NEWS
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginawnews/index.ssf?/base/news25/1204903226111560.xml&coll=9
A former Bay County sheriff's deputy has received his punishment in a Saginaw court on charges he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in his care.
Dale P. Van Wert learned Thursday he will spend the next three years on probation.
Van Wert, 49, pleaded no contest to one count of attempted sexual assault.
Investigators said he sexually assaulted the teen at his Garfield Township home between Dec. 6, 2006, and Jan. 7, 2007.
Van Wert and his wife operated a foster care home for children from their home near Linwood.
As part of the probation, Saginaw County Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson ordered Van Wert to register as a sex offender, to undergo sexual abuse treatment, to not appear within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, arcades, playgrounds or anywhere else children gather, and not have contact with anyone younger than 17 unless an adult is present to supervise the visit.
Jackson handled the case because Bay County judges recused themselves. The crimes occurred in Bay County.
Jackson also ordered Van Wert to pay $840 in fees and fines and work a job at least 30 hours a week. He gave the former law man credit for the 413 days he already served in jail.
Van Wert's attorney, Matthew L. Reyes of Bay City, said his client was going to live with a brother in Bay County.
Van Wert didn't speak during the sentencing hearing.
''I'd like to know why you did this,'' the mother of the victim asked Van Wert in court. ''I need to know the reason. I don't understand why you threw your life away.''
Bay County Sheriff John Miller fired Van Wert in September 2006 amid allegations he used the Law Enforcement Information Network for his personal process-serving business and he did so while on duty for the sheriff's department.
Former sheriff's deputy gets three years probation
Friday, March 07, 2008
Bay City Times
http://www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news11/1204906518131170.xml&coll=4
A former Bay County sheriff's deputy has received his punishment in a Saginaw court on charges he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in his care.
Dale P. Van Wert learned Thursday he will spend the next three years on probation.
Van Wert, 49, pleaded no contest to one count of attempted sexual assault.
Investigators said he sexually assaulted the teen at his Garfield Township home between Dec. 6, 2006, and Jan. 7, 2007.
Van Wert and his wife operated a foster care home for children from their home near Linwood.
As part of the probation, Saginaw County Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson ordered Van Wert to register as a sex offender, to undergo sexual abuse treatment, to not appear within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, arcades, playgrounds or anywhere else children gather, and not have contact with anyone younger than 17 unless an adult is present to supervise the visit.
Jackson handled the case because Bay County judges recused themselves. The crimes occurred in Bay County.
Jackson also ordered Van Wert to pay $840 in fees and fines and work a job at least 30 hours a week. He gave the former law man credit for the 413 days he already served in jail.
Van Wert's attorney, Matthew L. Reyes of Bay City, said his client was going to live with a brother in Bay County.
Van Wert didn't speak during the sentencing hearing.
''I'd like to know why you did this,'' the mother of the victim asked Van Wert in court. ''I need to know the reason. I don't understand why you threw your life away.''
The woman said Van Wert's actions left her angry and confused.
Although she said she's having a difficult time coping with the ordeal and she's certain he committed the crime, the woman said she has forgiven Van Wert.
Bay County Sheriff John Miller fired Van Wert in September 2006 amid allegations he used the Law Enforcement Information Network for his personal process-serving business while on duty for the sheriff's department.
Ex-Deputy Learns Fate In Child Sex Assault
After Serving 14 Months, Van Wert Could Get Probation
WNEN- Channel 5 News
POSTED: 11:23 am EST March 6, 2008
UPDATED: 11:31 am EST March 6, 2008
http://www.wnem.com/news/15512728/detail.html
SAGINAW, Mich. -- A former Bay County sheriff’s deputy will be sentenced Thursday for a sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl.
Dale Van Wert’s first trial ended in a hung jury in December. He entered a no-contest plea last month.
Van Wert will register as a sex offender, and since he has been in custody for 14 months he could be released Thursday and placed on immediate probation.
The sentencing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Saginaw County court
Van Wert pleads no contest in assault case
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
By CRYSTAL McMORRIS
The Bay City Times
A former Bay County Sheriff's deputy has pleaded no contest to a charge of attempted sexual assault and guilty to three counts of unauthorized use of the Law Enforcement Information Network.
Dale P. Van Wert entered the pleas Monday afternoon in Saginaw County Circuit Court, where Judge Darnell Jackson is handling the case due to recusal of Bay County judges. The crimes to which Van Wert pleaded occurred in Bay County. He faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced March 6, but guidelines indicate a shorter sentence is likely.
Van Wert, who as a deputy was assigned to Bay County Court security, was accused of obtaining information through Central Dispatch for use in his own process-serving business while on duty in 2006
He also had been charged with several sex crimes alleging sexual assault of a 13-year-old at his Linwood-area home in 2006 and 2007. The more serious sex charges were dismissed as part of a plea bargain.
''You can lock a man up for 13 months with no bond, and eventually he's going to make decisions that are going to get him out of jail,'' said Matthew Reyes, Van Wert's defense attorney.
A jury in December was unable to reach a verdict after hearing several days of testimony about the alleged sexual assaults.
Bay County Prosecutor Kurt Asbury said he consulted with the victim and her mother and determined that it was ''in the best interest of the victim and the public to resolve this matter without another trial.''
Asbury said sentencing guidelines indicate that Van Wert may be released with time served, which will amount to about 14 months. Van Wert also will be required to register as a sex offender and will be placed on probation.
''Given all the circumstances of the case, and the fact that we tried to convict him previously, we're satisfied that he's been convicted of a very serious felony and will be a registered sex offender for life,'' Asbury said.
Reyes said Van Wert agreed to the plea bargain as a way of ''putting an end to the saga.''
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
03042008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Allegan County SD
DEPUTY KEVIN HAAN, ALLEGAN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT.
Arrested on March 04, 2008 for making threatening phone calls to his wife.
Original charges: Malicious use of a phone [misdemeanor].
Released on bond, with conditions that Deputy Haan have no contact with his wife and that he not consume alcohol.
Allegan County deputy suspended after third arrest
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
By Nate Reens
The Grand Rapids Press
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/04/allegan_county_sheriffs_deputy.html
ALLEGAN COUNTY -- A veteran sheriff's deputy has been suspended without pay after he was arrested three times in the past month, twice by his co-workers, Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said.
Kevin Haan, a 43-year-old road patrol officer serving the county's northeastern townships, has not returned to work since a March 4 arrest by fellow deputies for allegedly placing a threatening phone call to his wife.
Haan, who was charged by Allegan prosecutors with a misdemeanor for malicious use of a phone, was subsequently arrested on accusations he violated bond conditions by contacting his spouse again, Hull said.
The deputy originally was placed on a paid leave, but that status was changed by department leaders Thursday to unpaid suspension after an internal hearing.
The next day, Hull said, Haan was arrested on suspicion of drunken-driving in Barry County. Details of that incident were not available.
"He's really going through a tough time in his personal life right now," Hull said. "He's a fabulous deputy, but he's got some things he has to deal with right now and he can't do that while working."
Hull said Haan threatened his wife, but there is no allegation that any violence occurred. Haan could not be reached for comment.
The criminal accusations are a stunning departure from two years ago, when Sheriff Blaine Koops presented Haan with the department's ALLCOPS award for excellence in community policing.
"The professionalism, dedication and teamwork displayed by these officers are a credit to our department," Koops said in April 2006 while honoring Haan and several other employees.
As the undersheriff, Hull holds Haan's fate in his hands. Hull is responsible for reviewing recommendations for discipline that he expects a board of two force sergeants and a lieutenant to hand him next week.
Haan could be fired or face other corrective measures.
Had heart surgery.
Haan has worked for the county for about 18 years, earning praise from the heads of Dorr, Salem and Leighton townships in 2000. Leaders in those governments fought for Haan to be returned to their area after he was transferred to a neighboring community.
The deputy underwent an unspecified heart surgery, and the move was explained as a less-strenuous way to help him recuperate.
Hull said Haan's arrest by his fellow deputies was difficult, but necessary.
"They've got a job that they have to do, regardless of who it is," Hull said.
Court documents reveal arrested deputy's state of mind
Posted: April 1, 2008 10:36 PM CST
Updated: April 1, 2008 11:13 PM CST
By Marc Thompson
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.aspS=8104181
ALLEGAN, Mich. (WOOD) -- Court documents reveal an Allegan County sheriff's deputy is potentially a danger to himself and others, after winding up on the wrong side of the law, not once, but three times.
It is a story 24 Hour News 8 broke Monday night.
As we dug deeper into court records, it appears Kevin Haan may have been on the verge of a breakdown.
Haan was first arrested March 4 for allegedly making threatening phone calls to his estranged wife. He was released on bond, but with conditions, including not consuming alcohol and having no further contact with his spouse.
But according to court documents obtained by 24 Hour News 8, Haan violated those conditions by calling his wife again on March 13. He also admitted to drinking a half pint of vodka and blowing a 0.18 alcohol level.
Haan told his wife he was considering checking himself into Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids.
His wife told police "he should not be on the streets." She feared Haan may "try and kill himself...have an accident...or hurt her."
Haan told deputies he "could not go on."
Officers in his own department arrested him for a second time for violating an unknown condition of the bond.
Then came arrest number three on March 24. This time Haan was apparently drunk behind the wheel of his car in Barry County, crossing the centerline on M-37, according to a police report. He was arrested for operating while intoxicated.
Haan told the arresting officer he "was having marital problems." He again admitted to drinking a half pint of vodka.
Haan said he was on a cocktail of prescription medication for depression and bipolar disorder.
Haan is on unpaid administrative leave while a review board looks into his future with the department.
Sheriff's officials told 24 Hour News 8 all employees have access to mental health assistance through Help Net, a firm in Kalamazoo. Officials would not confirm for us, however, whether Haan sought that assistance.
Sheriff's deputy arrested a third time
Posted: March 31, 2008
By Tony Tagliavia
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8097623&nav=menu44_2
DORR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) -- An Allegan County sheriff's deputy is off the beat after being arrested a third time.
Kevin Haan is on unpaid administrative leave as a board of inquiry decides his fate after allegations of drunken driving, making a threatening phone call to his wife, and violating the terms of his bond.
Haan patrolled Dorr Township and a couple of neighboring communities for years. He even won an award for community policing from Salem Township.
"That doesn't sound like him as far as what I knew him for," said Dorr Township Supervisor Don Kaczanowski. "He was very good at communicating the people."
The threatening phone calls occurred about a month ago. Haan was released on bond but violated an unknown condition of that bond and was arrested again.
Then Haan was arrested sometime last week in Barry County for drunken driving - a crime in and of itself, but also another violation of that original bond.
Undersheriff Jim Hull says these events have been tough on the department, describing Haan as a longtime employee, and a good one.
An internal affairs investigation was done and reviewed by an outside department.
Now a board of inquiry has met, waiting for more information, and is expected to meet again next week. The board will make a recommendation on what will happen to Haan as far as his job is concerned.
24 Hour News 8 was unable to contact Haan.
Arrested on March 04, 2008 for making threatening phone calls to his wife.
Original charges: Malicious use of a phone [misdemeanor].
Released on bond, with conditions that Deputy Haan have no contact with his wife and that he not consume alcohol.
Former Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [Oct. 15, 2012]
Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [March 28, 2008]
Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for violating domestic violence bond [March 13, 2008]
Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for domestic violence [March 04, 2008]
From: Cloudwriter / Behind The Blue Wall:
Allegan County deputy suspended after third arrest
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
By Nate Reens
The Grand Rapids Press
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/04/allegan_county_sheriffs_deputy.html
Deputy Kevin Haan [Allegan County Sheriff Department]
ALLEGAN COUNTY -- A veteran sheriff's deputy has been suspended without pay after he was arrested three times in the past month, twice by his co-workers, Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said.
Kevin Haan, a 43-year-old road patrol officer serving the county's northeastern townships, has not returned to work since a March 4 arrest by fellow deputies for allegedly placing a threatening phone call to his wife.
Haan, who was charged by Allegan prosecutors with a misdemeanor for malicious use of a phone, was subsequently arrested on accusations he violated bond conditions by contacting his spouse again, Hull said.
The deputy originally was placed on a paid leave, but that status was changed by department leaders Thursday to unpaid suspension after an internal hearing.
The next day, Hull said, Haan was arrested on suspicion of drunken-driving in Barry County. Details of that incident were not available.
"He's really going through a tough time in his personal life right now," Hull said. "He's a fabulous deputy, but he's got some things he has to deal with right now and he can't do that while working."
Hull said Haan threatened his wife, but there is no allegation that any violence occurred. Haan could not be reached for comment.
The criminal accusations are a stunning departure from two years ago, when Sheriff Blaine Koops presented Haan with the department's ALLCOPS award for excellence in community policing.
"The professionalism, dedication and teamwork displayed by these officers are a credit to our department," Koops said in April 2006 while honoring Haan and several other employees.
As the undersheriff, Hull holds Haan's fate in his hands. Hull is responsible for reviewing recommendations for discipline that he expects a board of two force sergeants and a lieutenant to hand him next week.
Haan could be fired or face other corrective measures.
Had heart surgery.
Haan has worked for the county for about 18 years, earning praise from the heads of Dorr, Salem and Leighton townships in 2000. Leaders in those governments fought for Haan to be returned to their area after he was transferred to a neighboring community.
The deputy underwent an unspecified heart surgery, and the move was explained as a less-strenuous way to help him recuperate.
Hull said Haan's arrest by his fellow deputies was difficult, but necessary.
"They've got a job that they have to do, regardless of who it is," Hull said.
Court documents reveal arrested deputy's state of mind
Posted: April 1, 2008 10:36 PM CST
Updated: April 1, 2008 11:13 PM CST
By Marc Thompson
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.aspS=8104181
ALLEGAN, Mich. (WOOD) -- Court documents reveal an Allegan County sheriff's deputy is potentially a danger to himself and others, after winding up on the wrong side of the law, not once, but three times.
It is a story 24 Hour News 8 broke Monday night.
As we dug deeper into court records, it appears Kevin Haan may have been on the verge of a breakdown.
Haan was first arrested March 4 for allegedly making threatening phone calls to his estranged wife. He was released on bond, but with conditions, including not consuming alcohol and having no further contact with his spouse.
But according to court documents obtained by 24 Hour News 8, Haan violated those conditions by calling his wife again on March 13. He also admitted to drinking a half pint of vodka and blowing a 0.18 alcohol level.
Haan told his wife he was considering checking himself into Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids.
His wife told police "he should not be on the streets." She feared Haan may "try and kill himself...have an accident...or hurt her."
Haan told deputies he "could not go on."
Officers in his own department arrested him for a second time for violating an unknown condition of the bond.
Then came arrest number three on March 24. This time Haan was apparently drunk behind the wheel of his car in Barry County, crossing the centerline on M-37, according to a police report. He was arrested for operating while intoxicated.
Haan told the arresting officer he "was having marital problems." He again admitted to drinking a half pint of vodka.
Haan said he was on a cocktail of prescription medication for depression and bipolar disorder.
Haan is on unpaid administrative leave while a review board looks into his future with the department.
Sheriff's officials told 24 Hour News 8 all employees have access to mental health assistance through Help Net, a firm in Kalamazoo. Officials would not confirm for us, however, whether Haan sought that assistance.
Sheriff's deputy arrested a third time
Posted: March 31, 2008
By Tony Tagliavia
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8097623&nav=menu44_2
DORR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) -- An Allegan County sheriff's deputy is off the beat after being arrested a third time.
Kevin Haan is on unpaid administrative leave as a board of inquiry decides his fate after allegations of drunken driving, making a threatening phone call to his wife, and violating the terms of his bond.
Haan patrolled Dorr Township and a couple of neighboring communities for years. He even won an award for community policing from Salem Township.
"That doesn't sound like him as far as what I knew him for," said Dorr Township Supervisor Don Kaczanowski. "He was very good at communicating the people."
The threatening phone calls occurred about a month ago. Haan was released on bond but violated an unknown condition of that bond and was arrested again.
Then Haan was arrested sometime last week in Barry County for drunken driving - a crime in and of itself, but also another violation of that original bond.
Undersheriff Jim Hull says these events have been tough on the department, describing Haan as a longtime employee, and a good one.
An internal affairs investigation was done and reviewed by an outside department.
Now a board of inquiry has met, waiting for more information, and is expected to meet again next week. The board will make a recommendation on what will happen to Haan as far as his job is concerned.
24 Hour News 8 was unable to contact Haan.
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