Friday, May 1, 2009

05012009 - Officer James Joseph DaDeppo - Grosse Pointe Woods PD

...Police said he wouldn’t put his hands behind his back, kept pulling away and tried to walk away. They had to take him to the ground to arrest him...


GROSSE POINTE POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED IN DOMESTIC ABUSE INCIDENT

The Detroit News
Charles E. Ramirez
Monday, May 4, 2009
[Excerpts] A Grosse Pointe Woods police officer has been arrested for shoving his girlfriend and resisting arrest, officials said today. James Joseph Dadeppo, 53, of St. Clair Shores was arrested Friday... The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has issued a two-count misdemeanor warrant for Dadeppo on charges of domestic violence and obstructing a police officer... He was released Saturday on a $2,500 bond... Police say they were called to the home on Lane Court to respond to a domestic dispute complaint. Officers spoke to a 53-year-old Warren woman who said Dadeppo became verbally abusive to her while they were having a few drinks at a Sterling Heights restaurant. The woman told police she left the restaurant and returned home. Dadeppo later showed up at the home and argued with the victim, police said. He also pushed and shoved the woman around her kitchen, she told investigators. The suspect then started collecting some of his personal belongings from the home and the victim called police. When Warren police officers arrived, they confronted Dadeppo in the home's driveway and retrieved his firearm, Dwyer said. He said when the officers questioned Dadeppo, he became upset and refused to comply with their requests. A struggle ensued as officers attempted to handcuff him and take him into custody... [Full article here]






OFFICER SUSPECTED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN WARREN SET TO BE ARRAIGNED
f
reep.com
By Christina Hall
May 4, 2009
[Excerpts] ...During questioning, DaDeppo became upset with the officers and refused various requests, [Warren Police Lt. Michael] Torey said. There was a brief struggle when they tried to handcuff DaDeppo, Torey said. Police said he wouldn’t put his hands behind his back, kept pulling away and tried to walk away. They had to take him to the ground to arrest him, Torey said. The woman was not hurt. Torey said DaDeppo is a 32-year officer with Grosse Pointe Woods public safety. DaDeppo has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, according to Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Director Michael Makowski. “The department takes these charges very seriously and will ensure that this matter will be dealt with professionally and according to department policy,” according to a statement from Grosse Pointe Woods public safety. [Full article here]







Grosse Pointe Woods
Officer Arrested

Updated: Monday, 04 May 2009, 6:19 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 04 May 2009, 6:19 PM EDT
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/Grosse_Pointe_Woods_Officer_Arrested

WARREN, Mich. - Grosse Pointe Woods Police are saying they regrettably acknowledge that Sgt. James DaDeppo, a 32 year veteran of the force, is facing criminal charges in Warren.

"Domestic violence is on the increase in this country and we really expect a little bit more from public safety officers," said Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer.

Police say DaDeppo became physically abusive with his girlfriend of seven months at a home on Lane Court. The two had been drinking earlier at a restaurant. She left upset and he followed. They argued, she called police and a neighbor says seven Warren cop cars filled the street.

"I looked over there and they had him wrestled to the ground. There's like three officers; something like that," said Steve Olshove.

"The officers actually had to take him down using one of their obviously police trained maneuvers. The concern is that no one's above the law," Dwyer said.

According to his supervisors, DaDeppo is on leave and facing review. He faces two counts, domestic violence and obstructing a police officer, and is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday.






G.P. Woods officer arrested in Warren
Published: Monday, May 4, 2009
The Macomb Daily
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/05/04/news/doc49ff4bd753712495324836.txt

By Norb Franz. Macomb Daily Staff Writer

A Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety officer faces charges of domestic violence and obstructing Warren police who arrested him following allegations that he pushed and shoved his girlfriend.

Warren officers confronted Sgt. James Joseph DaDeppo, 53, in the driveway of his girlfriend's home on Lane Court on Friday night. Officers ordered DaDeppo to raise his hands so they could remove the pistol he admitted he was carrying, Warren Detective Lt. Michael Torey said.

"He defiantly asked, 'Why are you holding my arm?' as they continued to pat down the rest of his body," Torey said. "He pulled away several times. Officers had to use some force to place him under arrest."

The Warren officers managed to arrest DaDeppo, who resides in St. Clair Shores, without using pepper spray or a Taser.

Police said DaDeppo, a member of the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department for 32 years, had been arguing with the 53-year-old woman while they were "having a few drinks" at Great Baraboo Brewing Company in Clinton Township.

She left the restaurant/bar without DaDeppo and went home. After DaDeppo arrived at the house, located near Common and Hayes roads, the argument resumed and the suspect began pushing and shoving her around the kitchen, Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said.

When the squabble stopped, DaDeppo began retrieving some of his belongings. That's when the woman, who reported she had been dating the Grosse Pointe Woods officer for seven months, dialed 911, officials said.

"She feared that as he was taking things to his car, she thought he would become more abusive," Torey said.

No injuries were reported, police said.

DaDeppo was released from custody Saturday after posting a $2,500 surety bond.

"It is unfortunate these incidents occur. However, our department takes all domestic violence complaints seriously," Dwyer said. "I will ensure that this matter will be handled professionally and in accordance with our department's established procedure."

On Monday, the Warren City Attorney's Office issued a warrant charging DaDeppo with domestic violence and obstructing police -- both misdemeanors punishable by up to 93 days in jail. He is due in 37th District Court on Wednesday for arraignment.

Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Director Michael Makowski said DaDeppo has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.









Public safety officer arrested
Published: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Macomb Daily
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/05/05/news/srv0000005262763.txt

By Norb Franz, Macomb Daily Staff Writer
A Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety officer faces charges of domestic violence and obstructing Warren police who arrested him following allegations that he pushed and shoved his girlfriend.

Warren officers confronted Sgt. James Joseph DaDeppo, 53, in the driveway of his girlfriend's home on Lane Court on Friday night. Officers ordered DaDeppo to raise his hands so they could remove the pistol he admitted he was carrying, Warren Detective Lt. Michael Torey said.

"He defiantly asked, 'Why are you holding my arm?' as they continued to pat down the rest of his body," Torey said. "He pulled away several times. Officers had to use some force to place him under arrest."

The Warren officers managed to arrest DaDeppo, who resides in St. Clair Shores, without using pepper spray or a Taser.

Police said DaDeppo, a member of the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department for 32 years, had been arguing with the 53-year-old woman while they were "having a few drinks" at Great Baraboo Brewing Co. in Clinton Township.

She left the restaurant/bar without DaDeppo and went home. After DaDeppo arrived at the house, located near Common and Hayes roads, the argument resumed and the suspect began pushing and shoving her around the kitchen, Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said.

When the squabble stopped, DaDeppo began retrieving some of his belongings. That's when the woman, who reported she had been dating the Grosse Pointe Woods officer for seven months, dialed 911, officials said.

"She feared that as he was taking things to his car, she thought he would become more abusive," Torey said.

No injuries were reported, police said.

DaDeppo was released from custody Saturday after posting a $2,500 surety bond.

"It is unfortunate these incidents occur. However, our department takes all domestic violence complaints seriously," Dwyer said. "I will ensure that this matter will be handled professionally and in accordance with our department's established procedure."

On Monday, the Warren City Attorney's Office issued a warrant charging DaDeppo with domestic violence and obstructing police — both misdemeanors punishable by up to 93 days in jail. He is due in 37th District Court on Wednesday for arraignment.

Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Director Michael Makowski said DaDeppo has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.






Veteran cop faces domestic assault, obstructing chargesGrosse Pointe Woods
Kathy Ryan
write the author
May 07, 2009
http://www.grossepointenews.com/Articles-i-2009-05-07-234394.112112_Veteran_cop_faces_domestic_assault_obstructing_charges.html



A 32-year veteran sergeant with the Grosse Pointe Woods public safety department was arrested on charges of domestic assault and obstructing a police officer.

James DaDeppo, 53, of St. Clair Shores, is to be arraigned Wednesday, May 6, in Warren's 37th District Court.

DaDeppo was arrested at 8 p.m. Friday, May 1, after police were called to a house in the 29800 block of Lane Court in Warren by a 53-year-old woman who claims DaDeppo had been pushing her and shoving her in the kitchen of the house during an argument.

The woman, who told police she and DaDeppo had been dating for several months, said DaDeppo attempted to leave her house with "some personal items."

Warren police confronted DaDeppo in the driveway of the house, where he turned over his firearm, but refused to comply with other requests. When police attempted to handcuff him, a brief struggle ensued.

He was taken to police headquarters, and was released after posting a $2,500 surety bond. He has been charged with two misdemeanors, domestic violence and obstructing a police officer. Both charges carry penalties of 93 days in jail.

In a written statement, Woods Public Safety Director Michael Makowski acknowledged DaDeppo's arrest and said that the sergeant had been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation into the incident.

"The department takes these charges very seriously and will ensure that this matter will be dealt with professionally and according to department policy," Makowski said.

Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer, in a written statement, said, "It is unfortunate that these incidents occur; however, our department takes all domestic violence complaints seriously. I will ensure that this matter will be handled professionally and in accordance with our department's established procedure."

See grossepointenews.com for an update after the scheduled arraignment and more on the story in the May 14 edition of the Grosse Pointe News.






Woods police sergeant accused
in Warren incident leaves force

By: 06.08.2009
http://grossepointetoday.com/news/cities/00264-woods-police-sergeant-accused-zxzin-warren-incident-leaves-force

James J. DaDeppo, the Grosse Pointe Woods police sergeant charged with domestic violence last month in Warren, has left the force. Michael Makowski, public-safety director for the Woods, confirmed that DaDeppo opted to retire after 32 years of service. DaDeppo was planning to leave at the end of 2009, and moved his severance date up after the incident in Warren.

In May, DaDeppo was arrested after an argument with his girlfriend at her Warren apartment turned physical, according to police. He was also charged with resisting arrest. The matter is still pending. DaDeppo was placed on paid administrative leave at the time of the incident, and left the force two weeks later, Makowski said.




Grosse Pointe Woods cop pleads guilty to misdemeanor
Christine Ferretti
The Detroit News
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090805/METRO03/908050423/1361/Grosse-Pointe-Woods-cop-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor

Warren -- A Grosse Pointe Woods police officer pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest following a domestic dispute in May.

James Dadeppo of St. Clair Shores pleaded guilty in 37th District Court to one count of hindering and was sentenced to community service and one year of probation. He was also ordered to pay $600 in fines and costs.

In exchange for the plea, one misdemeanor charge of domestic assault was dismissed, court officials said.

On May 1, Warren police were called to a home in the 28900 block of Lane Court near Common and Hayes roads for a domestic dispute.

At the home, a 53-year-old Warren woman said Dadeppo became verbally abusive to her while they were having a few drinks at a Sterling Heights restaurant.

Police said Dadeppo later showed up at the home, argued with the woman and shoved her. And when police attempted to question Dadeppo, he refused to comply and struggled when officers attempted to handcuff him and take him into custody.
cferretti@detnews.com (586) 468-0343







Ex-officer sentenced in domestic assault case
Detroit Free Press
August 06, 2009
http://www.freep.com/article/20090806/NEWS04/908060472/1006/NEWS/Macomb-County-news-briefs--No-more-gifts-for-city-hall--Warren-mayor-says

A former Grosse Pointe Woods public safety sergeant pleaded no contest to a hindering charge in a domestic assault case involving his girlfriend, but the misdemeanor is to be dismissed and removed from his record in a year if he complies with the terms of the court, authorities said.

James DaDeppo, 53, of St. Clair Shores was sentenced Wednesday in 37th District Court in Warren, where a domestic assault charge was dismissed. DaDeppo was given probation and ordered to attend anger management classes, perform 20 hours of community service and pay about $600 in fines and costs, authorities said.

DaDeppo was placed on administrative leave and has since retired.



Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

04222009 - Officer Renny Shelby - LE License Revoked - Detroit PD

Also See:

Officer Renny Shelby - Broke into ex-girlfriend's home and held her at gunpoint [May 10, 2008]

     



Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards
Commission Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2009
Gaylord Police Department – City Hall, Gaylord, Michigan
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mcoles/1_April_22_2009__Meeting_Minutes_279856_7.pdf

Renny Shelby – Mr. Shelby was convicted by a plea of nolo contendere of Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm, less than Murder (MCL 750.84). MCL 750.84 defines

Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm, Less than Murder, as a felony. Mr. Shelby’s conviction was issued and entered on October 8, 2008.

A MOTION was made by Sheriff Pickell and supported by Sheriff Wriggelsworth to accept the Proposal for Decision of the Administrative Law Judge and revoke the law enforcement license of Mr. Renny Shelby.

A VOTE was taken. The MOTION carried

Friday, April 17, 2009

04172009 - Commissioner James Vaughn - Sentenced - Kent County

Also See:
Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn charged with domestic violence [June 17, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/06/kent-county-commissioner-james-vaughn.html



Commissioner Vaughn was found guilty of aggravated assault and domestic violence [March 2009 trial]. Vaughn was sentenced to 30 days in jail; ordered to pay $2,388 in fines; ordered to pay Ida Cross's medical expenses; ordered to submit to domestic violence counseling and drug testing; ordered to one year probation; and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
Judge Jeannie LaVille refused to allow Vaughn to post bail and ordered him to begin his jail sentence immedidately. "The court finds his attitude and lack of acceptance of responsibility is a serious aggravating factor in this sentence," Judge LaVille said. [April 2009 setencing hearing]







Commissioner Vaughn released from jail
Spent 3 weeks behind bars for assault
Updated: Monday, 11 May 2009, 4:13 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 11 May 2009, 4:13 PM EDT
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/Commissioner_Vaughn_released_from_jail





GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Kent County commissioner James Vaughn is out of jail, about three weeks into a 30-day sentence for assault.

Vaughn was sent to jail after being convicted of beating Ida Cross, who wanted to back out of a three-way tryst with Vaughn and another woman.

Vaughn still will be on probation for one year, must perform 100 hours of community service and must pay $2,300 in restitution.










Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn taken to jail straight from court to begin 30-day sentence
Published: Friday, April 17, 2009, 2:17 PM
Updated: Friday, April 17, 2009, 8:05 PM
The Grand Rapids Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/04/kent_county_commissioner_james_5.html




Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn, right, was sentenced by Judge Jeanine LaVille in Grand Rapids District Court on Friday afternoon. Vaughn was convicted on misdemeanor charges of assault and domestic violence charges against victim Ida Mae Cross. Vaughn was taken to the Kent County Jail from the courtroom after being sentenced to 30 days behind bars. [Lance Wynn. The Grand Rapids Press]




Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn was taken to the Kent County Jail straight from court today after being sentenced to 30 days behind bars for an assault case that included graphic details about three-way sex.

Vaughn's girlfriend at the time, Cassandra Mitchell, 39, was also sent straight to jail to serve a 30-day sentence, with credit for one day served.

Grand Rapids District Judge Jeanine LaVille declined to allow Vaughn, 66, to post bail while he considers an appeal. She also declined to allow Mitchell time to make arrangements for her children.

After sentencing, Vaughn attempted to reach for his hat, but a deputy began taking him away to jail and a family member grabbed it to give it to an officer.

LaVille said even though Vaughn has no prior criminal history, his lack of remorse after an assault conviction contributed to her decision to have him begin his sentenced immediately.

"The court finds his attitude and lack of acceptance of responsibility is a serious aggravating factor in this sentence," LaVille said.

Vaughn told the judge "this whole incident didn't play out right."

"I respect the court's decision," he said, then added. "It's hard for me to swallow this, because it's not truth, and it's not fair, and a lot of it is fabricated."

The judge also said he must pay $2,388 in fines, and make joint payments with Mitchell to Cross to cover her medical expenses. She also said Vaughn must submit to domestic violence counseling, serve a year of probation, submit to drug testing, and perform 100 hours of community service.

Vaughn, a Grand Rapids Democrat who was re-elected to his county post in November, was convicted of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor, for an attack on Ida Mae Cross, 47, a woman he had dated for years. The incident happened after a proposed three-way sexual rendezvous at his Southeast Side home in June 2008 turned sour.

The charge carried a penalty of up to a year in jail.

Mitchell was found guilty of a lesser charge, assault and battery.

Cross spoke before Vaughn's sentencing and asked for both to be given the maximum penalty. She declined to make a statement before Mitchell was sentenced.

"The wounds James Vaughn and Cassandra Mitchell inflicted upon me continue to haunt me," said Cross, saying she suffers from flashbacks and depression, and lost her job.

LaVille said Mitchell's prior convictions, and prison and jail time contributed to her decision to the send her to jail immediately.

"You do not come to this court with a clean slate," LaVille said. "Both (prior convictions) reflect an inability to control your temper and conform to the law."

Mitchell was also ordered to pay $545 in fines and joint-restitution to Cross.
Before her sentencing, Mitchell told LaVille she was sorry for her part in the matter, but said she was provoked.

"I would have seriously been harmed," Mitchell said. "I was thinking of my children all along."

Cross and friends and family of Vaughn declined to comment after the sentencing.
Reached after the sentencing, Kent County Corporate Counsel Dan Ophoff said there was no action the County Commission could take to remove Vaughn from office.

"The research suggests that the governor might have some ability here, but I don't even think it triggers at this point because it's generally for a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor," he said.

Ophoff said all the of the county commissioners are "of a mind this is an unfortunate incident."

Kent County Commissioner Brandon Dillon, a Grand Rapids Democrat, said the commission doesn't have any authority to do anything.

"I can't speak for everybody, but I certainly respect the decision of both the jury and judge," Dillon said. "Ultimately, Jim is going to have to be accountable to the people who elected him."











Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn found guilty of assault charges
Published: Thursday, March 05, 2009, 11:30 AM
Updated: Thursday, March 05, 2009, 6:24 PM
By John Agar
The Grant Rapid Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/03/kent_county_commissioner_james_2.html




Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn talks to his attorney Charles Chamberlain after he was found guilty today of aggravated assault and domestic violence in a case that involved two girlfriends. Jon M. Brouwer. The Grand Rapids Press




Update, 11:35 a.m.
Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn said he will appeal.
"We'll be appealing tomorrow," he said after the verdict. He said there are "people in jail for nothing. I see why."
He said he will continue in his post as county commissioner. "This was a misunderstanding, and the misunderstanding is still going to be cleared up."
Vaughn's lawyer said he respects the jury's verdict but is disappointed with it.

GRAND RAPIDS -- Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn was found guilty today of aggravated assault and domestic violence in a case that involved two girlfriends.

The jury verdict came in just before 11:30 a.m. The assault is a one-year misdemeanor, and the second charge a 93-day misdemeanor.

One of the women, Cassandra Mitchell, 39, who was tried with Vaughn before separate juries, was convicted Wednesday of a lesser charge, assault and battery, in the alleged attack on Ida Mae Cross, 47.

The trouble started after a proposition for three-way sex between Vaughn and Cross, his long-time girlfriend, and Mitchell, whom he met in September, testimony showed.

Vaughn, 66, was charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence in the mid-June fight at his home. Vaughn contended he was only trying to break up a fight between the two women.

The six-man jury deliberated for an hour Wednesday and almost three hours today.

Defense attorneys contended that Cross was just as culpable in the dispute as anyone else.

The lurid details elicited in trial testimony devastated those involved in the case.
Cross, in her testimony, said: "I'm a lady, not a whore."

The three provided conflicting statements during testimony, with Cross blaming the defendants for attacking her, and Mitchell blaming Cross.

They had met at Vaughn's home late on June 16 after he and Cross attended a family gathering after his brother died.

Cross said Vaughn propositioned her about a three-way sexual encounter, while witnesses at the family gathering said she sounded OK with it, and talked loudly about going to Vaughn's home for the tryst.

Vaughn testified that trouble"(Cross) popped Ms. Mitchell in the head. Then, it was on," Vaughn testified.

"After Ms. Mitchell got popped, she started swinging. They were swinging, and I was in between them. ... I just broke up a fight."

Assistant Ionia County Prosecutor Aubri Sheremet told jurors Vaughn was no peacemaker.

She prosecuted the case so that there was no appearance of conflict of interest with Vaughn serving as a county commissioner.

Defense attorney Charles "Chip" Chamberlain attacked the credibility of the alleged victim, and said she would not have stayed at his home three hours after the fight if she feared Vaughn.


Friday, April 10, 2009