Monday, May 9, 2011

05092011 - [Officer] Clarence Ratliff - Judge Carol Irons' Murderer Requests To Be Freed From Prison - Grand Rapids







Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "IN MEMORY OF JUDGE CAROL IRONS [KENT COUNTY]":

Shame on Michigan Parole Board for considering the "Rat's" release on "humanitarian" grounds. I say let him out feet first with toe tag on, with priority delivery to the hot afterlife he deserves. He ruined my mothers life the day he shot Judge Irons, she'll never be the same after watching Carol bleed to death in her arms. I'll never forget the day my Mother came home covered in blood, and hasn't been the same since.

Shame on G.R. Press for printing an article quasi supporting his release; and on Mother's Day no less! My Mom really had a wonderful day after picking up the paper from her front porch and seeing the "Rat" on the front page.



Judge Carol Irons
I just received the following email today, regarding the possibility that Ratliff may be released from prison





Former Grand Rapids Police Officer, Clarence Ratliff [murdered Judge Carol Irons]




Judge Carol Irons, gunned down and killed by her ex-husband, Officer Ratliff [October 19, 1988].






On October 19, 1988, Officer Ratliff walked into the Grand Rapids Courthouse...and into his ex-wife's [Judge Carol Irons] chambers





Using his 9mm duty weapon, Officer Ratliff shot several rounds off at Judge Carol Irons...at least one of those rounds fired by Ratliff, hit Judge Carol Irons in her neck.





Judge Carol Irons died in her chambers, of a gunshot wound to the neck.






And for some reason, Ratliff, who is dying of cancer, believes he deserves to die in a more dignified place, than behind bars?








Should Clarence Ratliff be allowed out of prison more than 22 years after he killed Judge Carol Irons?
The Grand Rapids Press
May 10, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/05/from_the_comments_should_clare.html

The appeal on behalf of Cancer-stricken former Grand Rapids Police Officer Clarence Ratliff to be allowed to die outside prison has readers commenting online.

So far, the majority of comments have been opposed to the idea of freeing a man who killed his estranged wife -- Grand Rapids District Court Judge Carol Irons -- and then fired at fellow police officers as he tried to escape the former court house.

But there is a group who point out that although he was given a life sentence for shooting at police, he was convicted of manslaughter in Irons' killing and given a sentence of 17 years.

The question is whether Ratliff, now a 75 year-old man who spent the last 22 years behind bars should be allowed to die with his family.

Many of the readers posted variations on the sentiments of Keynote:
"Ratliff took an oath to "serve and protect," and then I assume he thought he was above the law. According to testimonies, it wasn't a spur of the moment thing, he had forethought. He is not the only prisoner who has become terminally ill in prison. Do you think that other prisoners are afforded release just because they're sick. "NO!" He may be remorseful now and even repentant, but that does not bring back the life of this woman. When he pulled that trigger, he himself made the choice of where he wanted to spend the rest of his life...sick or not."

Bluemoontwo frames the issue in stark terms:
"Still remember this tragic day, so many years later! What should he get respect and dignity for killing his wife? He sure didn't give that to her, he shot her with his hatred! So he is dying, he chose to do this terrible crime, let him rot in jail!"

But a few people believe that Ratliff is entitled to leave prison , including Ms. Rat:"Clarence Ratliff was not convicted of murder, he was convicted of manslaughter. He has served 24 years in prison. He is not some backwoods murderer. He is a retired marine corp veteran, who served in Vietnam. He served on the Grand Rapids bomb squad for many years. He has served, protected, and saved many lives. I'm sure most of you writing these comments were not even born when this crime occurred. He has done more good in his life than you could even imagine. he does deserve to be treated like a human being. To the comments of him not looking sick in the photo... no kidding that picture is 25 years old.

HE HAS SERVED HIS TIME! HE IS NOT A THREAT TO ANYONE! HE DESERVES TO BE PAROLED!"
DeRadMan says there should be no special treatment for Ratliff, one way or the other:
"Seems to me that he was convicted of manslaughter and not 1st degree murder. He should be treated like others who were convicted of the same offense. I suspect parole is the norm by 22 years."

E-mail Barton Deiters: bdeiters@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/GRPBarton














Murderer-former cop asks to die free
Clarence Ratliff dying of cancer
WoodTV8
May 09, 2011
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Murderer-former-cop-asks-to-die-free

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Twenty-two years after a Grand Rapids police officer shot and killed his wife, District Judge Carol Irons, he is dying of cancer.

And, now, Clarence Ratliff's family is asking the state to release him from prison, so he can spend his last few days in his former home on the Muskegon River, with family.

"If he gets through this year, it will be a miracle," said the family's attorney, former U.S. Attorney John Smietanka.

Ratliff, a 21-year veteran of the police department, was drunk on Oct. 18, 1988, when he burst into the chambers of his estranged wife at the old Hall of Justice and shot her with his 9 mm handgun. They were going through a divorce. She stumbled out of her chambers, clutching her neck, and later died.

He got up to 15 years for the death, after being convicted of manslaughter, but life in prison for shooting at the officers who
responded. One of the officers was struck by shrapnel.

"He's sorry about what he did to his ex-wife, Judge Irons, and he will live with that -- he has lived with that for all these years," Smietanka said.

On Thursday, Smietanka asked the state for a medical commutation, which must be recommended by the Parole Board and approved by the governor.

"The family's contention is enough is enough; he needs to die at home," Smietanka said.

Ratliff, now 75, is in a federal prison hospital in North Carolina after doctors diagnosed him with cancer near his spine, which has spread to his lungs.

"Certainly, he is not going to offend again," Smietanka said. "He's in bed. He's bed-ridden, in a wheelchair. He can't speak. Today, he's got pneumonia. It's getting very close to the end."

Ratliff is getting support from more than just his family. Then-Kent Circuit Judge Dennis Kolenda, who sentenced him, wrote the
state two years ago, recommending it consider him for release.

John Den Boer, one of the Grand Rapids officers who exchanged gunfire with him, also has written to the state, asking for "compassion and mercy."

"It has been my understanding for a number of years that Clarence Ratliff has shown genuine remorse for what he did," Den Boer wrote. "I personally no longer hold any feeling of resentment for his actions, and I am convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Clarence Ratliff is not a threat to me, to anyone else involved in the original incident, or to the public as a whole.

"It would be my request that Clarence Ratliff be given parole as soon as possible, to be with his family as he approaches death."

And, Smietanka said, former police Capt. Daniel Ostopowicz, the officer injured by shrapnel, has said he wouldn't oppose the release.

Smietanka said the commutation also would save taxpayers the expense of medical care. Ratliff would move in with his daughter, who lives on the Muskegon River, in West Michigan.

"His family will take over the burden, which is right now, on the state of Michigan and the federal government," he said.

Department of Corrections spokesman John Cordell said the parole board already was considering his release and is waiting for medical and psychological reports from federal prison before taking the next step. They expect those reports within days. He said the state only occasionally releases inmates based on medical reasons.

The state wouldn't release him without a public hearing, Cordell said.

Former friends of Irons, including 63rd District Judge Sara Smolenski, say they oppose the release.

"Mercy is something that wasn't provided to Carol when he shot her, and mercy wasn't provided to the police officers that he shot at when trying to escape when they were called," attorney Diann Landers said.

Landers keeps a photograph in her office of her and Irons the night her friend was elected Kent County's first female judge. They were not only friends, but Landers was her attorney in the judge's pending divorce case against Ratliff.

"He should do exactly what he was sentenced to do, live out his life in prison," she said. "If that means dying there, that's what it means."













Grand Rapids ex-cop who killed wife, and now is dying, gets support for release from prison
The Grand Rapids Press
May 09, 2011
Should he die behind bars? The husband, Officer Clarence Ratliff, 53 at the time (above), 
now is 75 and has terminal cancer.



Press File Photos. Should her killer be let out of prison? Judge Carol Irons was slain 
in her chambers by her estranged husband in 1988.

GRAND RAPIDS — More than 22 years have passed since city police Officer Clarence Ratliff went into the downtown office of his estranged wife, District Judge Carol Irons, pulled out a 9mm pistol and shot her to death.

Now, he is facing his mortality in a federal prison hospital, where he is dying from cancer.

In a race against time, supporters of Ratliff seek to move the state Parole Board along to release him on humanitarian grounds — a request that may end up needing support from Gov. Rick Snyder, according to attorney John Smietanka, a former federal prosecutor who is working with the supporters.

“He deserves a little dignity at the end of his life, a little peace,” said Steven Ratliff, a son from a previous marriage who lives in Alaska and has kept in contact with his father.

But for some of those close to Irons, the effort opens up old wounds.

After gunning down Irons on Oct. 19, 1988, Ratliff briefly exchanged gunfire with fellow officers in a hallway of the Hall of Justice before surrendering.

Ratliff ended up with a life sentence after he was convicted of manslaughter, shooting at police and illegal use of a gun. His action is often cited as one of the most infamous public crimes in the city’s history.

The hard-drinking cop who served on the major case team, motorcycle patrol and bomb squad now is 75 and has served about as much time in prison — in the federal system for safety reasons, because he is a former cop — as he did on the force. The man called “Rat” by friends could die at any time, his son said.

The younger Ratliff, 48, said the cancer was discovered on his father’s spine and then his lungs months ago. He has lost his voice, and even sitting in a wheelchair causes him pain.

A movement has begun to have him released so he does not have to die behind bars.

Norb Tuma, a retired manufacturer, has known Ratliff since the two served in the Marine reserves in the 1970s. He said that aside from his crime, Ratliff served his community as a soldier and policeman.

“Hell, he’s bedridden,” said the 67-year-old Tuma. “This guy is no risk to anyone.”
But letting him out finds no favor with some who remember Kent County’s first female jurist.

”When I’m outside enjoying a sunny day, one of the things that gives me a modicum of pleasure is knowing (Ratliff) is in prison and can’t enjoy these things,” said Diann Landers, who was Irons’ lawyer, campaign manager and close friend.

“There are a lot of people who do terrible things who go to prison, get sick and die,” said Landers, who now specializes in family law.

Ratliff first became eligible for parole in 2000 and has periodic reviews since then.

Former judge Dennis Kolenda is now in private practice, but he was a fresh face on the Kent County Circuit bench when he sentenced Ratliff.

Kolenda, who still may ability to veto a parole for any prisoner he sentenced, said he would not oppose release in Ratliff’s case.

“I wanted him to serve every day of the 17-year sentence he received for killing Carol Irons,” Kolenda said.

The current parole review began in February, and the state board is getting additional information from the federal prison in North Carolina, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.

The board will be making a decision, but no time frame has been indicated.

Kent County District Judge Sara Smolenski, who claims Irons as both a close friend and a mentor, said she is still pained by the memory of the shooting.

Smolenski said a month before, while they dined at the Cottage Bar, Irons off-handedly said that if she was ever found dead, a warrant should be issued for Ratliff.

The two were separated and in the process of getting a divorce after a tumultuous marriage.

Ratliff was angry and had been drinking at West Side bars before he walked into the courthouse and shot his wife. In the days after, it was reported that Ratliff had sent Irons death threats.

Smolenski said she finds it hard to believe Ratliff deserves to be released. He confronted Irons in her chambers and shot her in the neck. She only had time to call police before dying.

“I think about how she never got the chance to be with her family when she died,” Smolenski said. “If we let him out, who is that for?”

Smolenski said she talked with Irons’ family for years after the trial, and they said Ratliff showed them no remorse. Irons’ mother, Virginia, died in 1992; her father, James, died in 2007; and her brother, Peter, died at 62 in 2008, according to the Arizona Secretary of State.

Ratliff is survived by three children and more than 10 grandchildren, some of whom visited him in prison within the last few weeks, according to Steven Ratliff.

Three supporters of Ratliff asserted the Parole Board is essentially sentencing him to die in prison. Former Wyoming Officer Michael Flynn, who retired and living in Texas and former Grand Rapids Officer George Pepper, now 73 and living up north, said it was not the intent of the judge or jury to deny such a release.

“It’s the human thing to do,” said John Robinson, a friend and motorcycle patrol partner, now retired. “There are so many victims in this: Carol Irons, her family and friends and the friends and family of (Ratliff).”

Ratliff’s son said release is just the moral thing to do.

”He made a terrible mistake a long time ago,” Steven Ratliff said.

 “But all the people who rush to oppose his release forget all the good he did.”















Saturday, May 7, 2011

05072011 - Deputy Steven Fresorger - Saginaw SD

DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT:  
ALLEGATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE [May 07, 2011].






In May 2011, Deputy allegedly assaulted his former girlfriend, Tracey Moore.





















Tracey Moore filed a complaint regarding Deputy Fresorger's May 7th assault, with the Saginaw Township Police.








Tracey informed the Saginaw police that there was a confrontation between her and Deputy Fresorger at the Saginaw Township little league field.










According to Tracey, Deputy Fresorger grabbed her by the arm and pulled her off the field.










Saginaw Township Police Chief Don Pussehl confirmed that his department investigated Tracey's complaint and turned it over to the Prosecutor for review.








Deputy Fresorger was suspended from the Saginaw SD [with pay], on May 10th....three days after the alleged assault. The supension wasn't due to the domestic violence investigation but was due to the investigation of his illegal use of the LEIN system.








Six weeks after the alleged domestic violence assault, the Saginaw County Prosecutor still had not reviewed the criminal complaint against Deputy Fresorger. Throughout the ongoing criminal justice process for Deputy Fresorger's felony LEIN charges, there is no more mention of the alleged May 7th, 2011 domestic violence attack on Tracey Moore. It's as if it disappeared. ...




Also See:
Deputy Fresorger: Sentenced for misuse of LEIN [February 14, 2013]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/02/deputy-steven-fresorger-sentenced.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 1 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-fresorger-sentence-1.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 2 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-fresorger-sentence-2.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 3 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-sentence-3.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 4 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-sentence-4.html

Deputy Fresorger: Sentence 5 [June 29, 2009]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-sentence-5.html

Deputy Fresorger: Plea agreement for misuse of LEIN [January 08, 2013]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-all-lein-charges.html

Deputy Fresorger: Charged with misuse of LEIN [June 22, 2011]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/06/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html

Deputy Fresorger: Domestic violence complaints [May 07, 2011]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html

Deputy Fresorger: Unauthorized LEIN searches [September 6 - 7, 2010]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/09/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html

Deputy Fresorger: Unauthorized LEIN searches [July 17, 2010]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/07/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html

Deputy Fresorger: Unauthorized LEIN searches [May - June 2010]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html





Sheriff's deputy could face 11 criminal charges
ABC
Friday, June 24, 2011
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8213379

SAGINAW COUNTY -- (06/24/11) -- A Saginaw County sheriff's deputy could be fired now that he is facing 11 criminal charges.

He's accused of using a state-wide Law Enforcement Information Network for personal purposes, but he might also be charged in another case.

Steve Fresorger was formally charged on Wednesday, but the Saginaw County prosecutor is reviewing another criminal complaint involving the deputy.

In 2008, Fresorger was featured in an ABC12 story for helping save the life of a man who collapsed in a meeting. But now, the 41-year-old deputy is free on bond after being charged with six felonies and five misdemeanors.

"It's very difficult. It's never easy for anyone, but especially for one of your own. It's a sad day for Saginaw County," said Saginaw County Sheriff Bill Federspiel.

All of the criminal charges pertain to Fresorger's alleged personal use of the state's Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, a system used by law enforcement agencies across the state.

"Run secretary of state information, license plates, we can find out owner information on vehicles. It must be utilized for professional purposes only, it cannot be utilized for personal purposes at all," Federspiel said.

While the sheriff won't disclose what Fresorger was allegedly looking for in the LEIN system, Fresorger is also under investigation for a domestic situation involving an ex-girlfriend at a Saginaw Township little league field on May 7.

"She alleges that there was a confrontation on the field between him and her and he grabbed her right arm and pulled her off the field," said Saginaw Township Police Chief Don Pussehl.

That incident was investigated by the Saginaw Township Police Department.

"This is a separate incident that was reported to us. It was investigated and this case has been turned over to the prosecutor for review," Pussehl said.

Federspiel says Fresorger will be put on unpaid administrative leave today, and a decision on whether he will be fired will be made next week following an internal affairs investigation.


Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

Friday, April 15, 2011

04152011 - Probation Officer Rory Wagner - Stalking - Roseville

Charges: Misuse of LEIN

Roseville Probation Officer Has Been Arrested for Stalking and the Misuse of Private Law Enforcement Information

Wagner will be arraigned on Monday, May 2, 2011 in St. Clair Shores District Court.
Posted: 04/30/2011

Excellent, thoughtful and fair probation officers regularly supervise my clients. Unfortunately, many clients run into probation officers that are bigoted, predisposed and malicious. When I try to speak to probation supervisors, I regular feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall as the supervisors generally go into defensive mode. As proof that probation officers are human too, consider that a Roseville Probation Officer with the Roseville District Court was arrested last Friday by Roseville Police and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on charges of stalking and improper use of the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information system.

Probation Officer Rory George Wagner faces two counts of misdemeanor stalking related to another court employee and a Roseville Police officer. He is also charged with one count of unauthorized disclosure of LEIN information. The maximum possible sentence for that offense is up to two years in prison and up to five years probation. If convicted, Wagner will likely be placed on probation given that he probably has no prior convictions. I hope for his sake that he is not assigned to a probation officer that is demeaning and treats him like a second-class citizen. If he is assigned to such a person, it is likely any complaints that he has will fall upon deaf ears. How ironic?













Roseville probation officer awaits court date for stalking
April 25, 2011
By Sara Kandel
C And G News
http://www.candgnews.com/news/roseville-probation-officer-arrested-stalking

A Roseville probation officer faces an April 27 court date after being charged with two counts of stalking earlier this month.

Rory George Wagner, a probation officer with the 39th District Court, was arrested on two counts of misdemeanor stalking and one count of unauthorized disclosure of Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information, also a misdemeanor charge. He was arrested on April 15 for the two stalking charges that carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail and five years probation and the LEIN violation, which carries a maximum sentence of 93 days in jail.

Deputy Chief Anthony Cona said the incident involved Wagner harassing another court employee and a member of the Police Department.

When he was taken into custody, police reportedly found a handgun in his possession and he was brought to a local hospital for observation.

Thomas Stotz, Wagner's defense attorney, said they would not be commenting on the case at this time.

An interim bond was set at $10,000. Since he is an employee of the Roseville court, a formal hearing was to be held today in neighboring St. Clair Shores, but it was adjourned and rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27.

His job status will be determined by the 39th District Court administration.









Roseville officer accused of stalking co-worker
Published: Sunday, April 24, 2011
By Gordon Wilczynski
For The Oakland Press
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/04/24/news/local_news/doc4db357b956c8c941995652.txt

Roseville’s chief probation officer has been fired for improper use of a police computer and stalking a female employee and will face criminal charges, court officials said.

Rory Wagner remains hospitalized suffering from a mental condition, officials said. He is expected to be arraigned next week by 40th District Judge Mark A. Fratarcangeli in neighboring St. Clair Shores.

An interim bond was set Friday for Wagner at $10,000.

Judge Joseph F. Boedeker of the 39th District Court said he fired Wagner when he became aware that he was using the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) machine to ascertain the names of people from their vehicle license plate numbers.

Boedeker said he did not know that Wagner was stalking the female employee.

“I didn’t know this was going on and that criminal acts had been occurring,” Boedeker said earlier this week.

Police obtained a warrant last week and charged Mr. Wagner with the misdemeanor offenses (today).”

Stalking is punishable with up to one year in jail while improper use of the LEIN machine is a 93-day misdemeanor.

Boedeker said that since the incidents involved a court employee, the judges in 39th District Court recused themselves and sent the case to 40th District Court.

Police said Wagner, who had been employed as a probation officer in Roseville-Fraser for the past five years, was arrested at a monastery in Addison Township last Friday

One source told The Macomb Daily that Wagner tried to commit suicide before he was subdued by Roseville officers and deputies from Oakland County.

A local attorney who asked to remain anonymous said Wagner was an excellent person to work with.

He said Wagner always treated attorneys and their clients fairly.

“He was always very fair with me,” the attorney said. “Wow. I cannot believe this. This really makes me sick.”

Sources close to the investigation said Wagner dated the court employee. They said she ended the relationship and started dating a Roseville police officer.

Wagner then used the LEIN machine to find out the identity of the man the court employee was dating, court records indicate.

He then allegedly stalked the woman and officer.









   


Those Who Judge Will Be Judged
Posted Apr 23 2011
by neilrockindpc in Blog
http://www.rockindlaw.com/1508/blog/those-who-judge-will-be-judged/

An article appears in today’s The Oakland Press about a probation officer from Roseville who is accused of stalking and abusing his access to criminal histories, etc. I’m not surprised. Nothing makes a probation officer any more inherently law-abiding and resistant to emotional impulse than the rest of us. However, I am sure that this probation officer sent his fair share of people to jail. Likely he judged a few people in his day. When judging others be careful about being judged yourself. Here’s the article, quoted below:

The chief probation officer for the city of Roseville has been fired for improper use of the LEIN machine and stalking a female employee and will face criminal charges, court officials said.

Rory Wagner remains hospitalized suffering from a mental condition. He is expected to be arraigned next week by 40th District Judge Mark A. Fratarcangeli in neighboring St. Clair Shores.

An interim bond was set today for Wagner at $10,000.

Judge Joseph F. Boedeker, chief judge of the 39th District Court, said he fired Wagner when he became aware that Wagner was using the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) machine to check the name of people from their vehicle license plate number.

Boedeker also said he didn’t know that Wagner was stalking the female employee.

“I didn’t know this was going on and that criminal acts had been occurring,” Boedeker said earlier this week. “Police obtained a warrant last week and charged Mr. Wagner with the misdemeanor offenses (today).”

Stalking is punishable with up to one year in jail while improper use of the LEIN machine is a 93-day misdemeanor.

Roseville Detective Sgt. Keith Waller is in charge of the investigation. Boedeker said Waller signed the complaint.

Boedeker said that since the incidents involved a court employee, the judges in 39th District Court recused themselves and sent the case to 40th District Court.

Police said Wagner, who had been employed as probation officer in Roseville-Fraser for the past five years, was arrested at a monastery in Addison Township last Friday.

One source told The Macomb Daily that Wagner tried to commit suicide before he was subdued by Roseville officers and deputies from Oakland County.

A local attorney who asked to remain anonymous said Wagner was an excellent person to work with. He said Wagner always treated attorneys and their clients fairly.

“He was always very fair with me,” the attorney said. “Wow. I cannot believe this. This really makes me sick.”

Sources close to the investigation said Wagner dated the court employee. They said she ended the relationship and started dating a Roseville police officer.

Wagner then used the LEIN machine to find out the identity of the man the court employee was dating, court records indicate. He then allegedly stalked the woman and officer.

                   











BRIEF: Roseville probation officer arrested for stalking, misuse of law enforcement information
April 22, 2011
Detroit Free Press
http://satellite.tmcnet.com/news/2011/04/24/5464086.htm#1

Apr 22, 2011 (Detroit Free Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A probation officer with the Roseville District Court was arrested last Friday by Roseville Police and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on charges of stalking and improper use of the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information system.

Rory George Wagner, 42, faces two counts of misdemeanor stalking related to another court employee and a Roseville Police officer, and one count of LEIN information -- unauthorized disclosure. He faces up to two years in jail and up to five years probation.

Roseville Police said when they found Wagner, he was holding a gun, and was taken to a hospital for observation. An interim bond was set today at $10,000 and he will be arraigned on Monday in St. Clair Shores.

04152011 - Probation Officer Rory Wagner - Misuse Of LEIN - Roseville

Charges: Stalking of Roseville police officer

Roseville Probation Officer Has Been Arrested for Stalking and the Misuse of Private Law Enforcement Information

Wagner will be arraigned on Monday, May 2, 2011 in St. Clair Shores District Court.
Posted: 04/30/2011

Excellent, thoughtful and fair probation officers regularly supervise my clients. Unfortunately, many clients run into probation officers that are bigoted, predisposed and malicious. When I try to speak to probation supervisors, I regular feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall as the supervisors generally go into defensive mode. As proof that probation officers are human too, consider that a Roseville Probation Officer with the Roseville District Court was arrested last Friday by Roseville Police and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on charges of stalking and improper use of the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information system.

Probation Officer Rory George Wagner faces two counts of misdemeanor stalking related to another court employee and a Roseville Police officer. He is also charged with one count of unauthorized disclosure of LEIN information. The maximum possible sentence for that offense is up to two years in prison and up to five years probation. If convicted, Wagner will likely be placed on probation given that he probably has no prior convictions. I hope for his sake that he is not assigned to a probation officer that is demeaning and treats him like a second-class citizen. If he is assigned to such a person, it is likely any complaints that he has will fall upon deaf ears. How ironic?













Roseville probation officer awaits court date for stalking
April 25, 2011
By Sara Kandel
C And G News
http://www.candgnews.com/news/roseville-probation-officer-arrested-stalking

A Roseville probation officer faces an April 27 court date after being charged with two counts of stalking earlier this month.

Rory George Wagner, a probation officer with the 39th District Court, was arrested on two counts of misdemeanor stalking and one count of unauthorized disclosure of Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information, also a misdemeanor charge. He was arrested on April 15 for the two stalking charges that carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail and five years probation and the LEIN violation, which carries a maximum sentence of 93 days in jail.

Deputy Chief Anthony Cona said the incident involved Wagner harassing another court employee and a member of the Police Department.

When he was taken into custody, police reportedly found a handgun in his possession and he was brought to a local hospital for observation.

Thomas Stotz, Wagner's defense attorney, said they would not be commenting on the case at this time.

An interim bond was set at $10,000. Since he is an employee of the Roseville court, a formal hearing was to be held today in neighboring St. Clair Shores, but it was adjourned and rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27.

His job status will be determined by the 39th District Court administration.









Roseville officer accused of stalking co-worker
Published: Sunday, April 24, 2011
By Gordon Wilczynski
For The Oakland Press
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/04/24/news/local_news/doc4db357b956c8c941995652.txt

Roseville’s chief probation officer has been fired for improper use of a police computer and stalking a female employee and will face criminal charges, court officials said.

Rory Wagner remains hospitalized suffering from a mental condition, officials said. He is expected to be arraigned next week by 40th District Judge Mark A. Fratarcangeli in neighboring St. Clair Shores.

An interim bond was set Friday for Wagner at $10,000.

Judge Joseph F. Boedeker of the 39th District Court said he fired Wagner when he became aware that he was using the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) machine to ascertain the names of people from their vehicle license plate numbers.

Boedeker said he did not know that Wagner was stalking the female employee.

“I didn’t know this was going on and that criminal acts had been occurring,” Boedeker said earlier this week.

Police obtained a warrant last week and charged Mr. Wagner with the misdemeanor offenses (today).”

Stalking is punishable with up to one year in jail while improper use of the LEIN machine is a 93-day misdemeanor.

Boedeker said that since the incidents involved a court employee, the judges in 39th District Court recused themselves and sent the case to 40th District Court.

Police said Wagner, who had been employed as a probation officer in Roseville-Fraser for the past five years, was arrested at a monastery in Addison Township last Friday

One source told The Macomb Daily that Wagner tried to commit suicide before he was subdued by Roseville officers and deputies from Oakland County.

A local attorney who asked to remain anonymous said Wagner was an excellent person to work with.

He said Wagner always treated attorneys and their clients fairly.

“He was always very fair with me,” the attorney said. “Wow. I cannot believe this. This really makes me sick.”

Sources close to the investigation said Wagner dated the court employee. They said she ended the relationship and started dating a Roseville police officer.

Wagner then used the LEIN machine to find out the identity of the man the court employee was dating, court records indicate.

He then allegedly stalked the woman and officer.









    Those Who Judge Will Be Judged
Posted Apr 23 2011
by neilrockindpc in Blog
http://www.rockindlaw.com/1508/blog/those-who-judge-will-be-judged/

An article appears in today’s The Oakland Press about a probation officer from Roseville who is accused of stalking and abusing his access to criminal histories, etc. I’m not surprised. Nothing makes a probation officer any more inherently law-abiding and resistant to emotional impulse than the rest of us. However, I am sure that this probation officer sent his fair share of people to jail. Likely he judged a few people in his day. When judging others be careful about being judged yourself. Here’s the article, quoted below:

The chief probation officer for the city of Roseville has been fired for improper use of the LEIN machine and stalking a female employee and will face criminal charges, court officials said.

Rory Wagner remains hospitalized suffering from a mental condition. He is expected to be arraigned next week by 40th District Judge Mark A. Fratarcangeli in neighboring St. Clair Shores.

An interim bond was set today for Wagner at $10,000.

Judge Joseph F. Boedeker, chief judge of the 39th District Court, said he fired Wagner when he became aware that Wagner was using the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) machine to check the name of people from their vehicle license plate number.

Boedeker also said he didn’t know that Wagner was stalking the female employee.

“I didn’t know this was going on and that criminal acts had been occurring,” Boedeker said earlier this week. “Police obtained a warrant last week and charged Mr. Wagner with the misdemeanor offenses (today).”

Stalking is punishable with up to one year in jail while improper use of the LEIN machine is a 93-day misdemeanor.

Roseville Detective Sgt. Keith Waller is in charge of the investigation. Boedeker said Waller signed the complaint.

Boedeker said that since the incidents involved a court employee, the judges in 39th District Court recused themselves and sent the case to 40th District Court.

Police said Wagner, who had been employed as probation officer in Roseville-Fraser for the past five years, was arrested at a monastery in Addison Township last Friday.

One source told The Macomb Daily that Wagner tried to commit suicide before he was subdued by Roseville officers and deputies from Oakland County.

A local attorney who asked to remain anonymous said Wagner was an excellent person to work with. He said Wagner always treated attorneys and their clients fairly.

“He was always very fair with me,” the attorney said. “Wow. I cannot believe this. This really makes me sick.”

Sources close to the investigation said Wagner dated the court employee. They said she ended the relationship and started dating a Roseville police officer.

Wagner then used the LEIN machine to find out the identity of the man the court employee was dating, court records indicate. He then allegedly stalked the woman and officer.

                    BRIEF: Roseville probation officer arrested for stalking, misuse of law enforcement information
April 22, 2011
Detroit Free Press
http://satellite.tmcnet.com/news/2011/04/24/5464086.htm#1

Apr 22, 2011 (Detroit Free Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A probation officer with the Roseville District Court was arrested last Friday by Roseville Police and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on charges of stalking and improper use of the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information system.

Rory George Wagner, 42, faces two counts of misdemeanor stalking related to another court employee and a Roseville Police officer, and one count of LEIN information -- unauthorized disclosure. He faces up to two years in jail and up to five years probation.

Roseville Police said when they found Wagner, he was holding a gun, and was taken to a hospital for observation. An interim bond was set today at $10,000 and he will be arraigned on Monday in St. Clair Shores.

04152011 - Probation Officer Rory Wagner - Arrested - Roseville

Charges: Stalking of ex-girlfriend

Roseville Probation Officer Has Been Arrested for Stalking and the Misuse of Private Law Enforcement Information

Wagner will be arraigned on Monday, May 2, 2011 in St. Clair Shores District Court.
Posted: 04/30/2011

Excellent, thoughtful and fair probation officers regularly supervise my clients. Unfortunately, many clients run into probation officers that are bigoted, predisposed and malicious. When I try to speak to probation supervisors, I regular feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall as the supervisors generally go into defensive mode. As proof that probation officers are human too, consider that a Roseville Probation Officer with the Roseville District Court was arrested last Friday by Roseville Police and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on charges of stalking and improper use of the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information system.

Probation Officer Rory George Wagner faces two counts of misdemeanor stalking related to another court employee and a Roseville Police officer. He is also charged with one count of unauthorized disclosure of LEIN information. The maximum possible sentence for that offense is up to two years in prison and up to five years probation. If convicted, Wagner will likely be placed on probation given that he probably has no prior convictions. I hope for his sake that he is not assigned to a probation officer that is demeaning and treats him like a second-class citizen. If he is assigned to such a person, it is likely any complaints that he has will fall upon deaf ears. How ironic?













Roseville probation officer awaits court date for stalking
April 25, 2011
By Sara Kandel
C And G News
http://www.candgnews.com/news/roseville-probation-officer-arrested-stalking

A Roseville probation officer faces an April 27 court date after being charged with two counts of stalking earlier this month.

Rory George Wagner, a probation officer with the 39th District Court, was arrested on two counts of misdemeanor stalking and one count of unauthorized disclosure of Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information, also a misdemeanor charge. He was arrested on April 15 for the two stalking charges that carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail and five years probation and the LEIN violation, which carries a maximum sentence of 93 days in jail.

Deputy Chief Anthony Cona said the incident involved Wagner harassing another court employee and a member of the Police Department.

When he was taken into custody, police reportedly found a handgun in his possession and he was brought to a local hospital for observation.

Thomas Stotz, Wagner's defense attorney, said they would not be commenting on the case at this time.

An interim bond was set at $10,000. Since he is an employee of the Roseville court, a formal hearing was to be held today in neighboring St. Clair Shores, but it was adjourned and rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27.

His job status will be determined by the 39th District Court administration.









Roseville officer accused of stalking co-worker
Published: Sunday, April 24, 2011
By Gordon Wilczynski
For The Oakland Press
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/04/24/news/local_news/doc4db357b956c8c941995652.txt

Roseville’s chief probation officer has been fired for improper use of a police computer and stalking a female employee and will face criminal charges, court officials said.

Rory Wagner remains hospitalized suffering from a mental condition, officials said. He is expected to be arraigned next week by 40th District Judge Mark A. Fratarcangeli in neighboring St. Clair Shores.

An interim bond was set Friday for Wagner at $10,000.

Judge Joseph F. Boedeker of the 39th District Court said he fired Wagner when he became aware that he was using the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) machine to ascertain the names of people from their vehicle license plate numbers.

Boedeker said he did not know that Wagner was stalking the female employee.

“I didn’t know this was going on and that criminal acts had been occurring,” Boedeker said earlier this week.

Police obtained a warrant last week and charged Mr. Wagner with the misdemeanor offenses (today).”

Stalking is punishable with up to one year in jail while improper use of the LEIN machine is a 93-day misdemeanor.

Boedeker said that since the incidents involved a court employee, the judges in 39th District Court recused themselves and sent the case to 40th District Court.

Police said Wagner, who had been employed as a probation officer in Roseville-Fraser for the past five years, was arrested at a monastery in Addison Township last Friday

One source told The Macomb Daily that Wagner tried to commit suicide before he was subdued by Roseville officers and deputies from Oakland County.

A local attorney who asked to remain anonymous said Wagner was an excellent person to work with.

He said Wagner always treated attorneys and their clients fairly.

“He was always very fair with me,” the attorney said. “Wow. I cannot believe this. This really makes me sick.”

Sources close to the investigation said Wagner dated the court employee. They said she ended the relationship and started dating a Roseville police officer.

Wagner then used the LEIN machine to find out the identity of the man the court employee was dating, court records indicate.

He then allegedly stalked the woman and officer.









    Those Who Judge Will Be Judged
Posted Apr 23 2011
by neilrockindpc in Blog
http://www.rockindlaw.com/1508/blog/those-who-judge-will-be-judged/

An article appears in today’s The Oakland Press about a probation officer from Roseville who is accused of stalking and abusing his access to criminal histories, etc. I’m not surprised. Nothing makes a probation officer any more inherently law-abiding and resistant to emotional impulse than the rest of us. However, I am sure that this probation officer sent his fair share of people to jail. Likely he judged a few people in his day. When judging others be careful about being judged yourself. Here’s the article, quoted below:

The chief probation officer for the city of Roseville has been fired for improper use of the LEIN machine and stalking a female employee and will face criminal charges, court officials said.

Rory Wagner remains hospitalized suffering from a mental condition. He is expected to be arraigned next week by 40th District Judge Mark A. Fratarcangeli in neighboring St. Clair Shores.

An interim bond was set today for Wagner at $10,000.

Judge Joseph F. Boedeker, chief judge of the 39th District Court, said he fired Wagner when he became aware that Wagner was using the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) machine to check the name of people from their vehicle license plate number.

Boedeker also said he didn’t know that Wagner was stalking the female employee.

“I didn’t know this was going on and that criminal acts had been occurring,” Boedeker said earlier this week. “Police obtained a warrant last week and charged Mr. Wagner with the misdemeanor offenses (today).”

Stalking is punishable with up to one year in jail while improper use of the LEIN machine is a 93-day misdemeanor.

Roseville Detective Sgt. Keith Waller is in charge of the investigation. Boedeker said Waller signed the complaint.

Boedeker said that since the incidents involved a court employee, the judges in 39th District Court recused themselves and sent the case to 40th District Court.

Police said Wagner, who had been employed as probation officer in Roseville-Fraser for the past five years, was arrested at a monastery in Addison Township last Friday.

One source told The Macomb Daily that Wagner tried to commit suicide before he was subdued by Roseville officers and deputies from Oakland County.

A local attorney who asked to remain anonymous said Wagner was an excellent person to work with. He said Wagner always treated attorneys and their clients fairly.

“He was always very fair with me,” the attorney said. “Wow. I cannot believe this. This really makes me sick.”

Sources close to the investigation said Wagner dated the court employee. They said she ended the relationship and started dating a Roseville police officer.

Wagner then used the LEIN machine to find out the identity of the man the court employee was dating, court records indicate. He then allegedly stalked the woman and officer.

                    BRIEF: Roseville probation officer arrested for stalking, misuse of law enforcement information
April 22, 2011
Detroit Free Press
http://satellite.tmcnet.com/news/2011/04/24/5464086.htm#1

Apr 22, 2011 (Detroit Free Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A probation officer with the Roseville District Court was arrested last Friday by Roseville Police and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on charges of stalking and improper use of the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information system.

Rory George Wagner, 42, faces two counts of misdemeanor stalking related to another court employee and a Roseville Police officer, and one count of LEIN information -- unauthorized disclosure. He faces up to two years in jail and up to five years probation.

Roseville Police said when they found Wagner, he was holding a gun, and was taken to a hospital for observation. An interim bond was set today at $10,000 and he will be arraigned on Monday in St. Clair Shores.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

03232011 - Firefighter William Waite - Sentenced - Blair Township FD

Also See:

Firefighter William Waite charged with domestic violence [Dec 31, 2010]http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/12/firefighter-william-waite-blair.html

   



Fireman sentenced to three months in jail
Posted: 03.23.2011 at 4:02 PM
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=596402

William Waite pled guilty in a domestic violence case.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY -- The Grand Traverse County fireman who pled guilty in a domestic violence case was sentenced Wednesday. William Waite was sentenced to spend up to 93-days in jail with credit for time served.

According to the district court he will also spend two years on probation. The case stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend on New Year's Eve that turned violent.

The Assistant Chief of the Blair Township Fire Department says they are still reviewing the case and they have not made a decision on whether or not Waite will keep his job.

Monday, March 21, 2011

03212011 - Sheriff Candidate Lance Laird - Sentenced - Jackson County



Also See:
Jackson County Sheriff Candidate Lance Laird [2012]








Jackson County Sheriff candidate Lance Laird sent to jail for 57 days for violating probation by testing positive for cocaine
Published: Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 10:26 AM
Updated: Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 2:23 PM
By Aaron Aupperlee The Jackson Citizen Patriot http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2012/07/jackson_county_sheriff_candida_1.html



JACKSON, MI — Jackson County Sheriff candidate Lance Laird will spend the Aug. 7 primary behind bars.


District Judge R. Darryl Mazur sent Laird, 36, to jail for 57 days after testing positive for cocaine while on probation. Laird claimed someone spiked his stuff with something causing the positive test.

"Mr. Laird, I'm not sure whether you're going to make this election for sheriff or not," Mazur said before imposing a sentence in the matter. "Candidly, I doubt it."

Laird, on probation for a domestic violence charge to which he pleaded no contest in March 2011, tested positive for cocaine when tested on June 16, according to information presented in court. The 57-day sentence is the remainder of Laird's 93-day maximum sentence for the domestic violence charge. Laird already spent 36 days in jail for the original charge and other violations.

During his violation hearing Tuesday, Laird accused Tammy Sanders, the woman he allegedly assaulted, of putting something in his stuff to create the positive test. Laird attempted to play a recording of Sanders admitting to "putting stuff in my things," he said. The audio could not be heard by Mazur or anyone else in the courtroom.

Mazur asked Laird what the essence of the recording was, and Laird replied, "She said, yeah, I put stuff in your shit."

Laird never used the words cocaine or drugs in his allegations against Sanders. Sanders was not in court to testify. Laird said she lies and would not be a credible witness. Mazur said it would have been more credible had Sanders come in to testify Tuesday. Laird's attorney was also not present. Laird said she had another hearing.

Kris Putman, Laird's probation officer, said Laird did not show up for tests on June 12 and June 13. Putman called Laird and told him to go test. Laird told Putman he was frustrated with the system. Laird did not provide enough urine on June 15. On June 16, his test was positive for cocaine. Laird requested the sample be sent away for verification. The verification came back positive as well.

Laird claims the initial domestic violence charge was based on lies and made against him because of an on-going custody dispute with Sanders. Photographs taken after the assault show Sanders with a cut lip and a bloody nose. Police reports provided by Laird show that Sanders had reported Laird hit her twice before. She had no marks, and police could not verify that an assault occurred in each. After the third report, when Sanders went to the Jackson Police Department with a bloodied face, Laird was arrested.

He pleaded no contest to avoid spending more time in jail awaiting a trial, he said in previous conversations.

Laird's stint in jail will his 15th, according to jail records. Charges against Laird in previous, unrelated matters, were dismissed, court records show. A jury convicted him of operating while impaired in 2008. He was found guilty of assault and battery in 1994. Laird has been convicted of traffic infractions and having a dog at large, according to court records. There have been eight civil actions filed against him.

He contends the county justice system is corrupt and has fought his probation and previous charges.

Laird has said as sheriff he would throw in jail prosecutors and judges who violate people's rights and use plea deals as instruments of coercion. He believes the county's criminal justice system is overrun with corruption.

"What would you do if you were sheriff?" Mazur asked.

"I don't think that's proper for the court," Laird responded. "I'm not here for my political agenda."

"I'm curious," Mazur said.

"Maybe you should ask me outside of court," Laird responded.

At the close of the hearing, Mazur said, "If you're elected sheriff, go ahead hold us all accountable."

Laird was placed in handcuffs and led out of the courtroom.