Thursday, March 28, 2013

03282013 - [IN] Amanda Bach Murder Case - Dustin McCowan Sentenced

Also See: 

[IN] Amanda Bach Murder Case - Dustin McCowan's Appeal 
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2014/04/in-amanda-bach-murder-case-dustin.html


Amanda Bach Murder - Dustin McCowan charged with murder http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/in-amanda-bach-murder-case_16.html 

Amanda Bach Murder Case - Investigation of Officer Joseph Elliott McCowan [Crown Point Indiana PD] - September 2011 - April 2013 
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/in-amanda-bach-murder-case.html 

Amanda Bach Murder Case - Dustin McCowan Trial and Conviction- Feb 04, 2013 http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/02/in-amanda-bach-murder-case-dustin.html 

Amanda Bach Murder Case - Dustin McCowan Sentenced - March 28, 2013 http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/03/in-amanda-bach-murder-case-dustin.html 

Amanda Bach Murder Case - Videos 
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/in-amanda-bach-murder-case-videos.html









Dustin McCowan appeal update -  
August 20, 2014:

Oral arguments before the Indiana Supreme Court scheduled for October 23, 2014 at 9:45 A.M.:
[IN] Amanda Bach Murder Case - Dustin McCowan's Appeal 
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2014/04/in-amanda-bach-murder-case-dustin.html









Amanda Bach Murder Case:




Amanda Bach [Portage, Indiana]. Murdered by her ex-boyfriend Dustin McCowan [son of Crown Point police officer Joseph Elliott McCowan] - September 16, 2011












Dustin McCowan - Convicted and sentenced to 60 years in prison for murdering Amanda Bach [February 2013]









Crown Point Indiana police officer Joseph Elliott McCowan - Investigated for his possible role in hiding key evidence in his son Dustin's murder case.



Dustin McCowan: son of Crown Point Indiana police officer Joseph Elliott McCowan. Convicted in February 2013 of murdering Amanda Bach [Portage IN - September 16, 2011]. Sentenced to 60 years in prison [March 2013].

Immediately following the murder of Amanda Bach the Porter County SD also began investigating Dustin McCowan's father: Officer Joseph Elliot McCowan for his possible role in hiding key evidence [ Amanda's cell phone; the gun; etc] in the murder case against his son / Dustin.

In April 2013 the Porter County SD discontinued its investigation of Officer McCowan.

The sheriff department, prosecutor, and Amanda's parents believe that Officer McCowan played a role in covering up the murder of Amanda.

The Porter County Sheriff Department said the investigation of Officer McCowan could be re-opened if they receive new information in the case.














Dustin McCowan - Release date from prison: 
September 17, 2041









McCowan transferred to begin serving 60-year term for murder
April 16, 2013 - 1:00 pm
Bob Kasarda
NWI Times
nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/wheeler/mccowan-transferred-to-begin-serving—year-term-for-murder/article_93678dbf-a71d-5ef7-87a6-3265c1aaffe6




VALPARAISO - Less than three weeks after being sentenced to 60 years for murdering his former girlfriend, Dustin McCowan has been transferred to the Pendleton Correctional Facility to begin serving his time.

The prison is one of four maximum-level facilities in the state, which are used to house inmates with long sentences, said Douglas Garrison, chief communications officer with the Indiana Department of Correction.

McCowan, 20, is listed on the DOC's online offender search site with a release date of Sept. 17, 2041.

This reflects the earliest date he would be released if his behavior remains good and he earns a day off for each day served, Garrison said. The release date could come even sooner if McCowan shaves more time off by taking part in educational or other programs.

The county's public defender office has been assigned to file an appeal on McCowan's behalf, in an attempt at getting a reduced sentence or having his conviction set aside.

Garrison said legislation is pending before state lawmakers that would increase the amount of time served by giving inmates the opportunity to earn one day off for every three days of good behavior. Any changes would not apply to McCowan.

A jury found McCowan guilty in February of shooting 19-year-old Amanda Bach, of Portage, in the throat during the early morning hours of Sept. 16, 2011, after she showed up at the Union Township home he was living in at the time with his father.

Bach's body was found the next day less than 300 yards from the house in a wooded area along County Road 625 West at the Canadian National Railroad tracks.

McCowan, who has maintained his innocence, declined the opportunity to testify during his nearly monthlong trial or to address the court at sentencing, other than saying, "I don't think the court deserves it, your honor."









Day of beauty fund-raiser honors Bach, raises awareness
April 04, 2013 - 8:08 pm
Lesley Bailey
NWI Times
nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/day-of-beauty-fund-raiser-honors-bach-raises-awareness/article_0712175d-b5b3-5b07-bad3-7612f8ca43d7


VALPARAISO - Anna McDonald hopes a day of beauty will not only honor the memory of Amanda Bach but also will bring awareness to dating violence and relationship abuse.

"The main theme for this fundraiser is to educate and provide awareness to families and teenagers about the warning signs of relationship abuse and that help is available," said McDonald, a Mary Kay director.

"Quite often, victims of abuse - especially mental and verbal - mistakenly accept the directed behavior as ‘normal’ or ‘no big deal’ because it is coming from someone they trust, maybe even someone they thought that they loved at one time."

Dustin McCowan was recently sentenced to a near-maximum of 60 years in prison for the Sept. 16, 2011, murder of Amanda, who was his former girlfriend.

A presentation based on the "Don’t Look Away/Love is Respect" campaign will be part of the fund-raiser from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday April 20 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 505 Bullseye Lake Road.

"A main informational point of this presentation includes the discussion of an anonymous telephone hotline where victims of abuse can call and receive free advice from peers outside of their social circle. The anonymous hotline provides an avenue of hope to victims, especially teenagers, who are too embarrassed or scared to discuss their concerns with parents," McDonald said.

The event will also include complimentary skin care sessions, a silent auction, raffle and refreshments. There is no cost for the pampering sessions but appointments need to be made by contacting McDonald at (219) 508-8790

All proceeds from the sale of Mary Kay products and the silent auction/raffle and contributions will be donated. Half will go to the church and half will be given to Valparaiso’s The Caring Place, which provides services and shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, per the request of Sandy and Bill Bach in memory of Amanda.

McDonald said she and her husband, Eric, decided to have the fund-raiser to assist Amanda’s parents in continuing to honor their daughter as the Bachs were good friends and neighbors of Eric from 2002-06.

"Amanda and her sister spent a lot of time playing with Eric’s daughter during that time," she said. "Needless to say, it is very hard to comprehend losing a daughter … a vibrant, beautiful young lady with such a bright future and zest for life.

"As parents, all of us are heartbroken and crushed that something this horrific could happen to somebody’s child - especially a friend’s child - and from our local community. It hit close to home because it happened to someone we knew very well, and her life was stolen from her by someone she knew, someone that she trusted."

McDonald said as a Mary Kay director, the day of beauty event was the one way she felt she could help.

"We want to help teenagers realize that any form of abuse, mental or physical, is never OK," she said.

Those who cannot attend, but wish to donate should contact McDonald at (219) 508-8790

For Mary Kay's 50th anniversary, there is a limited edition compact with a Swarovski crystal that is at the center of the "Love is Respect/Don’t Look Away" campaign with $1 from the sale of each compact going to help fund it.








Amanda Bach murder: Dustin McCowan sentenced to 60 years in prison
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Ben Bradley
WLS- TV Chicago IL
abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9044952


[IN] Amanda Bach murder- Dustin McCowan sentenced to 60 years in prison- Mar 28, 2013




[IN] Amanda Bach murder- Dustin McCowan sentenced to 60 years in prison- Mar 28, 2013

March 28, 2013 (VALPARAISO, Ind.) (WLS) -- Portage, Indiana teen Amanda Bach was found dead about 300 feet from her one-time boyfriend Dustin McCowan's home in September 2011.

On Thursday 20-year-old McCowan received the near-maximum sentence Thursday for the shooting death of Bach. He was convicted for the murder in February 2013.

Before his sentence was handed down, McCowan refused to make a statement to the court.

"I don't think this court deserves it," he said defiantly.

McCowan offered a slight smile in the courtroom just minutes after a Porter County judge sentenced him to 60 years behind bars.

Amanda Bach's mother Sandy Bach took the stand at the sentencing hearing to describe the impact of loss of her daughter at the age of 19.

Though tears, she said, "I will not let you get the best of me Dustin, I will not. You can't even look at me, can you?"

In an unusual argument, prosecutors blamed not only Dustin McCowan but also his family. The judge revealed today an unidentified relative was heard on a prison phone telling him:

"It would be appropriate if the deputy prosecuting attorneys' children were killed so they would know what it's like."

Dustin McCowan's father Elliott McCowan is a Crown Point police officer. The sheriff's office previously said they were looking into whether he helped hide the murder weapon.








Ex-Boyfriend Gets 60 Years in Teen's Murder
Investigators say they continue probe into Dustin McCowan's family
Thursday, Mar 28, 2013
Updated 8:48 PM CDT
Charlie Wojcifchowski
NBC News - Chicago, IL
nbcchicago.com/news/local/dustin-mccowan-sentence-amanda-bach-murder-200532401


[IN] Ex-Boyfriend Gets 60 Years in Teen's Murder- Mar 28, 2013

Emotions ran high outside an Indiana courtroom Thursday afternoon after Dustin McCowan, the man convicted last month of killing his ex-girlfriend, was sentenced to 60 years in prison.

His family vowed to appeal.

"I'm his mother. The fact is, he's innocent and we will appeal," a defiant Jame Tome told reporters outside the Porter County Courthouse.

By contrast, McCowan, 20, was stoic as Judge William Alexa handed down the sentence for his role in the September 2011 shooting death of Amanda Bach. Earlier, he'd declined to make a statement to the court.

I don’t think the court deserves it, your honor," he said.

Amanda Bach's parents said the sentence was bittersweet.

"I guess what we would like would be life without parole. I mean, he doesn't deserve to talk the streets," said Bach's father, William Bach. "He'll be younger than me when he gets out of prison."

Bach's body was found in a wooded area near McCowan's home in Union Township three days after the 19-year-old disappeared.

Despite the conviction and sentencing, investigators say their work in the case isn't over. Prosecutors said they area looking into the possibility that McCowan's family tried to protect him by hiding evidence. It's an allegation McCowan's father, a Crown Point police officer, denies.

"Everybody has their own opinions," Elliot McCowan said as he walked away from the courthouse.

In her remarks, deputy prosecutor Cheryl Polarek said Dustin McCowan is a product of his environment and of those with whom he lives.









Dustin McCowan sentenced to 60 years in murder of Amanda Bach
March 28, 2013 - 6:30 pm
Bob Kasarda
NWI Times
nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/dustin-mccowan-sentenced-to-years-in-murder-of-amanda-bach/article_68724af1-088d-5653-846f-378959690a25

















VALPARAISO - Dustin McCowan smiled with jail guards as he was escorted out of the courtroom Thursday afternoon after being sentenced to a near-maximum of 60 years in prison for the Sept. 16, 2011 murder of his former girlfriend Amanda Bach of Portage.

The 20-year-old, who has grown a beard since last month's trial, declined an opportunity to comment before sentencing, saying only, "I don't think the court deserves it your honor."

He was found guilty of shooting 19-year-old Bach in the throat during the early morning hours after she showed up at the Union Township home he was living in at the time with his father. Bach's partially clothed body was found the following day less than 300 yards from the house in a wooded area along County Road 625 West at the Canadian National Railroad tracks.

The victim's father, Bill Bach, called the sentence bittersweet, pointing out that McCowan could be Bach's age when released from prison, if he is eligible to cut his terms in half with good behavior and participation in various programs.

"I guess what we would like would be life without parole," he said.

His wife, Sandy Bach, objected to the defense comparing McCowan going to prison to her daughter's death.

"Their loss doesn't compare to our loss," she said.

While the sentencing brought an end to the local stage of the high profile case, which included a nearly month-long trial in February, Porter Superior Court Judge Bill Alexa appointed the public defender's office to begin work on the appeal.

Emotions were high in the packed courtroom Thursday, with a McCowan supporter storming out of the hearing after Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Polarek called members of the McCowan family "dishonest, cowardly and pathetic."

Polarek also referenced a recorded telephone call with McCowan at the jail that the judge later explained included a comment that prosecutors would have to experience the murder of their own children to understand what the McCowans were going through.

"Dustin McCowan is the way he is because of the adults in his life," Polarek said.

County police have revealed that they believe McCowan's father, Elliott McCowan, a Crown Point police officer, may have aided his son in attempting to cover up the murder.

Sandy Bach fueled the emotional atmosphere of the courtroom with a lengthy statement describing the many levels of pain she has suffered as a result of the murder and the challenges she faces without Amanda in her life.

"I will not let you get the best of me, Dustin, I will not," she said repeatedly during the statement. "You don't like hearing that, do you?"

Bill Bach, described the pain he felt watching McCowan plug his ears and look toward the floor whenever photos of his dead daughter were shown and discussed during the trial.

"I will have to leave his fate in the hands of God," he said.

The McCowan family declined comment as they left the courtroom, but defense attorney John Vouga characterized the near-maximum sentence as "a mere formality" that offers more fuel for the appeal that he voiced confidence would result in a reversal and chance for a new trial with an unbiased jury from outside the county.

McCowan's defense team spent much of the trial criticizing the police investigation as inadequate. The defense has raised questions about the involvement of other individuals, including the Wheeler man who helped police locate Bach's body.








Boyfriend Gets 60 Years In Portage Woman’s Murder
March 28, 2013 - 4:58 PM
CBS News - Chicago, IL
chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/03/28/boyfriend-gets-60-years-in-portage-ind-womans-murder/"-years-in-portage-ind-womans-murder


[IN] Boyfriend Gets 60 Years In Portage Woman’s Murder- Mar 28, 2013

(CBS) — While family and friends searched for his missing girlfriend, Dustin McCowan partied, according to police. Now, he’ll be spending 60 years in prison for her murder.

The sentence was handed down Thursday afternoon in Valparaiso, Ind.

McCowan, 20, was apparently jealous in his rocky relationship with Amanda Bach, 19, of Portage. Police found her body close to railroad tracks, about 300 yards from McCowan’s home in Wheeler, Ind. in September 2011.

Prosecutors said the bullet in her body matched the ammunition in McCowan’s father’s gun, which was missing.

Bach’s father, William, says the 60-year sentence is not strict enough.

"I guess what we would like is life without parole. I mean, he doesn’t deserve to walk the streets," he told reporters.

McCowan’s lawyers claimed the police investigation was flawed. They also raised questions about the involvement of other people.

Tensions ran high as the McCowan’s father, Elliot, left the Porter County Courthouse. The Crown Point police officer is under investigation, for potentially helping hide evidence in Bach’s murder, according to police.

"Everybody has their own opinions," he said.

Said William Bach, "My gut feeling is he had something to do with it, to help him."









McCowan murder sentencing
Thursday March 27, 2013 - 5:15 pm
Bob Kasarda
NWI Timesnwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/mccowan-murder-sentencing-thursday/article_52753849-c0e3-5990-b1ce-0bd9193dfd6e.html





VALPARAISO - Thirty days after Dustin McCowan was whisked out of the courtroom after being found guilty of murdering former girlfriend Amanda Bach, he will make a return visit Thursday afternoon to face sentencing.

The 20-year-old faces between 45 and 65 years behind bars.

Security is expected to be as tight Thursday as it was during the trial that lasted much of February before Porter Superior Court Judge Bill Alexa.

The trial attracted a full house of family members and supporters from both sides, who are expected to return for the 2 p.m. sentencing.

McCowan was convicted Feb. 26 of the Sept. 16, 2011, slaying of 19-year-old Bach, of Portage, whose body was found with a bullet hole through the throat along railroad tracks less than 300 yards from the Union Township home McCowan was living in at the time with his father.

While the mothers of McCowan and Bach cried when the verdict was read, McCowan, who was standing, closed his eyes and then sat down and looked toward the floor.

Amanda Bach's father, Bill Bach, said at the time he is hoping for the maximum sentence, but pointed out McCowan still will be a young man when he’s released.

Defense attorney John Vouga said he plans to appeal.

McCowan's defense team had taken the unusual step of securing the right to attend a standard, court-ordered interview with McCowan that is part of a report used for sentencing.

Vouga said he wanted to be present to protect McCowan's constitutional rights and steer his client away from discussing his version of the events. Vouga said he encourages his clients to direct the probation officer asking this type of question back to the details in the plea agreement or to the facts that came out during a trial.

Porter County Chief Probation Officer Stephen Meyer disagreed with the approach, saying his officers are instructed by state policy to seek out the defendant's version of the crime as part of the job of painting a full picture of the individual for the judge to consider at sentencing.

Meyer said he understood Vouga's desire to limit the information provided by McCowan in preparation for an appeal. The problem, he said, is the presence of an attorney can interfere with defendant sharing information and it is in the defendant's best interest to cooperate.









McCowan's lawyer to sit in interview
March 09, 2013 - 11:35 pm
Bob Kasarda
NWI Times
nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/mccowan-s-lawyer-to-sit-in-interview/article_bd21ab88-2008-51ab-8bea-a4fc57b58352





VALPARAISO - Attorneys for convicted murderer Dustin McCowan have taken the unusual step of securing the right to attend a court-ordered interview with McCowan to be used when he is sentenced March 28.

Defense attorney John Vouga said he or his legal partner, Nicholas Barnes, want to be present to protect McCowan's constitutional rights.

"We encourage them to cooperate," Vouga said of his clients. "The only element that we feel is essential is when a probation officer tries to talk to a defendant about his version of the events."

McCowan, 20, was convicted Feb. 26 of the Sept. 16, 2011, slaying of an ex-girlfriend, Amanda Bach, 19. Bach's body was found with a bullet hole through the throat along railroad tracks less than 300 yards from the Union Township home he was living in at the time with his father.

McCowan faces between 45 and 65 years behind bars.

Vouga said he encourages his clients to direct the probation officer asking this type of question back to the details in the plea agreement or to the facts that came out during a trial.

"He doesn't need to get the defendant's version," he said.

Porter County Chief Probation Officer Stephen Meyer disagreed.

Probation officers are instructed by state policy to seek out the defendant's version of the crime as part of the job of painting a full picture of the individual for the judge to consider at sentencing, he said.

The presentence report in question includes all sorts of details of the offender's life, including past criminal history, mental health and any substance abuse.

The report also includes a risk assessment and needs, and a victim's impact statement.

"I don't think an attorney should be sitting in on these interviews," Meyer said.

Meyer said he understands Vouga's desire to limit the information provided by McCowan in preparation for an appeal in the high-profile murder of Bach, a Portage resident.

The problem is the presence of an attorney can interfere with defendant sharing information needed for the presentence report, he said. It is in the defendant's best interest to cooperate.

"This is their chance to present themselves the best they can for the judge," Meyer said.

The interview in question has yet to take place, but will likely last between two and three hours, he said. The entire presentence report is typically 10 pages in length and should be complete by March 21 or 22.



Amanda Bach Murder Case - Dustin McCowan 
Trial and Conviction- Feb 04, 2013






















Thursday, March 14, 2013

03142013 - MSP Trooper David Morikawa - Paroled

Also See
Trooper David Morikawa - Charged with criminal sexual conduct with his cousin [a minor]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/07/trooper-david-morikawa.html

Trooper David Morikawa - Sentenced - Criminal sexual conduct http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/08/trooper-david-morikawa-sentenced-iron.html

Trooper David Morikawa - Filed appeal on CSC conviction http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/trooper-david-morikawa-filed-appeal-on.html

Trooper David Morikawa - Paroled
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/03/trooper-david-morikawa-paroled.html

Trooper David Morikawa - Appeal granted - conviction overturned http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/08/trooper-david-morikawa-appeal-granted.html
















03142013 - Deputy Michael Vanderlaan - Sentenced - Ottawa SD

Deputy Michael Vanderlaan [Ottawa SD]: Plea agreement for January 11, 2013 domestic violence assault.



Also See:
Janaury 11, 2013 domestic violence assault:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/01/deputy-michael-vanderlaan-ottawa-county.html




March 13, 2013: Deputy VanderLaan placed on probation for January 11th domestic violence charge. The DV conviction will be removed from his record upon successful completion of probation. Although Deputy VanderLaan has pleaded guilty to DV charges and is on probation, he remains working at the Ottawa County SD.








Ottawa County Sheriff's deputy sentenced for domestic violence
Thursday, March 14, 2013 3:11 p.m. EDT
WKZO NEWS
http://wkzo.com/news/articles/2013/mar/14/ottawa-county-sheriffs-deputy-sentenced-for-domestic-violence/

GRAND HAVEN (WKZO) -- Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Vanderlaan will be on probation for a year for a domestic violence conviction. The 41-year-old cop could have the conviction removed from his record after completing probation. He was charged in January after a fight with his wife, and remains on desk duty with the sheriff's department pending a disciplinary hearing this week.









Ottawa County sheriff's deputy sentenced to probation on domestic violence charge
By John Tunison
jtunison@mlive.com
March 13, 2013 at 4:40 PM
Updated March 13, 2013 at 5:12 PM
MLive
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/03/ottawa_county_sheriffs_deputy.html

GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A judge has sentenced an Ottawa County sheriff's deputy to a year of probation - with the potential the charge will be erased - after he was charged with domestic violence in January.

Michael Vanderlaan, 41, was sentenced under the Michigan Spousal Abuse Act that allows first-time offenders the opportunity to have their criminal conviction removed from the public record if they satisfactorily complete probation.

Vanderlaan was charged with domestic violence after a Jan. 11 altercation involving his wife.

Vanderlaan was assigned to administrative duties after being charged and is working at the sheriff's Georgetown Township office.

Ottawa County Undersheriff Greg Steigenga said Wednesday, March 13, Vanderlaan, a 10-year employee with the department, remains on that status pending a disciplinary hearing expected later this week.










Ottawa County deputy's plea to domestic violence is under advisement

By John Tunison
jtunison@mlive.com
The Grand Rapids Press
March 01, 2013 at 10:05 AM
Updated March 01, 2013 at 11:37 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/03/ottawa_county_deputys_plea_to.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+grpress+%28The+Grand+Rapids+Press+Latest+News+%7C+MLive.com%29



GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A 41-year-old Ottawa County sheriff's deputy could be sentenced as early as March 11 on a domestic violence charge, court records show.


A judge took a plea to domestic violence for Michael Vanderlaan under advisement on Feb. 18, with a pending March 11 sentencing date.

Vanderlaan was accused of domestic violence after a Jan. 11 altercation involving his wife.

Related: Ottawa County sheriff's deputy on 'administrative' duty after domestic violence charge

"This altercation turned physical resulting in some minor injuries to his wife, including bruising," state police said in an earlier news release.

The plea was taken under advisement so Ottawa County District Court Judge Craig Bunce can determine whether to sentence Vanderlaan under the Michigan Spousal Abuse Act.

It allows for a judge to place a first-time domestic violence offender on probation. If the person completes the probation, no conviction against the offender will be publicly recorded.

Vanderlaan is assigned to the sheriff's Georgetown Township office and has been with the department for 10 years.




Sunday, March 10, 2013

03102013 - Deputy Ed Kolakowski - Kent SD

March 10, 2013: Ottawa County deputies responded to a disagreement between Deputy Ed Kolakowski [Kent County SD] and his wife alongside a road. Deputy Kolakowski was arrested for drunk driving. He later pled guilty to the drunk driving charge.






Kent County sheriff's deputy pleads guilty to drunken driving charge
By John Tunison
jtunison@mlive.com
The Grand Rapids Press
March 20, 2013 at 5:53 PM
Updated March 20, 2013 at 5:54 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/03/kent_county_sheriffs_deputy_pl.html



GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A Kent County sheriff's deputy who was honored for heroism in February has pleaded guilty to a drunken driving charge.

Edward Kolakowski, 42, entered the plea March 12 in 58th District Court in Grand Haven and awaits sentencing.

Kolakowski is on paid leave with the sheriff's department.

He was arrested about 2 a.m. March 3 near 128th Avenue and M-45 in Robinson Township.

The arrest came less than a week after Kolakowski played an integral role in a Feb. 25 rescue of a mother and two children from a burning apartment building in Gaines Township.

He was among six deputies who helped search third-floor apartments at a Woodfield Apartments building near 60th Street and Eastern Avenue. The floor was filled with choking smoke.










Kent County deputy, in fire rescue last week, is arrested for drunken driving
By John Tunison
jtunison@mlive.com
The Grand Rapids Press
March 04, 2013 at 11:54 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/03/kent_county_deputy_in_fire_res.html


      

 OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- A Kent County sheriff's deputy who helped in a dramatic fire rescue last week has been arrested for drunken driving.

Ed Kolakowski, 42, was arrested about 2 a.m. Sunday near 128th Avenue and M-45 in Robinson Township.

Ottawa County Undersheriff Greg Steigenga did not name the deputy, but jail records show Kolakowski was booked into the jail for operating while intoxicated.

Details of the arrest were not immediately known.

"There is an investigation that is ongoing," Steigenga said.

Related: Kent County sheriff's deputies commended for bravery in Gaines Township apartment fire

Kolakowski was one of six deputies honored last week for a Feb. 25 rescue of a mother and two children from a burning apartment building at Woodfield Apartments in Gaines Township.

All of the deputies helped search apartments on a third level amid heavy, choking smoke.

But Kolakowski and another deputy were the ones to rescue the mother and children. Kolakowski carried two children under his arms to safety.



               




Kent County deputy arrested for OWI
Ed Kolakowski was arrested in Ottawa County
Updated: Monday, 04 Mar 2013, 5:01 PM EST
Published : Monday, 04 Mar 2013, 10:55 AM EST
By Ken Kolker
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/deputy-arrested




ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A week after helping to rescue a family from an apartment fire, a Kent County sheriff's deputy is facing an impaired driving charge.

Deputy Ed Kolakowski, 42, was booked at the Ottawa County Jail on a charge of operating while impaired, jail records show.

Records show he was booked at 2:30 a.m. Sunday and released at 2 p.m. the same day.

Ottawa County sheriff's officials told 24 Hour News 8 he was arrested in the area of M-45 and 128th Avenue in Robinson Township.

Ottawa County deputies responded to a disagreement between Kolakowski and his wife alongside the road, and when they arrived they noticed he was intoxicated, which led to his arrest.

Kent County Sheriff Larry Stelma says Kolakowki will remain on paid suspension while the sheriff's department conducts its own investigation, which is separate from the criminal investigation. The sheriff's department may conclude its investigation and alter Kolakowski's work status before his criminal case works its way through the judicial system.

Kolakowki has worked for the department for 17 years, according to the sheriff.

Just a week ago, Kolakowski was among six Kent County deputies lauded for heroism after rescuing a mom and her three children from a smoke-filled apartment. As a deputy walked the mom and an older son out of their home at Woodfield Apartments in Gaines Township, Kolakowski carried out the two younger children.

                       

Friday, March 1, 2013

03012013 - Officer Dale Malesh - Alleged March 2013 CSC Incident [Warren PD]

Also see:

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/04/officer-dale-malesh-warren-pd-retired.html

    .....the alleged sexual penetration occurred in February and March.



Accused ex-cop says charges ‘are without merit’
By Norb Franz
Posted: Friday, 04/12/13 01:15 pm
Updated: Friday, 04/12/13 09:33 pm
http://www.macombdaily.com/article/20130412/NEWS01/130419832/0/SEARCH/accused-ex-cop-says-charges-are-without-merit



A former Warren police officer, who spent years working in schools, was charged Friday with sexually molesting a 16-year-old girl.

Dale Wayne Malesh, 62, of Roseville, was arraigned on two counts of 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct — a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Malesh, arrested hours earlier outside his home on Loreto Street, asked 37th District Judge Dean Ausilio to release him on a personal recognizance bond and promised he would show up for future court hearings.

“Although the accusations are without merit, I have no intention of leaving,” said Malesh via video from the Warren Police Department lockup, adding he had plans to move to Florida. “I am not a flight risk. I can assure your honor (of that). Although the allegations against me are serious, I have no problem staying here and preparing my defense with my attorney.”

In urging the judge to set a high bond, Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Blank said law enforcement officials were concerned Malesh might attempt suicide.

RELATED ASSETS
“I am not a suicide risk. I am too narcissistic for that,” Malesh said.

Judge Ausilio ordered Malesh held in lieu of $150,000 cash or surety bond. The judge told the former police officer that if he manages to post bail, he must wear a tether, cannot leave Macomb County and must surrender his passport and enhanced driver license. Malesh also was ordered to have no contact with anyone under age 18.

The teenage girl, accompanied by friends in the court, cried as she left the courtroom. She later told The Macomb Daily that the accusations are “overblown.”

“The charges are ridiculous,” said the teen, whose name is not being published by the newspaper. She said her alleged relationship with Malesh was “completely consensual.”

According to court records, the alleged sexual penetration occurred in February and March. The teen turned age 16 — the age of consent under Michigan law — last August. However, prosecutors are basing the 15-year felony on state law that prohibits anyone from using their status to gain access to, or establish a relationship with, a student between 16 and 18 years of age.

Malesh spent the past 19 years of his law enforcement career as a Warren police officer, including the last 11 as a school resource officer. Prior to retirement, he worked as an officer at Warren Woods Tower High School. After he left the police force, Warren Woods Public Schools officials hired him as a contractual security worker.

Warren Woods Superintendent Stacey Denewith-Fici did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment Friday.

Warren police, including Special Operations officers carrying semiautomatic rifles, converged on Malesh’s home in the area of Common and Hayes roads, at approximately 11:20 a.m. Friday. He emerged in front a short time later, raised his hands above his head and was handcuffed without a struggle. Moments later, another man was briefly handcuffed as detectives began searching the two-story house.

Investigators spent approximately two hours inside the house. One detective carried out a large box.

Warren Police Commissioner Jere Green said the arrest culminated a 3-week investigation in which police seized several cellphones, including phones belonging to Malesh and the 16-year-old girl.

“A lot of the investigation involved text messages and Tweets and Facebook,” Green said. The Macomb Area Computer Enforcement team assisted with that part of the investigation, he said.

Green said Malesh was interviewed by police on March 29. The city’s top-ranking police administrator called the alleged actions by one of his former officers “disappointing.”

“You would still expect a high level of behavior you’d expect from current employees,” Green said. “Based on the evidence that I reviewed, the evidence that’s been presented to date is disturbing.”

The police commissioner said additional evidence will be turned over to Roseville police for further investigation.

Malesh is scheduled to return to Warren’s district court for a preliminary hearing on April 25.

On LinkedIn, Malesh said he is a training officer for St. John Health and president of Protection Professionals Inc., providing security for schools and health care facilities. He also is president of Malesh Associates Inc., offering security training.

Prior to his retirement in Warren, he conducted a firearms training class for members of Warren’s Citizen Emergency Response Team. He also heads A2 Guns and Gear, which holds classes to help handgun owners obtain a concealed pistol permit.



Tuesday, February 19, 2013

02192013 - MCL 769.4A AMENDED - Closed Proceedings For OIDV/DV Criminal Cases - MI Public Act 550

Also See

Michigan Public Act 550











Paragraphs 6 and 7 of MCL 769.4a have been amended: "If the record of proceedings as to the defendant is deferred under this section, the record of proceedings during this period of deferral shall be closed to the public inspection..."

WHY THIS IS A CONCERN: Michigan police officers arrested / charged with domestic violence run for cover under MCL 769.4a . It is the Lautenburg loophole that allows police officers to retain thier guns after pleading guilty to a domestic violence act under MCL 769.4a. Now the state of Michigan wants to cover this up?

Under the MCL 769.4a amendment, victims of OIDV will not be able to speak out about their case.

The date that the amended MCL 739.4a will take effect: April Fool's Day, 2013. That says a lot about our Michigan State legislators and their view of OIDV victims.









Amended MCL 769.4a












Current MCL 769.4a






Thursday, February 14, 2013

02142013 - Deputy Steven Fresorger - Sentenced - Saginaw SD

Officer Steven Fresorger: Saginaw SD, Misuse of LEIN system.

Charged: June 22, 2011

Plea agreement: February 14, 2013

Sentenced: February 14, 2013


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












Suspended sheriff's deputy sentenced for improper LEIN use, likely will have all charges dropped
By Andy Hoag
The Saginaw News
February 15, 2013 at 12:00 PM
Updated February 15, 2013 at 12:06 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2013/02/suspended_sheriffs_deputy_sent.html


SAGINAW, MI — The suspended Saginaw County sheriff's deputy accused of improperly using a statewide computerized information system for personal use likely will have all charges dropped against him a year from now.


Saginaw County Circuit Judge James T. Borchard on Thursday, Feb. 14, sentenced Steven T. Fresorger to a one-year delayed sentence for four misdemeanor charges of unauthorized disclosure of information from the Law Enforcement Information Network.

If Fresorger, 42, successfully completes one year of probation, prosecutors will drop the charges.

Fresorger last month pleaded guilty to the charges and in exchange, prosecutors dropped an additional such misdemeanor, five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information obtained through LEIN, and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

The misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and/or a fine of $500. The computer use felony carries a seven-year maximum penalty, while the impermissible use felony carries a five-year maximum.

Prosecutors said Fresorger, 42, used LEIN to access information on men whom his child's mother was dating.

Saginaw County Sheriff William L. Federspiel suspended Fresorger on May 10, 2011, with pay and suspended him June 24, 2011, without pay in connection with the charges. The sheriff said Thursday that he expects to make a decision on Fresorger's employment next week.

Fresorger in June rejected a plea agreement that would have ended in the same result, but was different up front. The deal called for Fresorger to plead guilty as charged and received a one-year “delayed sentence.” If Fresorger successfully completed his probation over the one-year period, prosecutors would have dropped the six felony charges and the misdemeanor charges would have remained.

By pleading guilty to felonies, though, Fresorger would have jeopardized his eligibility to work as a police officer.

Borchard ordered Fresorger to pay $970 in fines and costs.









Suspended sheriff's deputy charged with improper LEIN use avoids felonies with plea deal
By Andy Hoag
The Saginaw News
January 09, 2013 at 2:20 PM
Updated January 09, 2013 at 2:22 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2013/01/suspended_sheriffs_deputy_char.html



SAGINAW, MI — The suspended Saginaw County sheriff's deputy accused of improperly using a statewide computerized information system for personal use has avoided six felony charges with a plea agreement.

Steven T. Fresorger on Tuesday, Jan. 8, pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor charges of unauthorized disclosure of information from the Law Enforcement Information Network.

In exchange for the plea, prosecutors will drop an additional such misdemeanor, five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information obtained through LEIN, and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

The misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and/or a fine of $500. The computer use felony carries a seven-year maximum penalty, while the impermissible use felony carries a five-year maximum.

The plea bargain was offered by former Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas' office prior to the new year, when Prosecutor John McColgan Jr. took office, said new Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Boyd.

Fresorger's trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday before Saginaw County Circuit Judge James T. Borchard.

“We check with the sheriff's department, and they said 'Sure,' ” Boyd said. “We were bound by the offer.”

Prosecutors said Fresorger, 42, used LEIN to access information on men whom his child's mother was dating.

Fresorger was suspended May 10, 2011, with pay and suspended June 24, 2011, without pay in connection with the charges. He remains suspended without pay until the conclusion of this case.

Fresorger in June rejected a plea agreement that would have ended in the same result, but was different up front. The deal called for Fresorger to plead guilty as charged and received a one-year “delayed sentence.” If Fresorger successfully completed his probation over the one-year period, prosecutors would have dropped the six felony charges and the misdemeanor charges would have remained.

By pleading guilty to felonies, though, Fresorger would have jeopardized his eligibility to work as a police officer.

“One of our concerns was whether he would be allow to maintain employment,” Boyd said, adding that it will be up to county Sheriff William L. Federspiel whether Fresorger stays with the department.

Borchard is scheduled to sentence Fresorger on Feb. 14.

Follow Andy Hoag on Twitter @SNAndyHoag









Suspended sheriff's deputy facing felony LEIN charges rejects plea deal; trial postponed
By Andy Hoag
The Saginaw News
June 27, 2012 at 9:30 AM

SAGINAW, MI — The suspended Saginaw County sheriff's deputy accused of improperly using a statewide computerized information system for personal use has rejected a plea deal.

Steven T. Fresorger, 42, appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge James T. Borchard today, the day his trial was scheduled to begin, and his attorney indicated that Fresorger does not intend to accept prosecutors' plea offer.

Fresorger's attorney, James F. Piazza, said the offer would require Fresorger to plead guilty as charged to five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN, and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

Prosecutors then would recommend that Borchard sentence Fresorger to a one-year “delayed sentence.” If Fresorger were to successfully complete his probation during that one-year period, prosecutors then would drop the six felony charges. The misdemeanor charges would remain, Piazza said.

There was no indication whether Fresorger would face any jail time if he accepted the offer.

Borchard said that because he will not be available next week, he would postpone Fresorger's trial to avoid having it begin this week and then continue more than a week later.

Prosecutors say Fresorger used LEIN to access information on men whom his child's mother was dating.

Borchard in April denied Piazza's motion to “quash,” or dismiss, the felony charges, writing that it should be up to a jury whether Fresorger violated the law.

Fresorger was suspended May 10 with pay and suspended June 24 without pay in connection with the charges. He remains suspended without pay until the conclusion of this case, said county Sheriff William L. Federspiel.

The charge of using computers to commit a crime carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, while the impermissible use of personal information charge carries a five-year maximum penalty. The misdemeanors carry maximum penalties of 93 days in jail.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond.









Judge denies suspended sheriff deputy's request for dismissal of felony LEIN charges
By Andy Hoag
The Saginaw News April 18, 2012 at 7:15 AM
Updated April 18, 2012 at 10:22 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2012/04/judge_denies_suspended_sheriff.html


  SAGINAW, MI — The suspended Saginaw County sheriff's deputy accused of improperly using a statewide computerized information system will stand trial on six felonies, a judge ruled earlier this week.

Saginaw County Circuit Judge James T. Borchard on April 5 denied the request of Steven T. Fresorger, who asked the judge to “quash,” or dismiss, the felony charges he faces.

Fresorger, 41, is charged with five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN, and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

Prosecutors say Fresorger used LEIN to access information on men whom his child's mother was dating.

Fresorger's attorney, James F. Piazza, argued that there was no evidence from Fresorger's preliminary hearing that Fresorger actually did anything with the information.

Borchard disagreed, writing that he found “such an interpretation (of the evidence) to be unduly restrictive and unwarranted.”

While the information Fresorger sought can be accessed for civil litigation purposes through a “proper request” from the Secretary of State, whether his actions violated the law should be left to a jury, the judge wrote.

“Obtaining personal information maintained by the Secretary of State to satisfy one's curiosity, even if that curiosity concerns one's own child, does … fall within the purview of the statute,” Borchard wrote.

Ultimately, Borchard decided that county District Judge Terry L. Clark did not abuse his discretion in binding Fresorger over for trial.

Fresorger's trial before Borchard was scheduled to begin Tuesday, but the trial was delayed. A new trial date was not yet set.

Fresorger was suspended May 10 with pay and suspended June 24 without pay in connection with the charges. He remains suspended without pay until the conclusion of this case, said county Sheriff William L. Federspiel.

The charge of using computers to commit a crime carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, while the impermissible use of personal information charge carries a five-year maximum penalty. The misdemeanors carry maximum penalties of 93 days in jail.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond.

             









Attorney for suspended Saginaw sheriff's deputy asks judge to dismiss felony LEIN use charges
By Andy Hoag
The Saginaw News
on March 27, 2012 at 7:19 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2012/03/attorney_for_suspended_saginaw.html

SAGINAW, MI — The attorney for a former Saginaw County sheriff's deputy Monday asked a judge to dismiss charges that he improperly used a statewide computerized information system for personal use.

Steven T. Fresorger, 41, appeared along with his attorney, James F. Piazza, before Saginaw County Circuit Judge James T. Borchard, who heard arguments on Piazza's motion to “quash,” or dismiss, the six felonies that Fresorger faces.

The Saginaw Township resident is charged with five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information he obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN, and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

Piazza argued that testimony from Fresorger's preliminary hearing in August did not indicate that he accessed information about his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriends — as well as two individuals with similar names as the new boyfriends — for personal use and did not indicate what, if anything, Fresorger did with the information.

Borchard, who said he was only “halfway” through the transcripts from the two-part hearing and would make a decision once he finishes reading them, indicated that his impression was that Fresorger was accessing the information to find out more about the men with whom his ex-girlfriend was bringing their child into contact. Piazza argued that there also was no indication of that from the testimony.

Piazza added that while Fresorger's ex-girlfriend, Tracy Moore, testified that Fresorger told her of her new boyfriends' past drug use, that type of information, including criminal history, is not accessible through in-car LEIN consoles, which Fresorger used.

County Assistant Prosecutor Jon Sahli countered that testimony showed that some in-car LEIN consoles can access criminal history, while others cannot.

Fresorger was suspended May 10 with pay and suspended June 24 without pay in connection with the charges. He remains suspended without pay until the conclusion of this case, said county Sheriff William L. Federspiel.

The charge of using computers to commit a crime carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, while the impermissible use of personal information charge carries a five-year maximum penalty. The misdemeanors carry maximum penalties of 93 days in jail.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond.

                   










Trial ordered for sheriff's deputy charged with improper LEIN use
By Andy Hoag
The Saginaw News
November 07, 2011 at 9:24 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/11/trial_ordered_for_sheriffs_dep.html

SAGINAW — A suspended Saginaw County sheriff’s deputy accused of improperly using a statewide computerized information system for personal use will stand trial on six felonies and five misdemeanors.

Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark on Wednesday concluded the second part of the preliminary hearing for Steven T. Fresorger, 41, by ruling that prosecutors had shown probable cause to take him to trial in Circuit Court.

Fresorger, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with five felony counts of impermissible use of personal information he obtained through the Law Enforcement Information Network, or LEIN, five misdemeanor counts of unauthorized disclosure of information from LEIN and one felony count of using computers to commit a crime.

Fresorger is accused of using LEIN to access information about his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriends as well as two individuals with similar names as the new boyfriends.

Fresorger remained free today on a $1,000 or 10 percent bond.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

02132013 - Deputy Ryan Salisbury - Terminated - Grand Traverse SD

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


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: Fighting termination after DV conviction:


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: DV plea agreement


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: 2011 investigation for domestic violence assault:




 
Attorney: Grand Traverse deputy to fight his termination
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record-Eagle
Fri Feb 15, 2013, 12:10 AM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x730443865/Attorney-Grand-Traverse-deputy-to-fight-his-termination

TRAVERSE CITY — A fired Grand Traverse sheriff’s deputy will fight his termination, his attorney said.

Sheriff Tom Bensley fired Ryan Salisbury on Wednesday. The move came about a month after Salisbury, a roughly 10-year veteran of the department, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace for his role in a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station in Traverse City.

Salisbury’s attorney, Craig Elhart, said Salisbury already contacted a union attorney for arbitration.

“He’s been punished enough by the courts,” Elhart said. “I think his employer has gone way overboard in reaction to what he did.”

Salisbury, 35, declined comment through Elhart.

He initially was charged with disturbing the peace and a misdemeanor count of domestic violence, but the latter charge was dismissed as part of a plea deal. A judge sentenced him to one year of probation, and his conviction will be vacated if he successfully completes that probation.

Bensley said the decision to fire Salisbury came after administrators met with Salisbury and reviewed the department’s rules.

“Because of Deputy Salisbury’s actions .... which were in violation of general orders of the sheriff’s office, we feel that the separation from employment was appropriate,” he said in a statement.

When reached for comment by a Record-Eagle reporter, Bensley declined additional comment about his firing decision or the upcoming arbitration process. The entire situation took a toll on the department, he said.

“Unfortunately, these situations do occasionally occur,” he said. “It does suck a lot of energy out of the staff at the sheriff’s office.”

Salisbury’s girlfriend was at the bar with a few others when Salisbury came in. Authorities said Salisbury struck his girlfriend on the neck with his elbow and made a punching motion toward her face, and he also had physical contact with a man sitting near Salisbury’s girlfriend.

Antrim County Prosecutor Charles Koop, who handled the case as a special prosecutor, said the man had been sending Salisbury’s girlfriend texts over a period of time.

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










Fired Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy to challenge termination over arrest at Traverse City bar
Aaron Aupperlee
The Grand Rapids Press
February 14, 2013 at 6:23 PM
Updated February 14, 2013 at 7:07 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/02/grand_traverse_county_sheriffs_1.html

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A Grand Traverse sheriff's deputy fired over an arrest at a Traverse City bar intends to challenge the department's decision.

The sheriff's office terminated Ryan Salisbury, 35, for violations of the "General Orders of the Sheriff's Office," according to a news release from the department. Salisbury will file a grievance against the sheriff's office through his union, said Craig Elhart, Salisbury's lawyer in the criminal case against him.

"He's extremely disappointed the sheriff would take the action that he has," Elhart said Thursday, Feb. 14. "At the worst case scenario, he was being loud in a bar."

Elhart spoke to Salisbury Thursday but is not representing him in the employment-related matter. A union attorney will be handling the employment matter, Elhart said. Efforts to reach Salisbury and a union representative were unsuccessful.

Salisbury was arrested early on Dec. 7 at Union Street Station in Traverse City after reports that he had a physical altercation with a woman inside the bar. Elhart said there was no assault inside the bar, and the woman allegedly assaulted repeatedly told investigators she was never touched.

Salisbury was arrested and charged with domestic violence. He was supsended with pay from the department. He pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace on Jan. 9, received a delayed sentence and assessed $425 in fines and costs, according to court records. The domestic violence charge against Salisbury was dropped.

Elhart advised Salisbury not to take the plea deal offered by prosecutors. Salisbury's actions in the bar did not even constitute disturbing the peace, Elhart said.

"The only reason that he entered the pleas was that he wanted to end this," Elhart said.

Salisbury expected to maintain employment with the sheriff's office after the criminal case was settled.

The sheriff's office stated it would not comment further due to the expected challenge by Salisbury.













Grand Traverse County Sheriff's deputy fired for alleged assault Traverse City bar
Aaron Aupperlee
The Grand Rapids Press
February 14, 2013 at 4:42 PM
Updated February 14, 2013 at 8:18 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/02/grand_traverse_county_sheriffs.html

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — The Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office has fired a deputy who pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace after a December arrest at a Traverse City bar.

Ryan Salisbury, 35, was relieved of his "duties, responsibilities and employment," according to a Thursday, Feb. 14, news release from the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office fired Salisbury after conducting an internal investigation into his actions on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 at Union Street Station, 117 S. Union St.

Salisbury had a "physical altercation" with a woman early on Dec. 7 at the bar, according to reports. A dog handler on the sheriff's K-9 team, Salisbury was arrested and charged with domestic violence. He pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace on Jan. 9, received a delayed sentence and assessed $425 in fines and costs, according to court records. The domestic violence charge against Salisbury was dropped.

The sheriff's investigation found Salibury's actions at the bar were in violation of General Orders of the Sheriff's Office, according to the release.

"We feel that the separation from employment was appropriate," the release stated.

Salisbury was suspended with pay after his arrest. The sheriff's office expects Salisbury to contest their decision.









                     

GT deputy fired
By Art Bukowski
The Record-Eagle
Thu Feb 14, 2013, 10:46 AM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x2056614952/GT-deputy-fired

TRAVERSE CITY - A Grand Traverse sheriff’s deputy convicted of disturbing the peace has been fired.

Sheriff Tom Bensley on Thursday confirmed the dismissal of Ryan Salisbury, 35, from the sheriff’s department.

Salisbury worked for the department for about 10 years. He pleaded guilty in January to a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace for his role in a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station in Traverse City.

Salisbury was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, but he denied striking the woman. He accepted a plea agreement resulting in a conviction of disturbing the peace. Salisbury received probation as part of a delayed sentence.

If he completes court-ordered terms during the next year, the conviction will be vacated, said Antrim County Prosecutor Charlie Koop, who handled the case as a special prosecutor.

Bensley declined further comment.

                 









Decision coming soon on whether to discipline deputy
BY ANGIE JACKSON
The Record-Eagle
Fri Feb 08, 2013, 06:48 PM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x1525012691/Decision-coming-soon-on-whether-to-discipline-deputy

TRAVERSE CITY — Grand Traverse sheriff's officials said they'll soon decide whether to discipline a deputy convicted of disturbing the peace.

Sheriff Tom Bensley said authorities planned to speak with Deputy Ryan Salisbury today as part of an internal investigation and then will determine their next step.

Bensley would not say when Salisbury's fate will be decided, but said it will happen "soon."

"We're meeting with him (today) to go over the internal investigation and his side of the story," Bensley said.

Salisbury, 35, has been with the sheriff's department about 10 years. He was placed on unpaid suspension on Jan. 2, and this week received a delayed sentencing in district court and a year probation for a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace.

Salisbury initially was charged with domestic violence after a Dec. 6 incident at Union Street Station in Traverse City.

If Salisbury completes court-ordered terms during the next year, the conviction will be vacated, said Antrim County Prosecutor Charlie Koop, who handled the case as a special prosecutor.

Authorities said Salisbury struck his girlfriend with an elbow to the neck and made contact with a man who sat next to her in the Union Street bar.

Koop earlier said it appeared Salisbury's girlfriend was not a target; rather, he shoved her aside as he confronted a man who had sent her text messages. Witnesses provided conflicting accounts during the investigation, Koop said.

Eighty-Sixth District Judge Thomas J. Phillips ordered Salisbury to have no contact with the male victim. He also said Salisbury cannot possess alcohol or illegal drugs and he must stay away from bars.

He also is not to possess firearms or engage in aggressive behavior, except during his law enforcement job.

Salisbury is required to complete a 26-week group therapy program for men.

"The thing is, Mr. Salisbury has to sit in with a group of other people who've been assigned to the men's program and has to deal with the fact they all know he's a police officer. He's going through it with everybody else," Koop said.

Salisbury's attorney, Dena Horvath, said he voluntarily enrolled and is eight weeks into the program.

Horvath said Salisbury has tried to focus on his family.

"Basically, it was an unfortunate set of circumstances and Ryan just hopes that he and everyone can move on from here and go forward," she said.

In 2011, Salisbury's then-wife asked Leelanau County assistant prosecutor Doug Donaldson not to issue a domestic violence charge for a separate incident of alleged assault against her.