Wednesday, January 1, 2014

01012014 - 2014 VAWA/Violence Against Women Act AND Political Agendas - News Articles

 




VAWA Posts:










































Cyberstalking victim aims to help others
Mountain Democrat (Placerville, CA)
January 24, 2014 
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
With January being National Stalking Awareness Month, one El Dorado Hills woman is reaching out to the community to raise awareness on cyberstalking and cyberbullying, and to provide support to victims.

Alexis Moore gave up everything when her ex-husband starting cyberstalking her. Her home, her dog, even her car. She began writing journals, marking every time she was assaulted. Her first journal was dated Nov. 5, 2004.

When she went to law enforcement for help, she was “overly referred,” she said — Department A said to go to Department B, Department B to C, and C back to A. A hotline was “closed due to lack of funding,” though she thought the claim was dubious. “There were no direct support agencies,” she said. There were shelters, but no support units.

The most help she got from law enforcement was a large video camera and an audio recorder from the District Attorney’s Office — not ideal for her situation.

“I reported a minimum of 100 stalking and cyberstalking incidents to the (El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office) and was left behind humiliated, terrified and living in fear right here in El Dorado County,” Moore said.

In 2006, she was told to stop reporting incidents. “Now, I’m really alone,” she recalled feeling.

Her last physical journal was April 14, 2007. She began keeping her journals as Excel spreadsheets and founded Survivors in Action in El Dorado Hills. It began as a virtual agency, with Moore putting up her Excel template for others to keep track of how they were being cyberstalked and cyberbullied — something that would help in court, Moore said. When, what, witnesses, the outcome and phone numbers all had a space to be filled.

With that and other tools on the Website, it’s unlikely that a victim “can’t get to the finish line,” Moore said.

Times have changed with how EDSO works with victims, too. “The Sheriff’s Office today is doing great things compared to when I was a victim. Detective Nolan Tracy, who is lead of the stalking and domestic violence unit,” she said. When Moore was a victim, she had a dozen different officers and deputies who would give her a business card and leave the case at that.

“In fact I have personally worked with (Tracy) and I am very impressed to say the least. When I reported stalking and cyberstalking incidents from Nov. 2004 forward, I was humiliated and even laughed at and told not to report any more incidents,” she said, having to figure out her own “mechanisms for survival.” This was “something that I vowed would not happen to another victim and why when Sheriff D’Agostini took the helm as sheriff I made it my mission to ensure victims of abuse, stalking and cyberstalking had the best response they could from our local department.” A call to the non-emergency hotline went from only getting voicemail to having a specific deputy assigned to a case.

“The sheriff has kept his pledge to help victims and I can attest personally and professionally that the EDSO has responded far better than ever before and that is something that I am absolutely so grateful for because they are the first responder and a victim’s first line of hope and defense,” Moore said. “For high-risk stalking victims this could be a matter of life or death as I know it was for me.”

Tracy noted he and EDSO Crime Analyst Christina Novello give elementary and middle schools presentations on cyberbullying in order to curb the behavior — what cyberbullying is, what works, what does not work and what to do if someone is being cyberbullied. For the cases themselves, “We do work hard on them,” Tracy said.

Now with a book published, “A Parent’s Guide to Cyberstalking,” and her story having aired on “Stalked: Someone’s Watching” in December 2011, Moore has the resources to help other victims, including a second book tentatively set for 2015 and a gala to fundraise for Survivors in Action later this year.















Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act - S.2483 
S.2483 — 113th Congress (2013-2014)
July 17, 2014 - Introduced in Senate
Summary
Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act - Amends federal firearms provisions to expand the definition of: (1) "intimate partner" to include a dating partner or former dating partner; and (2) "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" to include a misdemeanor offense that has, as an element, the use or attempted use of force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, by a dating partner or former dating partner against the victim.

Prohibits the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition to, or the possession or receipt of a firearm by, a person subject to a court order, or an ex parte order, that restrains such person from: (1) harassing, stalking, threatening, or engaging in other conduct that would put an individual in reasonable fear of bodily injury, including an order issued at the request of an employer on behalf of its employee or at the request of an institution of higher education on behalf of its student; or (2) intimidating or dissuading a witness from testifying in court.




SEC. 4. LIST OF PERSONS SUBJECT TO A RESTRAINING OR SIMILAR ORDER PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING OR RECEIVING A FIREARM EXPANDED.
Section 922(g)(8) of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “that”;
(2) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:
(A) (ii) in the case of an ex parte order, relating to which notice and opportunity to be heard are provided—
“(B) that restrains such person from—
“(i) harassing, stalking, threatening, or engaging in other conduct that would put an individual in reasonable fear of bodily injury to such individual, including an order that was issued at the request of an employer on behalf of its employee or at the request of an institution of higher education on behalf of its student; or
“(ii) intimidating or dissuading a witness from testifying in court; and”; and
(3) in subparagraph (C)—
(A) by striking “intimate partner or child” each place it appears and inserting “individual described in subparagraph (B)”;
(B) in clause (i), by inserting “that” before “includes”; and
(C) in clause (ii), by inserting “that” before “by its”.


















Where are these same legislators and VAWA with speaking out about Officer-Involved Domestic Violence? Why don't they demand 'Zero-Tolerance' in law enforcement?
Female Senators Write Letter to Goodell, Want NFL to Adopt ‘Zero-Tolerance’ Policy
Roll Call
September 11, 2014


A group of 16 female senators, including Maryland Democrat Barbara A. Mikulski, have written a scathing letter to Roger Goodell about the National Football League’s handling of violence against women.  

The letter comes after reporting by The Associated Press that the NFL was sent graphic elevator video of now-former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocking out his then-fiancĂ©e Janay Rice.  

“It is long past time for the NFL to institute a real zero-tolerance policy and send a strong message that the league will not tolerate violence against women by its players, who are role models for children across America,” the 16 senators wrote. “We hope the NFL will seize this opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate its commitment to the safety of women and families.”  

In their letter, the senators say Goodell’s recent revisions to the policy regarding suspensions for domestic violence do not go far enough. Goodell is the son of a Republican senator from New York, Charles Goodell, who was appointed to the Senate to fill out the unexpired term of Robert F. Kennedy.  

The letter comes as lawmakers are recognizing the 20th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act.  

Other Democrats to sign the letter include: Barbara Boxer of California; Debbie Stabenow of Michigan; Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; Patty Murray of Washington; Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire; Kirsten Gillibrand of New York; Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota; Dianne Feinstein of California; Mazie Hirono of Hawaii; Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts; Tammy Baldwin of Washington; Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Maria Cantwell of Washington.  

Republicans Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and Susan Collins of Maine also signed the letter.  

The full letter from the 16 female senators appears below:
Dear Commissioner Goodell:
As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, we call on the NFL to institute a real zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence that will ensure that this type of violence and abuse has no place in the NFL.

We were shocked and disgusted by the images we saw this week of one of your players violently assaulting his now-wife and knocking her unconscious, and at new reports that the NFL may have received this video months ago. Tragically, this is not the only case of an NFL player allegedly assaulting a woman even within the last year.

We are deeply concerned that the NFL’s new policy, announced last month, would allow a player to commit a violent act against a woman and return after a short suspension. If you violently assault a woman, you shouldn’t get a second chance to play football in the NFL.

The NFL’s current policy sends a terrible message to players, fans and all Americans that even after committing a horrific act of violence, you can quickly be back on the field.

It is long past time for the NFL to institute a real zero-tolerance policy and send a strong message that the league will not tolerate violence against women by its players, who are role models for children across America. We hope the NFL will seize this opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate its commitment to the safety of women and families.

















Tuesday, December 31, 2013

12312013 - UPDATES ON MICHIGAN OIDV CASES - 2013

FOR QUICK UPDATES ON CASES, ALSO CHECK OUT:



FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/reneeharringtonmioidv

TWITTER:
https://twitter.com/HarringtonRenee



UPDATES: Michigan OIDV Cases - 2012:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/12/updates-michigan-oidv-cases-2012.html




New OIDV Posts added:

- Detroit Firefighter Ardra Young: murdered ex-wife Terri and teenage son Emmanuel - February 08, 1997.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/1997/02/firefighter-ardra-young-mudrered-family.html














November 26, 2013

Michigan OIDV cases of officers' spouses who supposedly committed suicide...
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/11/michigan-cases-of-officers-spouses-who.html

With The New York Times' and Frontline's recent coverage of the questionable investigation of Michelle O' Connell's death [girlfriend of Florida St. John Sheriff Deputy Jeremy Banks], Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence is highlighting this month its Michigan 'suicide' cases.

It's more common than you think - As suicide rulings are often based on what the officer himself claims happened to his spouse /girlfriend.

[I am still working on this post, so please check back for updates]









OIDV - From behind closed doors and into the media spotlight:

November 26, 2013:
Officer Involved Domestic Violence - Walt Bogdanich and Leonard Lopate
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/12/officer-involved-domestic-violence-walt.html



November 26, 2013:
Frontline - "A death in St. Augustine" - The OIDV death of Michelle O'Connell.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/11/thank-you-new-york-times-and-frontline.html



November 24, 2013:
New York Times - "Two gunshots on a summer night" - The OIDV death of Michelle O'Connell.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/11/thank-you-new-york-times-and-frontline.html



November 24, 2013:
The LA Times published an article on the unsolved OIDV murder of Aleta Brown [1988].
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/11/la-times-oidv.html









November 24, 2013:











November 21, 2013 -
Kent County Commissioner Gary Rolls faces charges that include criminal sexual conduct, evidence tampering and using a computer to commit a crime. He was arrested November 21, 2013, when he left the commission chambers towards the end of a meeting.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/11/commissioner-gary-rolls-csc-arrest-kent.html


 
The investigation of Kent County Commissioner Gary Rolls began in September 2012, when a woman he had victimized for years courageously stepped forward and said: NO MORE.

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/09/commissioner-gary-rolls-kent-county.html







November 15, 2013-
Officer Dale Malesh sentenced - CSC - November 15, 2013
In October 2013, Officer Dale Malesh pled no-contest to 14 counts of CSC. On November 15, 2013, Malesh was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months to 15 years in prison
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/11/officer-dale-malesh-sentenced-csc.html
 











August 27, 2013 -

Trooper David Morikawa - CSC conviction overturnedSentenced August 29, 2011 for CSC with his cousin [a minor] to 20 months - 15 years in prison. Paroled in March 2013. Conviction overturned August 2013.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/08/trooper-david-morikawa-appeal-granted.html






August 26, 2013 -
Former Macomb County Sheriff William Hackel - convicted of rape and a registered sex offender - Hired as head of security at the Detroit Masonic Temple:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/08/sheriff-william-hackel-masonic-temple.html





Also See:
[Sheriff] William Hackel - Denied new trial
September 19, 2007
[Sheriff] William Hackel - Registered sex offender - Released from prison
April 24, 2005
[Sheriff] William Hackel - Appeal
June 6, 2000
Sheriff William Hackel - Sentenced
May 15, 2000
Sheriff William Hackel - Trial: Convicted
April 17, 2000
Sheriff William Hackel - Charged w/ CSC
October 11, 1999
Background of [Sheriff] William Hackel's rape conviction:

In October 1999, Macomb County Sheriff William Hackel was investigated for raping an acquaintance during a Michigan law enforcement convention. Sheriff Hackel maintained that the sex was consensual.
In November 1999, Sheriff William Hackel was charged with rape, after he failed a polygraph exam.
During his trial in April 2000, Sheriff Hackel falsely maintained that the sex had been consensual. The jury convicted Hackel of rape.
In May 2000, Sheriff Hackel was sentenced to at least 3 years in prison for the October 1999 rape. He served 5 years and was released in 2005.
In June 2000, Sheriff Hackel filed an appeal on his rape conviction...He was still falsely claiming that the sex had been consensual. Hackel's appeal was denied.


 In 2007, the Detroit US Federal Court turned down Sheriff Hackel's request for a new trial on his rape conviction. Hackel was still maintaining that the sex had been consensual.






Sheriff William Hackel has been throwing the words "consensual sex" around for years. In 1991, when male jail inmates broke into the female inmate section of the jail, the male inmates did not rape the women: "There's no question that they had sex," Hackel said, "It was consensual".







I recieved the following anonymous comment from IP address 50.105.74.98 from Muskegon Michigan, on August 15, 2013. Perhaps a relative of Timothy Shannon?

Councilman Tim Shannon - Sentenced - Murder of wife Lee-Ann - Hart, MI
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/07/councilman-tim-shannon-sentenced-murder.html













Amanda Bach Murder Case:

[Cross posting Amanda's case on MIOIDV, because MIOIDV was created while I was residing in Portage Indiana].







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.





Amanda Bach Murder Case - Investigation of Officer Joseph Elliott McCowan [Crown Point Indiana PD]
Amanda Bach Murder Case - Dustin McCowan Trial and Conviction- Feb 04, 2013 http://abbiandbaileyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2013/02/amanda-bach-murder-case-dustin-mccowan.html
Amanda Bach Murder Case - Dustin McCowan Sentenced - March 28, 2013 http://abbiandbaileyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2013/03/amanda-bach-murder-case-dustin-mccowan.html











July 23, 2013 - Unnamed girlfriend of Unnamed Detroit Police Officer commits suicide ????
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/07/unnamed-girlfriend-of-unnamed-detroit_23.html

The victim and Detroit Police officer were never named. The victim supposedly committed suicide with the officer's gun in the backyard of their home.

















OIDV criminal proceedings and records under MCL 769.4a are now closed under ACT 550 [SB 663].




There was ourtrage over Michigan legislators closing proceedings and records of OIDV cases pleaded under MCL 769.4a. In response to the outrage, Michigan officials removed amended paragraphs 6 and 7 from MCL 769.4a [closed proceedings].

However, Michigan officials DID NOT REPEAL ACT 550. Paragraphs 6 and 7 of ACT 550: closed proceedings for DV cases pleaded under MCL 769.4a. The only thing officials did was HIDE ACT 550.

Michigan Act 550 needs to be repealed in order for criminal proceedings and records under MCL 769.4a to once again be public.

MCL 769.4a and ACT 550: CLOSED CRMINAL PROCEEDINGS
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/04/mcl-7694a-and-act-550-closed-crminal.html



MCL 769.4a AMENDED
MCL 769.4a is known as the Lautenburg loophole to Michigan police officers who are arrested / charged with domestic violence. It allows officers to retain their guns. Now, Michigan State legislators have amended the law to insure that the proceedings under this law are kept from the public eye:
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..."



http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/02/mcl-7694a-amended.html











Hart city councilman Timothy Shannon -
On July 15, 2013, former Hart city councilman Timothy Shannon was sentenced to 13 1/2 to 75 years in prison for the murder of his wife, Lee-Ann Shannon [December 29, 2012].

Councilman Tim Shannon - Sentenced - Murder of Lee-Ann - July 15, 2013








Hart city councilman Timothy Shannon -
On June 03, 2013, former Hart city councilman Timothy Shannon pleaded no-contest to the second-degree murder of his wife, Lee-Ann Shannon [December 29, 2012]. In exchange for his plea, the original charge of open murder was dismissed.


Councilman Tim Shannon - Convicted / Plea Bargain - Murder of Lee-Ann - June 03, 2013















[MI] Retired Warren police officer Dale Malesh June 04 preliminary hearing: Malesh to face trial for CSC.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/05/officer-dale-malesh-preliminary-exam.html





Retired Warren Police Officer Dale Malesh's preliminary hearing for CSC postponed due to trauma to  victim.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/05/officer-dale-malesh-preliminary-exam.html






Warren Police Officer Dale Malesh [retired], who was charged with two counts of 3rd-dgree criminal sexual conduct on  April 13, 2013...
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/04/officer-dale-malesh-warren-pd-retired.html


WAS PREVIOUSLY A STURGIS POLICE OFFICER:
Sturgis Police Officer Dale Malesh: July 29, 1986:

Charged with felonies for the killing / shooting of dogs.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/1986/07/officer-dale-malesh-sturgis-pd.html

The charges were erased from Officer Dale Malesh's record....


















WXYZ / Channel 7, Detroit [reporter Scott Lewis] investigation of Detroit Firefighter Mike Risher's violence against women:
2005: A woman said she and Risher were arguing in the back seat of a minivan when Risher head butted her. When she fought back, she said that Risher pinned her down and choked her.

2006: Risher gets in a bar fight and assaults a woman. The assault is caught on the bar's video cam.

 2006: When police respond to Risher's assault of the woman, Risher flashes his badge and claims to the responding police that he is the victim.The police arrest the woman that Risher is seen attacking on the bar's video.

2006: Victim of Risher's attack in the bar filed a lawsuit against Risher. She is awarded $15,000. But Risher only pays a small portion of the suit.

March 12, 2008: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.

Unknown Date: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.

September 18, 2009: Risher's ex-wife had filed a domestic violence assault report with the police department. Charges were never filed against Risher.

March 08, 2011: Risher assaulted Jennifer Panduren at a bar, when she and her friend Samantha Strozynski turned down his advances. Assault was caught on a security cam. Police refuse to review secuirty cam tape. Police refuse to file charges against Risher.

March 08, 2011: Risher assaulted Samantha Strozynski at a bar, when she and her friend Jennifer Panduren turned down his advances. Assault was caught on a security cam. Police refuse to review secuirty cam tape. Police refuse to file charges against Risher.

March 08, 2011: Risher arrested for disorderly conduct for assaulting Panduren and Strozynski. Charges were later dismissed.

March 08, 2011: Panduren [assaulted by Risher] was arrested for disorderly conduct. Charges were later dismissed.

Summer 2011: Risher attacked a woman when he accused her of spilling his drink. Risher picked her up by her neck and slammed her onto a boat deck after he accused her of spilling his drink.


Remember: Michigan state officials did not investigate Detroit Firefighter Mike Risher. The police departments refused to investigate Firefighter Mike Risher's assaults on women; and the Detroit Fire Department has never so much as reprimanded Risher.

This investigation was done by WXYZ News reporter Scott Lewis. He was the only one who would listen to Firefighter Mike Risher's victims and expose what everyone else was allowing Risher to get away with.












Eaton Rapids Officer Jeff Smith: DV hearing [April 12, 2013]:
At his hearing, Officer Smith admitted to pulling out his gun during the argument with his ex-wife, and then putting his gun up to his head! Eaton PD has NOT fired Officer Smith. Hearing continues on April 17th.


Video of Officer Jeff Smith testifying about pulling gun during dv incident:







Officer Ryan McClimans [Grand Rapids PD]:
Suspended after being charged with domestic violence, after a recent dv incident in which he assaulted his girlfriend and threatened to kill her. The victim filed a PPO, which was filled with NINE PAGES of other DV incidents. They had been dating for over a year. In February 2013, McClimans filed for divorce from his wife.

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/04/officer-ryan-mcclimans-grand-rapids-pd.html











Grand Traverse Sheriff Deputy Ryan Salisbury: FIRED
In December 2012, Deputy Salisbury was arrested for assaulting his ex-girfriend.  Although he was able to have the charge dropped, Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley was one step ahead of Deputy Salisbury. In February 2013, Sheriff Bensley fired Deputy Salisbury.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/12/deputy-ryan-salisbury-grand-traverse-sd.html











Hart City Councilman Timothy Shannon:

Murder trial for Councilman Timothy Shannon [charged with the murder of his wife Lee-Ann] is scheduled for trial: June 16 - June 21, 2013.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/12/hart-councilman-timothy-shannon-charged.html









Officer Jeff Smith, Eaton Rapids PD
Was not arraigned on July 07, 2012 domestic violence charges until January 2013. At the arraignment, the Judge allowed Officer Smith to retain his gun for work purposes. Case now seems to have gone missing once again.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/07/sergeant-jeff-smith-eaton-rapids-pd.html


VIDEO: http://youtu.be/Oc5tqrwgB20













Deputy Ed Kolakowski [Kent County SD]:  
On March 10, 2013 Ottawa County deputies responded to a "disagreement" between Deputy Kolakowski and his wife alongside a road. Deputy Kolakowski was arrested for drunk driving. He later pled guilty to the drunk driving charge.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/03/deputy-ed-kolakowski-kent-county-sd.html









Deputy Michael VanderLaan
[Ottawa County SD]:
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.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2013/01/deputy-michael-vanderlaan-ottawa-county.html












FIREFIGHTER GERALD PAUL THOMA JR
[FRUITPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT]

January 30, 2013: Firefighter Gerald Thoma was sentenced to 3 years probation for his third drunk driving offense stemming from July 20, 2012 accident

1985: Firefighter Gerald Thoma Jr. was chared with operating a motor vehicle while impaired.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/1985/01/firefighter-gerald-paul-thoma-jr.html



2003: Firefighter Gerald Thoma Jr. was charged again for opertaing a motor vehicle while impaired. It was his second DUI offense. During this incident, Thoma rammed his truck into an acquaintance's house and vehicle in Muskegon Township while attending a party there. He eventually pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors and was sentenced to 45 days in the Muskegon County Jail and 24 months of probation.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2003/06/fire-captain-gerald-paul-thoma-jr.html


2007: Firefighter Thoma pleaded pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence for punching his then-16-year-old son in the nose three times. Thoma was sentenced to probation, fines, court costs and anger-management class for that offense.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/06/firefighter-gerald-thoma-jr-fruitport.html


2012: While intoxicated, Firefighter Thoma attempted a stunt on while driving his motorcycle and without his helmet on. Thoma was seriously injured. Thoma was charged with a felony: operating while intoxicated, third offense, which was punishable up to 5 years in prison. In January 2013, Thoma pled nolo contendere to MCL 257.6256D [operating intoxicated / impaired /controlled substance, third offense. Thoma was sentenced to 3 years probation.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/07/firefighter-gerald-paul-thoma-jr.html













Deputy Michael VanderLaan
[Ottawa County SD]
January 11, 2013: Deputy VanderLaan involved in a domestic with his wife, which resulted in "minor injuries" and "bruising" to the officer's wife.

January 11, 2013: Michigan State Police began investigating the domestic violence incident involving Deputy Vanderlaan.

January 12, 2013: Ottawa County Sheriff suspended Deputy VanderLaan from patrol duty during the DV investigations and placed him on administrative-only duties until the court case is resolved.

January 21, 2013: Deputy VanderLaan's wife filed for divorce.

January 23, 2013: Deputy VanderLaan was arrested and charged with one count of misdemeanor domestic violence.

To date: Deputy VanderLaan remains on administrative duty at the Ottawa County Sheriff Department.















SAGINAW COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER:

Plea bargain [January 2013]: 7  felony charges of misuse of LEIN system dropped ; pleaded to four counts of misdemeanor misuse of LEIN.

Sentence [February 2013]: 1 year probation. If completed successfully charges will be dropped.

Position with Saginaw Sheriff Department: Has been suspended since May 2011 [when charges were originally filed]. Sheriff William L. Federspiel plans to make a decision regarding Deputy Fresorger's position with the Sheriff Department, later in February.
SAGINAW DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER: ALL L.E.I.N. CHARGES


DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD: MAY - JUlY 2009.
Criminal charges for misuse of the LEIN. May - July 2009.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2009/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html


DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD: JULY 17, 2010.
Criminal charges for misuse of the LEIN. July 17, 2010.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/07/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html


DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD: SEPT. 6 - 7, 2010
Criminal charges for misuse of the LEIN. September 6 - 7, 2010.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/09/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html


DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SD: MAY 07, 2011
Allegation of domestic violence assault.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/05/deputy-steven-fresorger-saginaw-county.html


DEPUTY STEVEN FRESORGER, SAGINAW COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT: STALKING CHARGES FILED [JUNE 2011].










FORMER JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF CANDIDATE LANCE LAIRD:
In 2012, Laird ran for sheriff while he was on probation for a domestic violence assault conviction. During his campaign, Laird was jailed for violating probation [drugs]. In January 2013, Laird was arrested for transporting $900,000 worth of cocaine from Texas to Michigan.

"I find your client to be one of the most manipulative and controlling individuals that I have ever run across, according the report, according to the information, and according to the violation."

[Comment Jackson County Judge Mazur made to Lance Laird's attorney during Laird's hearing for the domestic violence charge and violation of bond].