The Waterford Township cop fired last spring after being charged with criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence will serve probation for the next 11 months, a judge has ordered.
Brendon Moquin, 30, was sentenced Thursday morning by Oakland County Circuit Judge Martha Anderson, who also lifted a no contact order with his ex-wife – the victim in the March incident which led to the charges.
In July, the criminal sexual conduct charge was dismissed and Moquin pleaded no contest to aggravated domestic violence and domestic violence, charges stemming from a fight the couple had at the Waterford home they had shared with their two young kids.
Anderson also sentenced Moquin to two days in jail, with credit for two days served.
Prior to sentencing, Moquin apologized to the court and said he was 'quite remorseful' and that he needs 'professional help.'
'It was an unfortunate situation. I never thought I'd be in this position,' said Moquin, who served close to four years as a Waterford police officer. He now works as a tree trimmer.
'I don't want to be in this position again. I work hard every day for me and my kids,' he said. 'I don't think I'll be in this courtroom again. I'm quite confident of that.'
Moquin was also ordered to participate in a domestic violence program.
Moquin's ex-wife and mother, who attended the sentencing, didn't make a statement in court and declined comment afterward. But his attorney, Kimberly Stout, called the sentence 'very fair.'
'We're pleased,' Stout said. 'Everything is amicable (with his ex-wife). They just want a normal, healthy family.'
Waterford PD Officer Brendon Moquin - Sentenced To 1 year probation for domestic violence
The Waterford Township cop fired last spring after being charged with criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence will serve probation for the next 11 months, a judge has ordered.
Brendon Moquin, 30, was sentenced Thursday morning by Oakland County Circuit Judge Martha Anderson, who also lifted a no contact order with his ex-wife – the victim in the March incident which led to the charges.
In July, the criminal sexual conduct charge was dismissed and Moquin pleaded no contest to aggravated domestic violence and domestic violence, charges stemming from a fight the couple had at the Waterford home they had shared with their two young kids.
Anderson also sentenced Moquin to two days in jail, with credit for two days served.
Prior to sentencing, Moquin apologized to the court and said he was “quite remorseful” and that he needs “professional help.”
“It was an unfortunate situation. I never thought I’d be in this position,” said Moquin, who served close to four years as a Waterford police officer. He now works as a tree trimmer.
“I don’t want to be in this position again. I work hard every day for me and my kids,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll be in this courtroom again. I’m quite confident of that.”
Moquin was also ordered to participate in a domestic violence program.
Moquin’s ex-wife and mother, who attended the sentencing, didn’t make a statement in court and declined comment afterward. But his attorney, Kimberly Stout, called the sentence “very fair.”
“We’re pleased,” Stout said. “Everything is amicable (with his ex-wife). They just want a normal, healthy family.”
BAY CITY, MI -- A longtime Hampton Township police officer is facing two criminal charges stemming from an alleged assault on his wife that involved a pistol.
Officer Craig J. Bouckaert, 57, on Friday, May 19, appeared before Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer via closed-circuit TV from the Midland County Jail. The judge arraigned Bouckaert on single counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic violence. The former is a felony punishable by up to four years' imprisonment and a $2,000 fine, while the latter is a misdemeanor carrying a maximum potential penalty of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Atypical for a felony case involving these charges, Bouckaert's court file does not include police reports. The only details available regarding the precipitating incident state it occurred at Bouckaert's home in the 1400 block of Helen Street in Bay City at about 10 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, and that Bay City police were the arresting agency.
Police declined to say how the gun factored into the incident or if shots were fired. The Bay City Times-MLive was unable to reach Hampton Township Police Chief Bryan Benchley for comment.
At his arraignment, Bouckaert only spoke to answer the judge's yes-or-no questions. He declined Janer's offer of a court-appointed attorney, saying he plans to hire his own counsel.
Bouckaert has been an officer with the Hampton Township Police Department for 30 years.
Bay County Prosecutor Nancy E. Borushko appeared at the arraignment and asked Janer to set bond at $10,000 cash-surety or 10 percent. Janer granted her request.
If Bouckaert posts the bond, he's not to own any weapons, consume alcohol, or have contact with his wife, her children, or her grandchildren.
Records show Bouckaert married his wife in June 2015.
Bouckaert is to appear for a preliminary examination in two weeks.
Police officer accused of pointing gun at wife faces felony
BAY CITY, MI -- Police have released additional information on an incident that involved one of their colleagues allegedly brandishing a handgun, leading him to face criminal charges and resign from his job.
Details on the arrest of 57-year-old Hampton Township Police Officer Craig J. Bouckaert come from police reports obtained by The Bay City Times-MLive.com via a Freedom of Information Act request sent to the Bay City Department of Public Safety. The reports state that at about 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, police responded to a domestic violence complaint involving a firearm at Bouckaert's home in the 1400 block of Helen Street in Bay City.
Police could hear yelling as they arrived. They contacted Bouckaert's wife, who told them her husband no longer had the gun and that he was sitting in his truck, which was parked in their driveway.
Three officers approached the driveway, the lead one armed with an AR-15. At officers' commands, Bouckaert exited his truck and surrendered without incident.
Officers interviewed Bouckaert's wife, who said they had an argument and an upset Bouckaert left for a walk. When he returned home, he retrieved his department-issued handgun from his nightstand.
The wife tried to prevent Bouckaert from leaving the bedroom, but he shoved her out of the way, she said.
"Craig did point the gun at me and threaten me with it," she said. "It happens all the time. It must have happened in the bedroom, but I am not sure."
At the home at the time were Bouckaert's wife's three adult children and two grandchildren.
The wife's son managed to get the gun away from Bouckaert, she said. She added she did not want her husband to get into trouble or lose his job, saying he "is a good man."
Bouckaert told police he and his wife had argued and that he had gotten into his truck to drive around in and cool down. When officers asked if a gun had been involved, Bouckaert initially said he had retrieved one from a drawer in his room, but had not threatened anyone with it. He had planned to drive to his work in Hampton Township and put the gun in his locker, he said.
Bouckaert said he had struggled with his wife and her son as he tried leaving, knocking over a bookcase in the process. The son took the gun out of Bouckaert's truck before police arrived, he said.
Pressed further in the interview, Bouckaert somewhat changed his story.
"I don't remember pointing (the gun) at her but if she said I did then I must have," he told police, according to reports. "(She) was blocking me from leaving. I pushed her aside to get out of the bedroom."
Bouckaert's stepson told police he had tried wrestling the gun from Bouckaert. He followed him to his truck and was able to fetch the gun from the backseat of Bouckaert's truck, he said.
"I took the gun inside, unloaded the gun, and put it in my room," he told police. "There was one bullet in the chamber, but I took it out."
The stepson gave police the .45-caliber Glock 36 handgun and the bullet he had removed from it. No shots were fired in the incident.
Police arrested Bouckaert and transported him to the Midland County Jail.
The following afternoon, Bouckaert appeared in Bay County District Court for arraignment on single counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic violence. The former charge is a four-year felony; the latter is a 93-day misdemeanor.
The same day, he resigned from the Hampton Township Police Department, where he had been an officer for 30 years, said Chief Bryan Benchley.
Bouckaert is to appear for a preliminary examination at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 8.
Case dismissed against ex-cop accused of threatening wife
BAY CITY — A few months ago, a Hampton Township police officer resigned after three decades on the force after he was charged with a firearm-related felony of assaulting his wife.
He’s now in the clear from prosecution, though, as his wife testified he never harmed or threatened her.
The preliminary examination of 57-year-old Craig Bouckaert took place Tuesday. When it started, Bouckaert was charged with a four-year felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon and a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.
As his lone witness, Bay County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud called the defendant’s wife, Doree Bouckaert, to the stand.
She testified that the night of May 18, she had argued with her husband in their house in the 1400 block of Helen Street. Present at the time were her three adult children and two young grandsons, she said.
“He got upset, and he ended up walking out,” she testified.
Her husband returned about dusk, she said. When she took their dog outside, she was startled to see him. He walked into their garage, shut the door and attempted to lock it, she testified.
About that time, one of Doree Bouckaert’s sons went into the garage to talk to his stepfather.
“All (Craig Bouckaert) kept yelling was, ‘Keep her away from me,’” the witness testified. “I heard (my son) say, ‘C’mon, you know she loves you. Don’t do this.’”
As she testified, Bouckaert sat beside defense attorney Matthew Reyes.
Eventually, Craig and Doree Bouckaert entered their home and proceeded to their bedroom. Once there, Craig Bouckaert retrieved a pistol from his nightstand, his wife said.
“I remember I had a hold of his arm, and with everything, held it down, and told him, ‘Put it down, put it down,’” she said. “He was intensely angry.”
Craig Bouckaert pulled away and shoved down a bookcase, his wife said.
Craig Bouckaert left the house and entered his truck and shut its door. His wife then jumped on the back of the truck, she said.
“I was determined he can leave, but not with the gun,” she said.
She added that at no point did her husband point the gun at her.
When police arrived, she did not know how they were summoned, but later learned her daughter had called 911.
Stroud asked Doree Bouckaert if she told police her husband had pointed the gun at her. She said she had not, though officers’ reports indicate she did.
Under cross-examination, Reyes asked her if, at any time during the incident, she felt her safety was threatened. She said she had not.
After she stepped down, Stroud asked Bay County District Judge Mark Janer to dismiss the case. The judge obliged.
Bouckaert had resigned from the Hampton Township police May 19, the same day he was arraigned on criminal charges. Because he served for 31 years, he is eligible for retirement benefits, Hampton Police Lt. Michael Wedding said.
Former Police officer Craig Bouckaert hired by the Hampton Township Fire Department
A Detroit police officer has been suspended with pay after being arraigned Friday in Highland Park on a domestic violence charge, Detroit Police Director Michael Woody said.
Detroit Police Department officer Kwame Powell is suspended with pay after facing charges related to an alleged assault on woman he dated, officials confirmed.
Powell was given a personal bond of $50,000 Wednesday at an arraignment at 30th District Court, confirmed Marli Blackman, a spokeswoman for Highland Park. Powell, 34, faces charges of assault by strangulation, felonious assault, felony firearm, interfering with a crime report and domestic violence.
The Wayne County Prosecutors office said Powell is in a "dating relationship" with a 32-year-old woman. Maria Miller, assistant prosecutor, said in a statement that the woman alleges that on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, Powell strangled her and she got away and attempted to call 911, but that Powell took her cellphone from her.
"The defendant then choked the victim and she then ran outside to her car," Miller continued in the statement regarding the allegations. "The defendant followed, tackled her to her car trunk, grabbed her throat with one hand and with the other pointed a handgun to her head.The victim was able to get away, drive to a gas station, and called 911."
Powell is suspended with pay, said Michael Woody, director of media relations for the Detroit Police Department. Once the department has the court record, Powell's case will be brought to the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners for consideration to make his suspension unpaid, Woody said. The hearing could come as early as the board's April 13 meeting.
Powell was the partner of officer Myron Jarrett, who was killed in the line of duty in a hit-and-run crash in October.
Detroit police officer arrested for domestic violence
Detroit police say an officer has been suspended with pay following domestic violence charges.
According to Director Michael Woody, Officer Kwame Powell was arraigned in Highland Park on Friday for a domestic violence felony.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig is submitting paperwork to the Police Board of Commissioners to change his suspension to without pay. That hearing is expected to be held on Tuesday.
Sources tell us the incident involves a woman he dated.
DPD officer facing assault charges can’t carry a gun
A Detroit Police Department officer who is suspended with pay as he faces domestic violence charges has been prohibited from carrying a gun or having contact with the woman, according to a personal protection order granted by Wayne County Circuit Court, records show.
The protection order granted means that officer Kwame Powell cannot carry a firearm even as a law enforcement officer, said Michael Woody, director of media relations for the Detroit Police Department.
“If you have an active PPO against you, which prohibits you from carrying a firearm, as a police officer (Powell) wouldn’t be able to perform his duties,” Woody said. “As long as that PPO is in effect, he wouldn’t be able to work here.”
Powell is facing charges of assault by strangulation, felonious assault, felony firearm, interfering with a crime report and domestic violence, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. He has a probable cause hearing at 9 a.m. April 18 at Highland Park’s 30th District Court.
The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners is expected to consider whether to convert Powell’s paid suspension to an unpaid suspension at its meeting Thursday night.
But even if the suspension were lifted entirely, Woody said, the officer would have to get the personal protection order amended to be able to carry a gun in the line of duty.
Powell, 35, reached by phone Thursday, told The News that being suspended from work has been “terrible” and that the allegations he faces are “very upsetting.”
“I love my job. This has been the worst time of my life,” Powell said. “I’ve never been involved in anything, not even a parking ticket. So this is really hurting me. The allegations are very upsetting to me.”
Powell said he’s been spending this week “spending time with friends and family, getting things in order, for the worst and the best.”
“Everybody who knows me knows my character, and knowing that’s not my character.” Powell said. “I haven’t lost one bit of friend and family support because they know I’m not that man.”
The order against Powell is in effect through April 5, 2018, one year from when it was granted by Judge Eric Cholack. Woody said he doesn’t know that the department would be required to accommodate an officer who was barred from carrying a weapon.
“If a PPO is issued against you, there’s usually pretty good cause,” Woody said. “A PPO is usually pretty difficult to get. It has to meet a certain threshold or standard, so if a PPO is issued, especially if it prohibits an officer from carrying a firearm, it’s usually a pretty serious deal.”
Powell said he’d been dating the woman who filed the PPO for about a year-and-a-half before his arrest and charges April 5.
Powell’s accuser wrote in her PPO request that after going to dinner together at Inyo on the night of April 4, the couple returned to Powell’s Highland Park home. At 3 a.m. on the morning of April 5, she was awakened by Powell choking her. She tried to run into his living room to call 911 and gather her bags.
“At this point, he choked me again,” she wrote in the PPO request. “I tried calling 911 but he took my phone. The next thing I knew ... I was on the floor in his kitchen being choked by him. He choked me so hard my eyes felt like they were going to pop out.”
She escaped through the front door but wrote that Powell put her in her trunk, choked her, and held a gun to her head “saying he could kill me and nothing would happen because he’s DPD.”
She says she tried to get into her car, but Powell continued approaching on foot, so she rolled out of the car.
“He followed on foot and disappeared,” the woman wrote. “A moment later I saw headlight behind me as I approached Woodward. It was him. I turned on Woodward and went to the gas station where a Highland Park squad car was sitting.”
Cop accused of domestic violence suspended w/o pay
Acting on a recommendation from Detroit Police Chief James Craig, the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners voted last week to suspend Officer Kwame Powell, 35, without pay.
Powell had been suspended with pay since he was arraigned on five charges, three of them felonies, at 30th District Court in Highland Park. Powell is facing charges of assault by strangulation, felonious assault, felony firearm, interfering with a crime report, and domestic violence related to an alleged April 5 incident at his Highland Park home.
A seven-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, Powell is prohibited from carrying a gun, according to the terms of a personal protection order filed by his girlfriend of one-and-a-half years and approved by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Eric Cholack. The prohibition expires on April 5, 2018, records show.
Even if Powell’s suspension were lifted, he would need to get the terms of the order amended to be able to work.
As Detroit Police Department media relations director Michael Woody told The News in a previous report: “If a PPO is issued against you, there’s usually pretty good cause. A PPO is usually pretty difficult to get. It has to meet a certain threshold or standard, so if a PPO is issued, especially if it prohibits an officer from carrying a firearm, it’s usually a pretty serious deal.”
Powell’s accuser wrote in her PPO request that after going to dinner together at Inyo on the night of April 4, the couple returned to Powell’s Highland Park home. At 3 a.m. on the morning of April 5, she said she was awakened by Powell choking her. She tried to run into his living room to call 911 and gather her bags.
In the end, the woman wrote in the request, she spotted a Highland Park cop car at a gas station on Woodward Avenue and was able to run to safety.
Powell has pleaded not guilty and was given a personal bond of $50,000 at his arraignment. His attorney, Randall Upshaw, could not immediately be reached.
Powell was the partner of late Detroit police officer Myron Jarrett, who was killed in the line of duty in October by a hit-and-run driver.
Detroit cop facing assault charges, other felonies
Highland Park — Detroit police officer Kwame Powell, on unpaid suspension as he faces charges related to an April 5 assault of his girlfriend, was bound over for trial Tuesday in 30th District Court.
Judge Brigette Officer-Hill decided there was enough evidence presented for Powell’s case to move forward. Powell’s next appearance is at 9 a.m. May 9 inside Wayne County Circuit Court.
Only one person offered testimony at Powell’s exam: the woman who accuses Powell of the assault.
Defense attorney Randall Upshaw asked about the rocky relationship between the two, who’d been dating for a year-and-a-half before the incident.
He asked if the couple ever had a physical altercation before; she said Powell had hit her about two months before the incident, but that she’d never called 911 or sought medical attention.
On the stand, the victim said she was choked by Powell no less than four times the morning of April 5, starting when she woke up about 3 a.m., with Powell smelling of alcohol as he choked her while standing at the side of his bed.
The couple had gone out to dinner at Inyo that night but had a “heated discussion” afterward, the woman said. They returned to Powell’s Highland Park home, where he let her in but went out again.
The victim said she was able to escape being choked, and ran into the living room. Powell chased and choked her from behind for “eight seconds,” she said.
When he let go, the victim said, she grabbed her cellphone, which was near the front door, and tried to call 911, but was prevented by Powell.
As she neared the front door again, she said Powell slammed her to the kitchen floor. She was face up.
“This time he choked me the hardest; it felt like my eyes were going to pop out of my head,” she said.
This time she escaped from the house, but not before grabbing Powell’s cellphone, the woman testified.
Upshaw said Powell followed her outside to get his phone back.
The victim said that when they neared her Mazda 6, Powell pushed her in the back so she was face down on the trunk. With one hand, she said, Powell choked her, and with the other he put a handgun to her right temple.
It was a black gun with a “soft holster,” and she’d seen it before, the victim said.
“(Powell) said he could kill me and nothing would happen because he was DPD,” she said. “I was afraid.”
She escaped and headed toward the front door of her Mazda. She’d dropped Powell’s phone, and Powell threw her phone to her.
She got inside the car and drove off, calling 911 from her phone. Powell, she said, followed on foot and then in his gold Pontiac. She turned left from East Grand Boulevard onto Woodward and pulled into a gas station when she saw a Highland Park police officer outside.
As the investigation began, police took photos of both parties. It wasn’t until 6:30 a.m. that the woman left and headed back to her home. Powell was arrested and released after being given a $50,000 personal bond.
The woman said she spoke with three family members over the phone, and was urged to file a personal protection order against Powell, which she did. The order was granted.
Hours later, the victim said, she sought medical attention at a Beaumont hospital.
Officer-Hill granted Upshaw’s requests for pictures taken of the woman at the gas station — which caused a short break in the proceeding — and for her medical records. She denied Upshaw’s request for psychiatric records.
Afrer the hearing, Upshaw said he plans to challenge the personal protection order entered against Powell, which prohibits him from carrying a gun.
Unless successfully challenged, that prohibition, which runs through April 5, 2018, a year from when it was granted, would be in effect even if the Detroit Police Department lifted Powell’s suspension.
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Waterford Township police officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested for domestic violence and criminal sexual assault.
Waterford Township police said they learned of the incident Monday. Investigators presented findings to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, and an arrest warrant was issued for the officer.
Brandon Alan Moquin, a 3 1/2-year veteran of the Waterford Township Police Department, was charged with domestic violence and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The officer is being held on $25,000 bail.
A probable-cause hearing is scheduled for April 12.
Waterford Township police officer accused of domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Waterford Township police officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested for domestic violence and criminal sexual assault.
Waterford Township police said they learned of the incident Monday. Investigators presented findings to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, and an arrest warrant was issued for the officer.
Brandon Alan Moquin, a 3 1/2-year veteran of the Waterford Township Police Department, was charged with domestic violence and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The officer is being held on $25,000 bail.
A probable-cause hearing is scheduled for April 12.
Officer fired after domestic violence, other charges
A Waterford Township police officer who was charged this week with domestic violence and criminal sexual conduct charges has been fired, officials said.
Officer Brendon Moquin had initially been placed on administrative leave after the department learned late Monday about an alleged incident, which officials did not detail. But as of Thursday, once a probe had been completed, his employment was terminated, police said in a statement.
Moquin, on the force 3 1/2 years, was arraigned Wednesday before 51st District Court Judge Richard Kuhn in Waterford Township.
The officer was charged with one count of domestic violence, a 93-day misdemeanor, and third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.
He was released on a $25,000 personal bond. A probable-cause hearing is scheduled for April 12.
Waterford Township Cop Arraigned On Rape, Domestic Violence Charges
WATERFORD TWP. (WWJ) – A Waterford Township police officer is on administrative leave, and facing rape and domestic violence charges.
Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood says the department found out about the incident Monday night and an investigation led to the charges being filed Wednesday against the officer who has been with the department for three years.
The suspect was charged on one count of domestic violence, a misdemeanor, and a felony count of criminal sexual conduct.
The defendant was arraigned by Judge Kuhn, in 51st District Court, and bond was set at $25,000 personal.
The officer, who has not been named, is due back in court in mid-April.
Waterford police officer charged with sexual assault, domestic violence
Macomb Daily, The (MI)
March 22, 2017
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
The Waterford Township Police Department arrested one of its own Monday, March 20, after allegations of criminal sexual misconduct and domestic violence were brought against him.
The officer has been identified as Brendon Moquin, according to court documents obtained by WXYZ, who has been with the department for nearly four years.
After an investigation by the department, the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office authorized a warrant for the officer. He was arraigned in Oakland County Circuit Court on one charge of domestic violence, a potential 93-day misdemeanor, and one charge of criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.
Judge Richard Kuhn of the 51st District Court set Moquin's bond at $25,000. A probable cause hearing is set for Wednesday, April 12, at 1:45 p.m.
According to the Waterford Police Department, he has been placed on administrative leave.
Waterford police officer charged with criminal sexual conduct
WATERFORD TWP., Mich. (WJBK) - An officer with the Waterford Township Police Department has been charged with criminal sexual conduct.
Brendon Moquin is now in police custody, and has been charged with 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct. Officials say it stemed from an incident that happened on March 20, 2017.
Moquin has been with the department 3.5 years. He's been placed on administrative leave.
Moquin's bond has been set at $25,000 and he's due in court in April for a probable cause hearing.
Fired: Waterford Township Officer Charged With Rape, Domestic Violence
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP (WWJ) – A Waterford Township police officer charged this week with third-degree criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence — has now been fired from his job.
Brendon Moquin, a three-year veteran, was charged Wednesday by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood says the department found out about the incident Monday night and an investigation led to the charges being filed Wednesday against the officer.
Moquin was charged on one count of domestic violence, a misdemeanor, and a felony count of criminal sexual conduct.
He was arraigned in Circuit Court, his bond set at $25,000. A probable cause hearing in the case is set for April 12.
Waterford PD fires officer charged with domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct
WATERFORD TWP., Mich. (WJBK) - A Waterford police officer facing criminal charges has been fired by the department.
The department announced Thursday that Brendon Moquin has been terminated by the township. He was charged Wednesday with domestic violence, a 93 day misdemeanor and criminal sexual conduct third degree, a 15-year felony.
After his arraignment, he was released on a $25,000 personal bond. He is scheduled to appear in the 51st district court on April 12, 2017 for a probable cause hearing.
Moquin was initially placed on paid administrative leave to afford him due process with regard to internal administrative matters.
Thursday the department announced his termination.
Waterford Township police officer fired after domestic violence, criminal sexual assault charges
Brendon Moquin charged with third-degree criminal sexual assault
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Waterford Township police officer was fired Thursday after being charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence, the police department announced.
Brendon Moquin was charged Wednesday by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.
Waterford Township police said the they learned of the incident Monday. Investigators presented findings to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, and an arrest warrant was issued for the officer.
Moquin was a 3 1/2-year veteran of the department.
A probable-cause hearing is scheduled for April 12.
Waterford police officer accused of domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct involving wife
A Waterford Township police officer accused of domestic violence and third-degree criminal sexual conduct against his wife will face a probable cause conference before 51st District Judge Todd Fox next week.
Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood said Brendon Moquin’s wife brought the accusations to the department’s attention on Monday, March 20. The charges stem from an argument between Moquin and his wife on Sunday.
After an investigation by the department, Moquin, 30, was arraigned on the misdemeanor domestic violence and felony criminal sexual conduct charges Monday before 51st District Judge Richard Kuhn Jr, who released Moquin on $25,000 personal bond. If Moquin does not show for subsequent court dates, he will be responsible for the $25,000.
Third-degree CSC, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, is often charged under the following circumstances:
* Force or coercion is used to accomplish sexual penetration.
* The accused knows or has reason to know that the victim is mentally incapable, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.
* The victim is related to the accused by blood or affinity.
It is not known which of these apply to the Moquin case.
Moquin, who has been a Waterford police officer for nearly four years, has no criminal record.
Underwood said he is on paid administrative leave. The department is conducting its own investigation, independent of the criminal charges against Moquin, to determine if Moquin violated any internal rules of conduct, Underwood said.
At arraignment, Kuhn ordered Moquin to have no contact with his wife and not to be in possession of any weapons or firearms.
He faces a probable cause conference at 1:30 p.m. March 29 before 51st District Judge Todd Fox. A probable cause conference is held in felony cases to determine if a plea or other resolution can be reached or to preserve testimony at the earliest possible stage.
Moquin will then face a preliminary examination April 12, at which Fox will decide if there is enough evidence for the case to be bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court.
Waterford Township police officer faces felony criminal sexual conduct charge
A Waterford Township police officer is facing charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and misdemeanor domestic violence.
Waterford Township Police Officer Brendon Moquin was arraigned Wednesday and released on a personal recognizance bond.
Waterford Township Police Lt. Scott Good refused to discuss details of the case but said the victim alerted police of the possible crimes.
There are various acts that constitute third-degree sexual assault, including but not limited to: Using force or coercion to accomplish sex and having sex with a physically or mentally incapacitated person. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The charges were filed through the Attorney General Bill Schuette's office, rather than Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper's office, a representative in the 51st District Court said.
A statement from Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood said the investigation began Monday and the officer, a 3 1/2-year veteran, is currently on administrative leave.
Waterford police officer fired amid charges of domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct
Oakland Press, The (Pontiac, MI)
March 23, 2017
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
A Waterford Township police officer charged with domestic violence and third-degree criminal sexual conduct against his wife has been fired.
Police Chief Scott Underwood announced the termination of Brendon Moquin late Thursday, March 23.
Earlier Thursday, Underwood said the 30-year-old officer was on paid administrative leave while the department went through its internal process to determine if Moquin had violated any of the department's codes of conduct.
"Today, the administrative process was completed," Underwood said in the statement late Thursday.
Underwood said Moquin's wife brought the accusations to the department's attention Monday. The charges stem from an argument between Moquin and his wife on Sunday.
After an investigation by the department, Moquin, 30, was arraigned on the misdemeanor domestic violence and felony criminal sexual conduct carges Monday before 51st District Judge Richard Kuhn Jr, who released Moquin on $25,000 personal bond. If Moquin does not show for subsequent court dates, he will be responsible for the $25,000.
Third-degree CSC, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, is often charged under the following circumstances:
Force or coercion is used to accomplish sexual penetration.
The accused knows or has reason to know that the victim is mentally incapable, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.
The victim is related to the accused by blood or affinity.
It is not known which of these are alleged to apply to the Moquin case.
Moquin, who has been a Waterford police officer for nearly four years, has no criminal record.
At arraignment, Kuhn ordered Moquin to have no contact with his wife and not to be in possession of any weapons or firearms.
He faces a probable cause conference at 1:30 p.m. March 29 before 51st District Judge Todd Fox. A probable cause conference is held in felony cases to determine if a plea or other resolution can be reached or to preserve testimony at the earliest possible stage.
Moquin will then face a preliminary examination April 12, at which Fox will decide if there is enough evidence for the case to be bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court.
Officer fired after domestic violence, other charges
A Waterford Township police officer who was charged this week with domestic violence and criminal sexual conduct charges has been fired, officials said.
Officer Brendon Moquin had initially been placed on administrative leave after the department learned late Monday about an alleged incident, which officials did not detail. But as of Thursday, once a probe had been completed, his employment was terminated, police said in a statement.
Moquin, on the force 3 1/2 years, was arraigned Wednesday before 51st District Court Judge Richard Kuhn in Waterford Township.
The officer was charged with one count of domestic violence, a 93-day misdemeanor, and third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.
He was released on a $25,000 personal bond. A probable-cause hearing is scheduled for April 12.
Cop Charged With Rape Fired Fired By Waterford Township
Brendon Moquin was charged Wednesday with felony criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence
TROY, MI — The Waterford Township Police Department has fired one of its own. Brendon Moquin was charged Wednesday by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office with felony criminal sexual conduct and one count of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood told CBS Detroit Television that the department found out about the incident Monday night. A subsequent investigation led to the charges and to the firing. Moquin, a three-year veteran of the Waterford Township Police Department, was arraigned in Oakland County Circuit Court and his bond set at $25,000.
A probable cause hearing is set for April 12 at the circuit court. If convicted, Moquin faces up to 15 years in prison on the third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge and 93 days on the misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
Police officer fired in wake of criminal sexual conduct claim
Waterford Township police fired an officer accused of felony criminal sexual conduct Wednesday.
Waterford Township Police Officer Brendon Moquin is accused of felony third-degree criminal sexual misconduct and misdemeanor domestic violence.
Waterford Township Police Lt. Scott Good on Wednesday refused to discuss details of the case but said the victim alerted police of the possible crimes on Monday, March 20.
"Officer Moquin was initially placed on paid administrative leave to afford him due process with regard to internal administrative matters," Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "Today, the administrative process was completed.
"Brendon Moquin's employment with the Waterford Township Police Department and
the Township of Waterford has been terminated, effective immediately."
There are various acts that constitute third-degree sexual assault, including but not limited to: Using force or coercion to accomplish sex and having sex with a physically or mentally incapacitated person. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The charges were filed through the Attorney General Bill Schuette's office, rather than Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper's office, a representative in the 51st District Court said.
Moquin was hired by the department 3 1/2 years ago.
Former Waterford police officer accused of domestic violence faces preliminary exam April 19
Oakland Press, The (Pontiac, MI)
March 29, 2017
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
Brendon Moquin, a former Waterford Township police officer accused of domestic violence and third-degree criminal sexual conduct against his wife, made a brief appearance in 51st District Court in Waterford Wednesday, March 29.
At his probable cause conference, 51st District Judge Todd Fox set his preliminary examination date for April 19. At the exam, the judge will look at the evidence against Moquin, 30, and decide whether the case should be bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court.
The Waterford Police Department terminated Moquin March 23 after conducting an investigation to determine if he violated any internal codes of conduct.
Moquin was arraigned last week on misdemeanor domestic violence and felony criminal sexual conduct charges before 51st District Judge Richard Kuhn Jr, who released Moquin on $25,000 personal bond. If Moquin does not show for subsequent court dates, he will be responsible for the $25,000.
The charges stem from a March 19 argument between Moquin and his wife, Police Chief Scott Underwood said. She brought the accusations to Waterford police the next day.
Third-degree CSC, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, is often charged under the following circumstances:
Force or coercion is used to accomplish sexual penetration.
The accused knows or has reason to know that the victim is mentally incapable, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.
The victim is related to the accused by blood or affinity.
It is not known which of these are alleged to apply to the Moquin case.
Moquin, who has been a Waterford police officer for nearly four years, has no criminal record.
Former Waterford police officer Moquin bound over on domestic violence, CSC charges
A former Waterford Township police officer has been bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court on a misdemeanor domestic violence and felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
At a preliminary examination Wednesday, April 19, 51st District Judge Todd Fox determined there was enough evidence to send the case on to circuit court.
The charges stem from a March 19 argument between Moquin, 30, and his wife. Third-degree CSC involves nonconsensual penetration under a variety of circumstances, including sex with a person who is related to the accused.
The case has been assigned to Oakland County Circuit Judge Martha Anderson. He will appear before her for arraignment April 27.
The Waterford Police Department terminated Moquin March 23 after conducting an investigation to determine if he violated any internal codes of conduct.
At Moquin's district court arraignment last month, 51st District Judge Richard Kuhn Jr. released Moquin on $25,000 personal bond. If Moquin does not show for subsequent court dates, he will be responsible for the $25,000.
Moquin, who had been a Waterford police officer for nearly four years, has no criminal record.
Judge says former Waterford cop must continue alcohol testing
Oakland Press, The (Pontiac, MI)
May 19, 2017
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
A request to stop requiring alcohol testing for a former Waterford cop was shot down by Oakland Circuit Judge Martha Anderson on Thursday.
Brendon Moquin, 30, is charged with felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct and misdemeanor domestic violence against his estranged wife
The testing is routinely included as a condition of probation, but an attorney for Moquin argued the tests are too costly for his unemployed client.
"It's a hardship," said attorney Wade Fink, noting that Moquin is "in the process of interviewing for jobs."
Moquin, 30, was fired from the Waterford Police Department in March following an investigation to determine if he violated internal codes of conduct. He'd been an officer there since 2013.
Fink also said Moquin has "no history of substance abuse."
Anderson said the testing will continue but she could "revisit" the request at a later date.
The charges against Moquin stem from a March 19 argument between Moquin and his wife. According to Police Chief Scott Underwood, she brought the accusations to Waterford police the next day.
Third-degree CSC involves nonconsensual penetration under a variety of circumstances, including sex with a person who is related to the accused.
Following Anderson's ruling, Fink issued this statement:
"Officer Moquin has served his country and community as a member of the military and law enforcement. We ask that people be mindful that this public servant is presumed innocent."
Moquin's trial is scheduled for Sept. 8.
Waterford ex-cop gets probation for assaulting former wife
The Waterford Township cop fired last spring after being charged with criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence will serve probation for the next 11 months, a judge has ordered.
Brendon Moquin, 30, was sentenced Thursday morning by Oakland County Circuit Judge Martha Anderson, who also lifted a no contact order with his ex-wife – the victim in the March incident which led to the charges.
In July, the criminal sexual conduct charge was dismissed and Moquin pleaded no contest to aggravated domestic violence and domestic violence, charges stemming from a fight the couple had at the Waterford home they had shared with their two young kids.
Anderson also sentenced Moquin to two days in jail, with credit for two days served.
Prior to sentencing, Moquin apologized to the court and said he was 'quite remorseful' and that he needs 'professional help.'
'It was an unfortunate situation. I never thought I'd be in this position,' said Moquin, who served close to four years as a Waterford police officer. He now works as a tree trimmer.
'I don't want to be in this position again. I work hard every day for me and my kids,' he said. 'I don't think I'll be in this courtroom again. I'm quite confident of that.'
Moquin was also ordered to participate in a domestic violence program.
Moquin's ex-wife and mother, who attended the sentencing, didn't make a statement in court and declined comment afterward. But his attorney, Kimberly Stout, called the sentence 'very fair.'
'We're pleased,' Stout said. 'Everything is amicable (with his ex-wife). They just want a normal, healthy family.'
Waterford PD Officer Brendon Moquin - Sentenced To 1 year probation for domestic violence
The Waterford Township cop fired last spring after being charged with criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence will serve probation for the next 11 months, a judge has ordered.
Brendon Moquin, 30, was sentenced Thursday morning by Oakland County Circuit Judge Martha Anderson, who also lifted a no contact order with his ex-wife – the victim in the March incident which led to the charges.
In July, the criminal sexual conduct charge was dismissed and Moquin pleaded no contest to aggravated domestic violence and domestic violence, charges stemming from a fight the couple had at the Waterford home they had shared with their two young kids.
Anderson also sentenced Moquin to two days in jail, with credit for two days served.
Prior to sentencing, Moquin apologized to the court and said he was “quite remorseful” and that he needs “professional help.”
“It was an unfortunate situation. I never thought I’d be in this position,” said Moquin, who served close to four years as a Waterford police officer. He now works as a tree trimmer.
“I don’t want to be in this position again. I work hard every day for me and my kids,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll be in this courtroom again. I’m quite confident of that.”
Moquin was also ordered to participate in a domestic violence program.
Moquin’s ex-wife and mother, who attended the sentencing, didn’t make a statement in court and declined comment afterward. But his attorney, Kimberly Stout, called the sentence “very fair.”
“We’re pleased,” Stout said. “Everything is amicable (with his ex-wife). They just want a normal, healthy family.”
