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News Updates - Week of April 15 - 21, 2018
NEWS UPDATES
Monday, April 16, 2018
River Rouge Man Charged Again With Impersonating Police Officer
Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Blake Purvis, 23, (DOB: 09/28/1994), of River Rouge, in connection with a second case of Impersonating a Peace Officer, (one-year misdemeanor). In November 2016 at approximately 6:00 p.m., it is alleged that Purvis was impersonating a police officer when he pulled over two men driving in the area of Stahelin and Ford Road. The men were working with a Detroit Police Department community patrol group. It is alleged that Purvis pulled them over for having a flashing amber light on their car. When the men indicated that they would radio for a marked police car, the defendant fled the scene. Purvis was arraigned today before 36th District Court Judge Roberta Archer. He has a pre-trial scheduled for May 14, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Archer. He received a $10,000 cash/surety bond.
He was also charged in a similar case on April 4, 2018. On March 24, 2018 at approximately 6:30 p.m., it is alleged that Purvis was driving a black SUV with police-inspired decals on the car and wearing clothes resembling a police uniform. It is further alleged he used flashing lights to make a fake traffic stop of a woman who was driving her car at the Lodge Freeway near the I-94. When the woman became suspicious of the defendant's car, she kept driving and immediately reported the incident to the police. Investigation by the Detroit Police Department resulted in the identification and charging of the defendant. Purvis was charged with Impersonating a Peace Officer, (one-year misdemeanor), and Possession of Flashing Lights (90-day misdemeanor).* Purvis has a pre-trial hearing on this case scheduled for May 14, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Archer as well.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Mark Bessner - Former MSP Trooper charged with Second Degree Murder in connection with the August 26, 2017 death of 15-year-old Damon Grimes on Rossini street in Detroit. Today the final conference date was re-scheduled for June 8, 2018, and the trial is scheduled for August 20, 2018 before Judge Margaret Van Houten in Third Circuit Court, both at 9:00 a.m.
Rolaunda Paul - (DOB: 10-13-1987), of Detroit, has been charged with Child Abuse Second Degree by Prosecutor Kym Worthy. On April 10, 2018, it is alleged that Defendant Paul assaulted her two -year-old child on the sidewalk in front of her apartment building located in Delaware Street in Detroit. She was arraigned, April 14, 2018 in 34th District Court in Romulus. At this time WCPO has not received information regarding the next court dates that are scheduled.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Wolverine Lake Village Councilman Charged in Wrong-Way Double Fatal Car Crash
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Michael Gerard Stack, 59, (DOB: 01/29/1959) of Wolverine Lake, MI, in connection with the December 12, 2017 fatal wrong-way motor vehicle accident on northbound I-275 near Cherry Hill Road in Canton Township. The crash killed Shannon Marie McIntyre, 32, and Nicholas Lee Pare, 33, both of Wayne, MI. Defendant Stack was a Wolverine Lake Village Councilman at the time of the crash. After the incident he resigned from office on January 4, 2018.
On December 12, 2017 at approximately 10:36 a.m., Michigan State Police (MSP) were dispatched to investigate reports of a wrong-way driver on northbound I-275 near Cherry Hill Road in Canton Township. Upon arrival to the scene, MSP observed the Canton Police Department and Fire Departments present. It is alleged that the defendant was driving his vehicle southbound on I-275 when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a vehicle traveling northbound on I-275. Medics at the scene determined that two victims inside the northbound vehicle were dead at the scene. Stack was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The investigation revealed that had a bottle of alcohol in his car.
Stack has been charged with two counts of Reckless Driving Causing Death and one count of Open Intoxicant in his vehicle*.
WCPO was not informed in advance, by the MSP trooper in charge of the case that the arraignment was taking place today. We were recently informed by MSP that Stack was arraigned this morning in 35th District Court. Judge Ronald Lowe gave the defendant a personal bond. The defendant has received a probable cause conference date of April 27, 2018 and a preliminary examination date of May 4, 2018.
*The charges are allegations unless and until the defendant is convicted.
Joseph Gray Charged in October 2017 Highland Park Homicide Case
Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Joseph Gray, 37, (DOB: 09/29/1980), of Detroit, in connection with the homicide of Oliver Oldes, 62, of Highland Park. On October 31, 2017 at 11:00 p.m., it is alleged that Gray fatally stabbed Oldes in his apartment located in the 1100 block of West McNichols in Highland Park. It is alleged that Gray demanded money from Oldes and when he refused Oldes stabbed him to death.
Gray has been charged with First Degree Murder.* Gray was arraigned and remanded to jail in 30th District Court before Judge Bridget Officer. The probable cause conference on is on May 1, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
*The charges are allegations unless and until the defendant is convicted.
Joseph Gray Charged in December 2015 Homicide
On Friday, April 6, 2018 Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Joseph Ivan Gray, 37, (DOB: 09/29/1980), of Detroit, in connection with the homicide of Korteze Woods, 30, also of Detroit.
On December 17, 2015, at approximately 7:59 a.m., Detroit Police officers were dispatched to Intervale Street and Meyers Road to investigate a body in a vehicle. Medics were also dispatched to the scene and pronounced Woods dead at the scene. Investigation by the Detroit Police Department of the incident led to the arrest of the defendant. The facts and evidence in the case will be presented in court at the preliminary examination.
Gray has been charged with Murder - First Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Felony Firearm*. Gray was arraigned on the warrant on April 7, 2018 before 34th District Court Magistrate Allen Hindman. The probable cause conference was held today and the new preliminary examination date is scheduled for May 2,2018 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Lydia Nance Adams in 36th District Court.
*The charges are allegations unless and until the defendant is convicted.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Jerold Blanding - Off-duty Detroit Police officer charged with Possession of Firearms While Under the Influence, Resisting & Obstruction and Felony Firearm. Today Blanding had his probable cause conference and due to a scheduling conflict his preliminary examination has been changed to May 8, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
I AM EVIDENCE
HBO Documentary Premiered April 15, 2018 at the Detroit Institute of Arts
I AM EVIDENCE tells the story of four survivors whose rape kits went untested for years, bringing much-needed attention to the disturbing pattern of how the criminal justice system has historically treated sexual assault survivors. It is time for their voices, and all those affected by this injustice, to finally be heard. Coverage includes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6SUFyVx6ps
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/04/mariska-hargitay-hbo-i-am-evidence
http://observer.com/2018/04/hbo-mariska-hargitays-i-am-evidence-reveals-rape-kit-mishandling/
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Friday, April 20, 2018
Two Defendants Charged in Organized Retail Fraud Scheme
Today Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Ali Hassan, 33 (DOB: 06/25/1984), of Dearborn Heights, and Bilal Mohamad Taleb, 37 (DOB: 09/10/1980), of Lasalle, Ontario, Canada, in connection with an organized retail crime operation.
Allegations
From January 2018 until April 2018, the Westland Police Department conducted an investigation of an organized retail fraud scheme conducted by Defendants Hassan and Taleb. While working at the Platinum Pawn Shop, they would purchase high end merchandise that was stolen from big box stores around Metropolitan Detroit. Defendants Hassan and Taleb would sell the stolen goods through Platinum Pawn Shop located in the 15500 block of Northline in Southgate. Investigation by the Westland Police Department led to the arrest of the two defendants. More complete facts and evidence will be presented in court at the preliminary examination.
Charges Issued Against the Defendants*Ali Hassan, 33 (DOB: 06/25/1984), of Dearborn Heights
Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime - 1 count
Organized Retail Crime - 4 counts
Second Hand Dealer Violation - 4 counts
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $200 - $1,000 - 1 count
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $1,000 - $20,000 - 1 count
Bilal Mohamad Taleb, 37 (DOB: 09/10/1980), of Lasalle, Ontario, Canada
Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime - 1 count
Organized Retail Crime - 2 counts
Second Hand Dealer Violation - 2 counts
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $200 - $1,000 - 1 count
The defendants are expected to be arraigned on the warrants tomorrow out-county in 34th District Court. Please request their photographs from the Westland Police Department.
Statement of Prosecutor Kym Worthy
The impact of these cases illustrate why the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is trying to form a Business Protection Unit. These crimes cause process of goods and services to rise, insurance rates increase and businesses are reluctant to be community partners. So-called victimless crimes are a fallacy.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Two Defendants Charged in Organized Retail Fraud Scheme
Today Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Mounier Ahmed Hassan, 41 (DOB: 11/03/1976), of Dearborn Heights, and Bilal Mohamad Taleb, 37 (DOB: 09/10/1980), of Lasalle, Ontario, Canada, in connection with an organized retail crime operation.Allegations From October 2017 until April 2018, the Westland Police Department conducted an investigation of an organized retail fraud scheme conducted by Defendants Hassan and Taleb. While working at Bank Pawn Shop and Exchange, they would purchase high end merchandise that was stolen from big box stores around Metropolitan Detroit. Defendants Hassan and Taleb would sell the stolen goods through Bank Pawn Shop and Exchange, located in the 15500 block of Warren Road in Westland, as well as on eBay. Investigation by the Westland Police Department led to the arrest of the two defendants. More complete facts and evidence will be presented in court at the preliminary examination.
Charges Issued Against the Defendants*
Mounier Ahmed Hassan, 41 (DOB: 11/03/1976), of Dearborn Heights
Continuing Criminal Enterprise - 1 count
Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime - 1 count
Organized Retail Crime - 7 counts
Second Hand Dealer Violation - 7 counts
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $200 - $1,000 - 1 count
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $1,000 - $20,000 - 3 count
Bilal Mohamad Taleb, 37 (DOB: 09/10/1980), of Lasalle, Ontario, Canada
Continuing Criminal Enterprise - 1 count
Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime - 1 count
Organized Retail Crime - 9 counts
Second Hand Dealer Violation - 9 counts
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $200 - $1,000 - 1 count
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $1,000 - $20,000 - 3 count
The defendants were arraigned today on all counts in 18th District Court. Hassan received a $75,000/10% bond; Taleb received a $100,000/10% bond. They will have their probable cause conferences on May 3, 2018 before 18th District Court Judge Mark McConnell; their preliminary examinations on May 24, 2018 before 18th District Court Judge Sandra Cicirelli.
Statement of Prosecutor Kym Worthy
The impact of these cases illustrate why the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is trying to form a Business Protection Unit. These crimes cause process of goods and services to rise, insurance rates increase and businesses are reluctant to be community partners. So-called victimless crimes are a fallacy.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Three Defendants Charged in Organized Retail Fraud Scheme
Today Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Spencer Robert Szostak, 31 (DOB: 07/14/1986), of Dearborn, Steven Todd Kilbourne-Bullion, 30 (DOB: 07/31/1987), of Allen Park and Stephen Robert Dodge, 31 (DOB: 04/24/0986), of Dearborn, in connection with an organized retail fraud scheme where stolen items from Canton big box stores were sold to a pawn shop located in Dearborn Heights.
AllegationsFrom October 2017 through April 2018, Defendant Szostak had a continuing criminal enterprise involving stolen goods. During that time period, Defendant Szostak, aided by Defendants Kilbourne-Bullion and Dodge, conducted an organized retail fraud operation. The three defendants while working at US Pawn would purchase high value merchandise from people stealing from Home Depot, Target, Wal-mart, Sam's Club, Kroger, and Meijer stores in Canton. The defendants would sell the items through U.S. Pawn, located in the 4800 block of South Beech Daly Road in Dearborn Heights, as well as on eBay. Investigation by the Canton Police Department led to the arrest of the three men. More complete facts and evidence will be presented in court at the preliminary examination.
Charges Issued Against the Defendants*
Spencer Robert Szostak, 31 (DOB: 07/14/1986), of Dearborn
Continuing Criminal Enterprise - 1 count
Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime - 2 counts
Organized Retail Crime - 6 counts
Second-Hand Dealer Violations - 7 counts
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $1,000 - $20,000 - 4 counts
Steven Todd Kilbourne-Bullion, 30 (DOB: 07/31/1987), of Allen Park
Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime - 1 count
Organized Retail Crime - 5 counts
Second-Hand Dealer Violations - 5 counts
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $1,000 - $20,000 - 3 counts
Stephen Robert Dodge, 31 (DOB: 04/24/0986), of Dearborn
Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime - 1 count
Organized Retail Crime - 3 counts
Second-Hand Dealer Violations - 2 counts
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $200 - $1,000 - 2 counts
Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $1,000 - $20,000 - 1 count
The defendants were arraigned on the warrants this afternoon in 35th District Court. All three defendants received $10,000 personal bonds. The probable cause conference is scheduled for May 2, 2018; the preliminary examination is scheduled for May 9, 2018 in 35th District Court in Canton.
Statement of Prosecutor Kym Worthy
The impact of these cases illustrate why the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is trying to form a Business Protection Unit. These crimes cause goods and services to rise, insurance rates increase and businesses are reluctant to be community partners. So-called victimless crimes are a fallacy.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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