Theft and Property Crimes

October 2, 2013

Ann Arbor Police Search for Two Men Suspected of McDonald’s Armed Robbery

On Sunday September 29, the McDonald’s located at 3325 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor was reportedly robbed by two men, one who displayed a gun before demanding an employee to take money out of a safe. Police responded to a report of an armed robbery at the McDonald’s location at approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, and reported that details of the incident were scarce.

According to Ann Arbor police Lt. Renee Bush, two men entered the McDonald’s and displayed a gun, then jumped the counter before forcing an employee to remove money from the safe. Bush also said in a news article at Mlive.com that a witness said one of the men pointed a gun at her.

After stealing the money, the two men fled on foot. The amount of money stolen from the McDonald’s has not been released by police. As of the afternoon of October 1, the suspects had not been apprehended; authorities are asking for the public’s help in capturing the suspects, both described as black men wearing dark hooded sweatshirts, masks, and light colored jeans. One of the suspects is said to be approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall; the other is described as between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall.

According to Michigan Penal Code 750.529, any individual found guilty of using violence, fear, or force in the course of stealing property or money from an establishment and while in possession of a dangerous weapon may face life in prison if convicted. Robbing an establishment without actual possession or insinuation of a weapon will result in up to 15 years imprisonment. Other than losing their freedom, individuals convicted of a serious crime may also face fines and a criminal record which will negatively impact various areas of their lives including employment opportunities.

October 1, 2013

Flint Man Suspected of 3 Armed Robberies in Ypsilanti Arrested by Ann Arbor Police

by Scott Grabel

Duane Lee, a 25-year-old Flint resident, was recently arrested in connection with three armed robberies which have occurred in Ypsilanti since September 18. Police had suspected Lee was responsible for the robberies for approximately one week before he was located after being recognized by an Ann Arbor citizen who called police.

Lee is reportedly a gang member and ex-con, according to a news article at Mlive.com. which indicates he is a member of the Gangster Disciples 74. Police called Lee “armed and dangerous,” although there were no injuries reported in the three Ypsilanti robberies.

Lee allegedly robbed a woman on September 18 as she was walking, pointing a black semi-automatic handgun at her and demanding her purse. Four days later, he allegedly robbed a victim who passed by a group of men while walking toward a store near campus; one of the men in the group, purported to be Lee, approached the victim requesting a lighter, then grabbing the victim and demanding his wallet while brandishing the handgun. Lee allegedly tried to punch the victim when he refused Lee’s request, however the victim broke away and went to get something out of his pocket. Lee then ran from the scene. The third incident occurred the next day when an EMU employee was walking and was passed by a man who then turned back toward him and pulled out a gun. He was robbed of his money and cellphone.

As of Monday, there was no mention of whether Lee had been charged in the three armed robberies. News articles indicated that the suspect was still in custody, and that Detective Sgt. Tom Eberts had not had an opportunity to question Lee in connection with the robberies.

Individuals who are convicted on charges of armed robbery will face serious penalties, possibly life in prison depending on the circumstances. Michigan Penal Code 750.530 states that any person who uses violence, fear, or force against another person while stealing money or attempting to commit larceny may be convicted of a felony offense resulting in punishment of up to 15 years in prison. However, when a person or establishment’s property or money is stolen and a dangerous weapon or any article insinuating the presence of a weapon used, the penalties may include up to life in prison.

September 26, 2013

Wyoming Teens Face Long Prison Terms if Convicted of Armed Home Invasion

by Scott Grabel

In the early morning hours of September 15, 17-year-old Ricardo Carbajal-Sosa and 18-year-old Jeffrey Rivera allegedly broke into a home on McKee Avenue SW. Both teens waived their probable cause hearings in Wyoming District Court. Both of the defendants are charged with two counts of home invasion and felony use of a firearm; because they waived probable cause hearings, the cases will not move forward to felony court where they will be tried on the charges.

Police claim the two teens entered the home forcibly and had begun stealing the homeowner’s property when it dawned on them that 911 had been called; they then fled the scene. Wyoming police also said in a news article at Mlive.com that a shot was fired during the commission of the crime, however no one was injured.

After arriving on the scene and searching for the two teens, police located them on Clyde Park Avenue SW hiding near a trash dumpster where they also found weapons and some of the stolen goods nearby.

The teens remained in the Kent County Jail on $100,000 bonds after waiving their probable cause hearing. If convicted, each may be sentenced to up to 22 years in prison.

Michigan breaking and entering attorneys understand the seriousness of committing a crime such as home invasion, and the severe punishment those convicted face. In this situation, if the defendants are convicted and serve the maximum sentence, they will be middle-age before released from prison.

September 12, 2013

Men Sentenced to Prison for Armed Robbery and Shooting of Medical Marijuana Grower

by Scott Grabel

Recently, 22-year-old Jeremy Donte Leverette and 23-year-old Brandon Trevon Cordell pleaded guilty to first-degree home invasion and armed robbery for allegedly robbing and shooting a medical marijuana grower in Flushing Township.

According to a news article at Mlive.com, the two men along with a third suspect who was not named broke into the medical marijuana grower’s home in the early morning hours of February 14. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell stated that the three men entered the home which was occupied by a man, three children, and the man’s girlfriend, ordering them into a bedroom while armed with handguns.

Cordell and Leverette were initially charged with five counts of armed robbery, first-degree home invasion, and assault with intent to murder. Prosecutors dismissed four armed robbery counts and assault with intent to murder after the defendants agreed to plead guilty to one count of armed robbery and first-degree home invasion.

The three men held the man at gunpoint after ordering him to unlock the basement, which authorities believe contained a medical marijuana growing operation. During the home invasion the three men took jewelry, guns, cell phones, marijuana, and other items from the home according to Pickell, who said that after leaving the home, the three met up with a fourth suspect, 23-year-old James M. Toney. All four men then fled the scene in a vehicle.

Upon the suspects departure, the male victim got into his own vehicle to pursue them. As the chase ensued onto Sheridan Road, the victim’s car was close to the vehicle the suspects were in when Leverette allegedly rolled down a back window and shot into the victim’s windshield, striking him in the arm. The victim then returned to the house and he, his girlfriend, and the children drove to the hospital for medical attention for his injury.

At their sentencing hearing on September 9, Genessee Circuit Judge Archie Hayman sentenced each of the two men to 6 to 20 years for home invasion, and 9 to 20 years for armed robbery to be served concurrently.

Home invasion and armed robbery are offenses considered violent in the state of Michigan. As is evident in this case, those convicted will serve a substantial number of years in prison. Even when these young men are released, they will face a lifetime of hardship due to having criminal records.

September 9, 2013

Pittsfield Township Police on Lookout for Suspect in Best Bank Robbery

by Scott Grabel

On Friday September 6, the BestBank located at 3200 Carpenter Road in Pittsfield Township was robbed by a man who as of Sunday had not been apprehended. The suspect, who was said to be wearing a fake beard, handed a note to a teller which stated he was robbing the bank, and wanted money. The incident took place on Friday morning just after 10 a.m.

Pittsfield Township are asking for the public’s help in locating the man, who robbed the bank, located inside a Kroger store, of an undisclosed amount of cash. News reports indicate that the teller handed over a bag of money to the man, which included a red dye pack. The dye pack is said to have exploded on the suspect as he was getting into a vehicle described as an “older white vehicle.” Police say the dye pack may have burned the suspect’s hands, as it exploded leaving red dye all over the inside of the vehicle, as well as on the suspect.

Gordy Schick, Deputy Police Chief, said that at the time the bank robbery occurred there were many shoppers coming in and out of the Kroger store who may have witnessed the incident. He urged them to contact investigators with any tips. By the time police had arrived on the scene, the man had driven away.

The suspect is described as a black male between 5’4″ and 5’9″ in height, slender built, and wearing a fake beard at the time. He was dressed in blue jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt.

A news article at Annarbor.com indicates that during the robbery no weapon was seen or implied.

A conviction for bank robbery can leave the individual facing any number of years in prison and steep fines. While news reports indicate no weapon was implied, the penalties are still harsh as robbing a bank is a federal crime. Those who do use a weapon or even imply the presence of a weapon will face penalties which are more severe. In some cases, sentencing may include life in prison or even the death penalty. This is true when a kidnapping or killing takes place in the commission of the crime.

August 26, 2013

FBI Claims Grand Rapids Bank Robber Motivated by Addiction to Crack

by Scott Grabel

On Thursday August 22, 49-year-old Michael Loren Smith allegedly robbed a bank in downtown Grand Rapids. Smith is said to have robbed the Chase Bank located at 200 Ottawa Ave. NW to support his crack-cocaine addiction.

The robbery took place at about 4:30 in the afternoon; as Smith was walking near the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on Michigan Street NE, a Grand Rapids police officer spotted him counting the cash. Coincidentally, a call went out at the same time on the Grand Rapid Police Department’s radio frequency alerting of a downtown Grand Rapids bank robbery. FBI special agent Douglas Brownback reported that Smith looked at the officer who was watching him walk down the street, then fled into the hospital’s lobby. Security officers at the hospital detained the suspect in the lobby’s bathroom.

According to the FBI, Smith approached a teller at the Chase Bank as he was holding a debit card; the teller assumed he wanted to withdraw money. Smith then said, “You don’t understand, I have a gun, put the money on the counter.” He allegedly then said he had a gun as he grabbed the waistband of his pants. After complying with his demands, police found Smith had $1,926 in cash on him. FBI agents said the suspect admitted to robbing the bank, and said that his motivation was his addiction to crack cocaine.

Smith was convicted of robbing the same bank of $2,000 in 2005 when it was called Bank One.

Michigan federal criminal attorneys know the penalties for crimes prosecuted at the federal level are extremely severe for those convicted. In fact, an individual who robs a bank may be sentenced to life in prison, regardless of whether he/she was successful in obtaining money or property. The fact that Smith implied the presence of a weapon may leave him facing additional penalties.

August 23, 2013

Man Suspected in Alpine Township Home Invasion Will Not Be Allowed to Attend Mother’s Memorial Service

by Scott Grabel

Brandon Cook, a 30-year-old Sparta resident, was charged in June with first-degree home invasion in connection with the break-in of an Alpine Township home. He was lodged in the Kent County Jail on a $100,000 bond, where he remains. Cook’s mother, 54-year-old RuthAnn Robinson, died on August 15. She will be memorialized on Sunday, August 25, however Brandon Cook’s request to be set free for his mother’s funeral service and Long Lake Park luncheon has been rejected by Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul Sullivan.

The judge’s decision to reject Cook’s request came on the same day the defendant refused a plea offer. Judge Sullivan told Cook that he was sorry for his loss, however the defendant’s record and the crime he is accused of committing would not justify the county’s expense of taking Cook to the memorial service, or the risk of releasing him for a few hours. The judge did suggest that the defendant’s family members record a video of the service, which Cook may be able to watch at a later date. Cook’s sister, Natasha Cook, said that her brother was one of her mother’s primary caretakers. She insisted that the court would know exactly where Brandon Cook was if police officers would escort him, stressing the fact that he remains in jail even though he has not yet been convicted of a crime.

Cook and another man, Damone Rashawn Hammock, were arrested for the June home invasion in which the two men used bicycles for transportation. Investigators believe the two broke into at least three homes in Alpine Township, and may be responsible for more due to the amount of property that was recovered in the course of the investigation.

Prior to the judge’s decision, Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Joshua Kuiper opposed the release of Cook for his mother’s funeral, stressing that Cook had to be located by police after failing to appear for a court hearing.

As a repeat offender, Judge Sullivan explained to Cook that he would spend between 4 1/2 years and 40 years in prison for the home invasion offense by not accepting the plea offer, which would have reduced the maximum prison time to 20 years. Cook would have had to plead guilty to the home invasion charge, and other counts would have been dismissed. The defendant rejected the deal.

August 22, 2013

Shoplifting Now a Felony Offense in Michigan; Offenders May Face Prison Time

by Scott Grabel

On March 31 of this year, a new law regarding shoplifting took effect which was sponsored by Genesee County State Representative Joseph Graves. Now, shoplifting has become a felony crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

Decades ago, shoplifting typically consisted of lifting a candy bar or pack of cigarettes. Teenage girls may have found stealing a compact of eye shadow a thrill. Today, shoplifting has escalated to something far more serious, as people steal items of considerable value for the purpose of reselling the stolen goods on the Internet. Websites such as eBay and Craigslist have made shoplifting quite a profitable profession – and eliminated the need for “fencing” the stolen goods.

The new organized retail crime law is zeroing in on those who lift goods with the intention of selling them for a profit. According to a recent news article at Mlive.com, five-finger discount costs an estimated $35 billion annually. To break it down further, what the National Retail Federation refers to as “shrinkage” costs each consumer approximately $500 each year in the form of higher prices, as retailers must raise prices in order to compensate for loss attributed to shoplifting.

Lisa Dawn Ehorn is a prime example of what we are describing. In May, the 26-year-old mother was arrested after she and what were presumed to be her children were stealing goods at a River Town JC Penney store. The items Ehorn and the juveniles stole were believed to be worth between $200 and $1,000.

Ehorn admitted to store security personnel that some of the items were intended for her children and herself, however she also admitted that she intended to sell some of the goods. Now she stands charged with organized retail crime rather than second-degree retail fraud. Ultimately, instead of spending up to one year in jail, she may be sentenced to up to five years in prison. Ehorn’s trial is scheduled before Kent County Circuit Court Judge George Buth on October 21.

Michigan shoplifting attorneys realize that most people who shoplift are not truly aware of the serious penalties they may face if arrested and charged with stealing property that does not belong to them. Not only are the penalties harsh, a conviction will affect your reputation and career.

August 19, 2013

Ypsilanti Man Allegedly Sets Construction Crane on Fire, Charged with Arson

by Scott Grabel

James Henry McPherson, a 30-year-old Ypsilanti man, was charged with arson on Friday, August 16, in connection with allegedly setting a construction crane on fire. The crane was being used to help rebuild the Ford Boulevard Bridge, according to a news article at AnnArbor.com.

When firefighters arrived at the scene just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, flames were jumping as high as 20 feet in the air according to Ypsilanti Township fire Lt. Keith Harr. Harr said that the damage to the crane which is believed to have originally been worth approximately $1 million, was significant.

McPherson was charged in the 14A-1 District Court, and arraigned on charges of arson, malicious destruction of property between $1,000 and $20,000, and third-degree arson of property more than $20,000. Sgt. Geoff Fox of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office said it is believed that the suspect sneaked onto the job site, then set the crane on fire after somehow opening the fuel compartment. It is also believed McPherson slashed tires on some of the vehicles at the job site.

McPherson was apprehended as he walked near the job site a short time later, and according to Fox was “highly intoxicated.”

The criminal penalties for a violent or malicious crime such as arson are extremely harsh in the state of Michigan. If convicted of the charges against him, McPherson may face substantial fines and up to 10 years in prison. Individuals who commit arson which results in serious injury or death to another person or persons may face even more serious consequences.

August 14, 2013

Detroit Duo Arrested for Allegedly Ramming Gun Shop in Southfield and Looting Guns

by Scott Grabel

On August 7, two young men from Detroit were arrested after it was suspected they were involved in ramming their truck into a gun shop in Southfield, then stealing guns and various ammunition. The two suspects, 17-year-old Tobais A. Nance, and 20-year-old Arthuro L. Tate are now in custody for allegedly robbing Action Impact firearms and gun range.

Both suspects are now charged with firearm larceny, malicious destruction of a building over $20,000, breaking and entering into a building, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle according to a news article at Mlive.com. The incident took place on June 5; it is believed the suspects stole a cargo truck, which they used to crash into the gun shop and range located at 25992 8 Mile to gain entrance into the shop. The two men allegedly stole various ammunition and 20 handguns.

The owner of the gun shop estimated the damage to his property to be more than $200,000.

Following their August 9 arraignment, bond for the suspects’ release was set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 19.

Southfield Police Chief Eric Hawkins said that the participation of the Detroit Police Department, state police and ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) was a great example of how communities can be made safer through collaboration.

Michigan criminal defense lawyers know there are numerous laws surrounding charges of breaking and entering, which mean penalties vary widely from case to case. According to Section 750.110 of the Michigan Penal Code, a person who breaks and enters a building with the intention of stealing may face up to 10 years in prison. Combined with the other charges, it is likely these two young men face extremely serious consequences if convicted.