Four arrested for prescription pill deliveries

Following a six-month investigation into the delivery of prescription drugs into Leelanau County, the Traverse Narcotics Team arrested 4 people Wednesday.  The four are accused of delivering prescription Xanax and Adderall to undercover officers on eight occasions.

The suspects were arrested in Grand Traverse County with the assistance of the Traverse City Police Department, Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police Fugitive Team.  Two of the individuals were in possession of more prescription pills at the time of their arrest and additional charges will be sought in Grand Traverse County.

The four suspects are currently lodged in the Leelanau County jail pending bond being set by the magistrate.  Names of the suspects will not be released until they are arraigned but they are charged as follows:

• 30 year-old man from South Boardman, charged with 2 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Schedule 1, 2, or 3.  Maximum penalty 7 years and $10,000 on each count.
• 30 year-old female from Fife Lake, charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Schedule    1, 2 or 3.  Maximum penalty 7 years and $10,000.
• 27 year-old female from Fife Lake, charged with 2 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Schedule 4.  Maximum penalty 4 years and $2,000 on each count.
• 25 year-old Traverse City man, charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Schedule 4.  Maximum penalty 4 years and $2,000.

The Traverse Narcotics Team is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force which includes representatives from Wexford, Missaukee, Grand Traverse, Antrim, Kalkaska, Benzie, Osceola and Leelanau County Sheriff’s offices, the Traverse City Police Department and the Michigan State Police Special Investigation Division.

The Traverse Narcotics Team is asking the public to please contact them with any information on the use, distribution or production of any controlled substances.  Information can be left anonymously at the Silent Observer Tip line 231-947-TIPS (8477), emailed to tips@co.leelanau.mi.us or call the Traverse Narcotics Team directly at 231-922-0993.

Lake Ann man arrested on probation violation

David L. Price, 55, was arrested Wednesday for violating conditions of his probation for Malicious Destruction of Property under $200.  Price earlier pleaded guilty and admitted to cutting of the valve stems on his wife's boyfriend's truck in November 2012.  He remains jailed pending an April 5 court appearance in 86th District Court.

OWI probationer jailed

A 48 year-old Traverse City woman was arrested Wednesday for violating conditions of her probation.  Elizabeth A. Nordby was picked up in Grand Traverse County and transported to the Leelanau County jail and is being held without bond pending a District Court appearance.

Nordby was arrested in January 2012 for Operating While Intoxicated with a High Blood Alcohol Content > .17%.  She pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of Operating While Intoxicated and had 2 counts of passing Non-sufficient Funds Checks dismissed in February. 

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Kingsley man arrested for unpaid child support

Darren T. Hendges, 20, of Kingsley, was arrested in Kalkaska County Tuesday on a bench warrant for not paying child support.  He was transported to the Leelanau County jail to serve a 30 day sentence if a $650 bond can not be posted.

TC man picked up on Grand Traverse Band warrant

Leroy J. Hall, 44, was arrested by Traverse City police Monday at 6:50 pm on a Tribal Police misdemeanor contempt of court warrant.  Hall was transported to the Leelanau County jail and was released after posting $200 bond.  He is scheduled to appear in tribal court regarding the case at a later date.

Sunday March 24, 2013

Suttons Bay man goes to jail on his birthday for domestic violence, OUID

A 23 year-old Suttons Bay man had a memorable birthday Sunday when he was arrested for domestic violence and Operating Under the Influence of Drugs. 

The man's live-in girlfriend walked to the Suttons Bay Fire Department at 10:33 am Sunday to report that she had just been assaulted by her boyfriend.  Leelanau County deputies responded and she told them that they had an argument and she was choked by the man and he fled residence.

After interviewing the victim and getting her medical attention, a Leelanau deputy located the suspect driving in the Village of Suttons Bay.  The man denied choking the woman but did admit to smoking marihuana after leaving the apartment because of the incident.  He was arrested for domestic violence and driving under the influence of drugs after failing field sobriety tests. 

He is free on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond pending a court appearance on both charges.

Saturday March 23, 2013

Tribal Police arrest drunk driver

Grand Traverse Band Tribal police arrested a 31 year-old Solon Township woman for Operating While Intoxicated with a High Blood Alcohol Content >.17% at 2:19 am Saturday morning.  The stop occurred on N. West Bay Shore Drive near Dumas in Suttons Bay Township.  She is free on $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

 

Two land in jail for domestic assaults reported 5 minutes apart

Two unrelated domestic violence incidents were reported shortly before 11:00 pm Saturday with an arrest resulting from both investigations.
The first was reported at 10:51 pm and involved the report of family trouble at a home in Bingham Township.  Leelanau County deputies arrived and arrested a 65 year-old after it was established that domestic violence had occurred with the man striking his girlfriend in the head.  The Suttons Bay man was released on a $3,000 personal recognizance bond pending a district court appearance.

The other incident was reported at 10:56 pm involving a domestic dispute in Bingham Township.  Deputies arrived and determined that a 31 year-old Suttons Bay woman had committed domestic violence by biting her husband on the hand.  The woman had a blood alcohol content of .22% at her jail booking.  She was released on $2,000 personal recognizance bond pending a district court hearing Friday.

 

Friday March 22, 2013

Leelanau's Wanted suspect arrested in Traverse City

A suspect shown on the Leelanau's Wanted portion of this blog was located and arrested in Grand Traverse County Thursday.  A tip was received from a follower of the blog regarding a possible work location for Bradley D. Ashcraft.  A Leelanau County detective and Traverse City Police located and arrested Ashcraft at his place of employment at 3:40 pm.  He was taken to the Leelanau County jail and is being held without bond pending a District Court hearing.

Ashcraft pleaded guilty to Disguise with Intent to Intimidate after giving a false name to a deputy in February 2013.  He was a passenger in a vehicle in which the driver attempted to flee police.  Ashcraft was being questioned regarding open intoxicants in the vehicle.  

The warrant was for failing to appear in court regarding a probation violation.

Charlevoix fugitive arrested by Leelanau Deputies

Scott D. Sutherland, 52, St. Clair, was arrested in Elmwood Township Thursday on a stalking warrant from Charlevoix County.  He was taken to the Leelanau County jail and was later picked up by Charlevoix deputies.

Mesick embezzler and two others jailed for probation violations

Jennifer J. Porter, 32, Mesick, was sentenced Friday to 90 days in jail for a probation violation.  She pleaded guilty to Embezzlement < $200 after an investigation by the Suttons Bay Police Department. She stole from Subway in Suttons Bay while employed there in 2012.

Eric J. Watkins, 45, of Traverse City, was given 15 days in the county jail for a probation violation after a driving while license suspended conviction.

Carlos A. Sotelo-Pasqual, 37, Traverse City, was sentenced to 14 days for violating his Operating with a High BAC >.17% conviction.

Pair lodged after vehicle goes into ditch

Two Centerville Townships residents were arrested at 7:23 pm Thursday for Operating While Intoxicated charges.  The 29 year-old female who owned the vehicle was arrested for Operating While Under the Influence of Drugs, Possession of Marihuana and Giving False Information to Police.  The 31 year-old man with her was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated 3rd offense, being a Habitual offender and Driving while Suspended 2nd offense. 

The investigation by Leelanau County deputies revealed that both suspects were believed to have driven the vehicle, one while the vehicle went into the ditch and the other trying to get it back onto the road.  Both were intoxicated.  The male had a Datamaster reading of .26% and the female was taken to Munson Medical Center for a blood test after admitting to smoking marihuana before the crash.

The female was released on $3,000 personal recognizance bond and the man is out on $10,000/10% bond.  Both are scheduled to appear in 86th District Court Friday.

Suspended driver charged for driving to court

A Leelanau Township man who was in court Friday for driving with a suspended license twice in three days will be going back for an additional DWLS charge.

Leelanau Dispatch received a call at 8:39 am Friday that a vehicle was parked in the courthouse right of way rather than in a parking place.  Leelanau Deputies investigated the matter and discovered that the vehicle belonged to Richard G. Stearns, 59,  who was in District Court on two driving while suspended charges.

Stearns admitted to driving to court earlier in the morning.  He was given a ride home after his court appearance by deputies.  An new charge of DWLS will be requested from the prosecutor's office. Stearns remains free on bond.

Leelanau Township woman arrested on TNT drug charges

A 46 year-old Northport woman was arrested at her home at 7:10 pm Friday on a Michigan State Police/ Traverse Narcotics Team warrant.  TNT and the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office searched the woman's home in 2012 pursuant to a search warrant after receiving information that there was a marihuana grow operation there.

The woman was a licensed marihuana caregiver but had plants in excess of the maximum allowed by law.  She was arrested for possession of marihuana and use of marihuana.  She is free on $5,000 personal recognizance bond pending a district court appearance.

Belmont man arrested for domestic violence at The Lodge

Grand Traverse Band Tribal police arrested a 51 year-old man at the Lodge on the GRB reservation domestic violence charges.  A request for medical services was received at 8:25 pm Friday.  It was determined that the medical call was associated with a domestic violence incident so Tribal police responded.  After an investigation, the man was arrested for domestic assault.

The man is free on bond pending a Friday district court appearance.

Prison given to probation violator

A 23 year-old Cedar man was sentenced to 16 to 24 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections Tuesday for violating his Circuit Court probation.  Dustin T. Popa was convicted of Maintaining a Drug House after being arrested by the Traverse Narcotics Team in April 2011.  He violated probation on that conviction by being arrested for Operating While Intoxicated in District Court following an arrest on November 17, 2012. 

A Leelanau County deputy clocked Popa at 102 miles per hour at 8:00 pm in Kasson Township.  The deputy was able to catch up to the suspect and arrested him for OWI with a High BAC.  Popa's Datamaster result was .19%.

Parole violator going back to prison

Marcell W. Schocko, 20, of Traverse City, was sentenced to 16 to 24 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to OWI and Resisting Arrest.  Schocko was clocked at 105 miles per hour north of Suttons Bay at 1:00 pm by Suttons Bay Police on December 7, 2012.  He resisted arrest while being taken into custody for Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense.
 
He was on parole after being convicted of Home Invasion 3rd degree in Grand Traverse County.  He will be re-sentenced on the Home Invasion charge because he violated his parole.  Any additional time given for the p
arole violation will be served consecutively, meaning it will be served in addition to the 16 to 24 months for the Resisting Arrest.

Daytime burglar gets jail time

Mauricio M. Southbird, 18, of Northport, will spend 11 months in the Leelanau County jail after pleading guilty to Larceny in a Building.  He was arrested on January 5, 2013 by Leelanau County deputies shortly after entering an Empire Township home and stealing items.  The original charge of Home Invasion was dropped in exchange for the plea to the 4 year felony.

Southbird's two co-defendants, Cameron Schocko and Samantha Brown have both been charged and are awaiting further Circuit Court action.

3rd offense drunk driver gets 9 months

Terrance P. Weber, 57, of Traverse City, was sentenced to 9 months in the Leelanau County jail for Operating While Intoxicated 3rd offense.  Weber was arrested by Leelanau deputies at 9:06 pm on March 10, 2012 in Solon Township.  His blood alcohol was .19%.

Weber was sentenced to sobriety court but failed the program and was re-sentenced in Circuit Court on March 19, 2013 by 13th Circuit Court Judge Philip E. Rodgers.

Several weather-related crashes but no injuries

Although there have been some crashes due to snow covered road conditions, thankfully there haven't been any injuries.  Credit safety belts, slower speeds and a little luck for no occupants heading to the hospital.  Drivers are reminded to slow down and remain attentive.  Spring is here, at least on the calendar!

Snowmobiler goes through the ice on South Lake Leelanau

Remaining calm in a life-threatening situation probably saved the life of a 41 year-old Traverse City man who went through the ice.  Michael S. Mihalic was riding his snowmobile north on South Lake Leelanau with another snowmobiler, Bruce Mercer, 55, of Traverse City.  Mihalic's sled broke through thin ice north of Lingaur Road in Leland Township at 9:45 pm Tuesday.  Mercer was able to power through the water and made it to shore where he called Leelanau Dispatch.

Mihalic was in chest deep water about 40-50 yards off of the west shore and was unable to pull himself onto the ice.  Realizing he couldn't get out of the water himself, he remained calm, did not panic and waited for rescue personnel to arrive.  Leland Fire and Rescue and Suttons Bay Fire and Rescue responded along with Leelanau County Sheriff's officers.

Leland Rescue member Kyle Dunklow went onto the ice and was able to assist Mihalic back onto the ice.   Other rescue personnel then pulled the victim to shore using a rope that Dunklow attached to him.  He was transported to Munson Medical Center where he was treated for exposure and is expected to make a full recovery.

Sheriff Mike Borkovich credits Mihalic's ability to remain calm and not expend energy thrashing in the water with possibly saving his life.  Mihalic, a Michigan State Trooper, was in the water at least 25 minutes and later said he thought he could have only held on for 5 more minutes when rescue workers pulled him from the water.  Alcohol was not involved in the incident and the snowmobile will be removed from the lake at a later date.

Citizens are reminded that as spring approaches and the temperatures rise, the ice on county lakes will thin and become unsafe.  For ice safety tips from the Michigan Department of Resources go to
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10364_39488_39489-160657--,00.html.

Troopers arrest man wanted since 2005

State Troopers arrested Trevor M. Bishop, 32, of Beulah, Tuesday in Benzie County on outstanding Leelanau County warrants. 

Bishop was convicted of operating under the influence of intoxicants after an unreported March 2005 crash.  His blood alcohol content three hours after the crash was .18%.  He violated his probation by failing to appear for a court ordered drug screen in June 2005.

The second warrant was for failing to pay fines and costs resulting from a 1998 conviction for aggravated assault.  Bishop, then 18, pleaded guilty to assaulting a 16 year-old Brookfield Illinois youth along Front Street in Empire.  The victim’s required surgery to repair his broken jaw.  Bishop failed to appear at a show cause hearing in July 2006 involving unpaid fines, costs and restitution.  He still owes $1,861.60.

Bishop remains held in the Leelanau County jail without bond pending a District Court appearance Friday.

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GAYLORD MI
234 AM TUE MAR 19 2013

CHIPPEWA-CHARLEVOIX-LEELANAU-ANTRIM-OTSEGO-GRAND TRAVERSE- KALKASKA-CRAWFORD- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF:   SAULT STE. MARIE... CHARLEVOIX... NORTHPORT... MANCELONA... GAYLORD... TRAVERSE CITY...KALKASKA...GRAYLING

234 AM  TUE MAR 19 2013     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM THURSDAY

HAZARDOUS WEATHER... * AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF LAKE EFFECT SNOW TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY. SNOW MAY BE HEAVY AT TIMES...ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...AND AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY.  

* ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATION OF 6 TO 9 INCHES EXPECTED TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY...WITH LOCALIZED AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF A FOOT POSSIBLE.  

* GUSTY WEST WINDS OF 15 TO 30 MPH THROUGH MIDWEEK...LEADING TO AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW.

IMPACTS.. * ROADS WILL BECOME SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY INTO MIDWEEK...WITH  FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED VISIBILITIES.

* SIGNIFICANT DRIFTING SNOW EXPECTED ON NORTH-SOUTH ROADWAYS AND IN OPEN AREAS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...* A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS A COMBINATION OF SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW IS EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL RESULT IN SLICK AND HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

Sign up for up to minute advisories and alerts from the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office on your mobile device or computer with NIXLE.  It's free and only takes a minute to sign up using the NIXLE box at the bottom of this page.

Sunday March 17, 2013

 

St. Patrick's Day reveler arrested

A 34 year-old Suttons Bay man was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated at 1:44 am Sunday morning.  He was stopped On E. Beach Street just off S. West Bay Shore Drive in the village of Suttons Bay for driving with an expired registration plate.

The driver had a Datamaster breath result of .13% and was released on $100 interim bond pending a Friday court appearance.

 

Accidental dial lands Interlochen man in Jail

 Several 911 hangup calls from a S. Orchard Way address at 5:46 am Sunday led to a trip to jail for a 23 year-old Grand Traverse County man.  An intoxicated female at the residence accidentally dialed 911 several times while trying to take the battery out of her cellular phone.  An alert dispatcher sensed that something wasn't right at the residence so Leelanau County deputies were sent to ensure that all was well.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered several highly intoxicated individuals, including Abel Garza.  He had a misdemeanor contempt of court warrant out of Grand Traverse County and was taken into custody and turned over to Grand Traverse Sheriff's deputies.  Garza's blood alcohol content was .268% at the time of arrest.

Bingham Township woman arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

A 49 year-old Suttons Bay woman was arrested at 11:25 pm Sunday night after being stopped by Leelanau County deputies for erratic driving on S. Shady Lane near S. West Bay Shore Drive.  Deputies noticed smoke coming out of the vehicle when the driver rolled down the window.  There was an overpowering odor of burning marihuana as well.

The woman appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance and field sobriety tasks were conducted.  She admitted to smoking marihuana 2 hours before driving but denied smoking in the vehicle.  Marihuana and crushed narcotic pills and drug paraphernalia were discovered in the suspect's purse as well.

She remains jailed awaiting the magistrate to set bond.

Saturday March 16, 2013

Citizen helps nab afternoon drunk driver

A concerned citizen called to report a dangerous driver after witnessing a near head-on collision.  A Leelanau County deputy was in the area at 5:06 pm and stopped the suspect vehicle for erratic driving on S. West Bay Shore Drive near South Shore Drive in the village of Suttons Bay.

The 30 year-old female driver from Cedar failed field sobriety tasks and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated with a High BAC.  Her Datamaster breath test was .23%.  She is free on bond pending a Friday District Court appearance.

Friday March 15, 2013

Leelanau Township man cited for burning ice shanty

A 27 year-old Omena man was cited by a DNR Conservation officer after he chose to burn down his ice shanty rather than remove it from South Lake Leelanau.  A homeowner on S. Sierra Drive in Bingham Township called in the fire at 9:48 pm Friday.  Leelanau County Sheriff's officers arrived and discovered the shanty on fire and two men standing nearby. 

An investigation revealed that the man chose to burn his ice shanty rather than remove it from the lake.  Suttons Bay Fire and Rescue responded but the fire was nearly out by that time.  The shanty owner was cited for having an illegal burn. 

Intoxicated Driver Arrested

A 22 year-old Suttons Bay man was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and Possessing Open Intoxicants early Friday morning.  A Leelanau County deputy stopped the driver on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Peck Road in Suttons Bay Township at 12:12 am.  He showed signs of intoxication and failed field sobriety tests. 

He was arrested and transported to the Leelanau County Jail and had a .14% result on the Datamaster breath test instrument.  The magistrate will post bond Friday morning.

Elmwood Couple Jailed for Mutual Domestic Violence

The Leelanau County Prosecutor's office issued misdemeanor domestic violence warrants for an Elmwood Township couple Wednesday.  Deputies from the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office assisted the Traverse City Police Department and child protective services workers from the Department of Human Services on Carter Road at 12:50 pm.

The arrests resulted after an investigation by TCPD.  After the 32 year-old man and 28 year-old woman were taken into custody, their two children were placed into temporary foster care pending Family Court action.  The arrestees remain in the Leelanau County jail pending bond hearings.

Domestic violence carries a maximum 90 day jail sentence and $500 fine.

Wednesday March 13, 2013

Northport man cited for DWLS again

A 59 year-old Northport man was cited for driving with a suspended license for the second time in three days.  Leelanau Dispatch Center received a report from a motorist at 12:41 pm Tuesday.  The driver said a vehicle was swerving all over the road on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Dumas Road in Suttons Bay Township.

Leelanau County deputies located the suspect vehicle in the village of Suttons Bay and observed the erratic driving.  The vehicle was stopped and it was learned that the driver's privileges were suspended because of an Operating While Intoxicated conviction. 

The man was arrested for driving suspended Sunday after he drove his car into a snowbank south of Suttons Bay on S. West Bay Shore Drive.  He will now appear on two driving while license suspended charges Friday.

 

Afternoon Disturbance lands Woman in Jail

Grand Traverse Tribal Police and a Leelanau County deputy responded to a disturbance in Suttons Bay Township at 1:01 pm Tuesday.  It was reported that an intoxicated female was arguing and causing problems.  Officers arrived and could not establish that anyone was assaulted.  They left the scene after all involved agreed that there would be no problems after police left.

Approximately 30 minutes later, police were sent back to the same residence and a 41 year-old Kewadin woman was arrested for being a disorderly person.  Her blood alcohol content was .19% after her arrival at the Leelanau County Jail.  She is awaiting a bond which will be set by Tribal Court.

Elmwood Township woman Jailed for OWI

Deputies arrested a 24 year-old Traverse City woman for Operating While Intoxicated Wednesday morning.  The driver was stopped for making a wide turn into the opposite land and going into the snowbank in view of the officers at 2:21 am on Crain Hill Road near S. Center Highway.  Deputies observed signs of intoxication and the woman was arrested for OWI.

She posted $100 interim bond pending a Friday District Court hearing.

Numerous Tips Recieved in Pharmacy Break ins

Many tips have been received in response to the release of video surveillance of the suspect who broke into the Prescription Shop.  Authorities in Leelanau and Grand Traverse County believe the man is responsible for as many as 12 pharmacy break ins in which tens of thousands of dollars worth of narcotics were stolen.   The break ins began in December 2007 and the most recent one was in September 2012.  

Tips can be given anonymously at 877-256-8696, the Silent Observer Tip line 231-9470 TIPS (8477) or tips@co.leelanau.mi.us.  There is a reward up to $3,000 for information leading to the identification of the suspect. 

Investigators from both counties are following up on the tips that have been provided.

 

Detroit Man Jailed for Failing to Pay Child Support

A Detroit man was brought back to the Leelanau County Monday after being arrested in Brownstown Township in southern Wayne County.  Danny L. Merchant, 50, will serve 60 days in jail for failing to pay child support if he is not able to post $400 bond. 

Sunday March 10, 2013

Leelanau Township man Arrested

A 59 year-old Northport man was arrested by Leelanau County deputies after driving with a suspended license.  Deputies came upon a vehicle in the ditch at 1:17 pm on S. West Bay Shore Drive near McAllister Road in Suttons Bay Township Sunday.  The driver's privileges were suspended from a drinking and driving charge.  

$100 interim bond was posted and a Friday court date was given.

Saturday March 9, 2013

Woman Arrested for Domestic Violence

A 30 year-old Suttons Bay Township woman was arrested by Leelanau County deputies for domestic assault Saturday.  Deputies responded to the home on E. Pobuda Road at 9:00 pm.  After conducting interviews it was determined that there was probable cause to arrest the woman.

She has been released on a $3,000 personal recognizance bond pending a Friday court appearance.

 

Friday March 8, 2013

Four Sentenced to Leelanau Jail Friday

Four men were given jail time on unrelated cases Friday:

• Terry B. Stanton, 77, of Lake Leelanau served three days in jail after being sentenced for Larceny Under $200.
• Daniel L. Kelsey, 21 of Benzonia was sentenced to 90 days in jail for Hunting with an Artificial Light with a Firearm Accessible.
• Glenn T. Shiew, 47 of Suttons Bay.  Sentenced to serve 60 days in jail for failing to pay child support.
• Donald J. Schrieber, 41, of Grand Rapids.  Sentenced to serve 60 days in jail for failing to pay child support.

 

Traverse City man Charged with Larceny

Peter D. Norconk, 23, of Traverse City, was arraigned Friday on Larceny Under $200 charges.  He is accused of taking items without paying for them while employed at an Empire Township business.  He was released on a $500 personal recognizance bond after being booked at the Leelanau County jail.

Missaukee County Probationer Lodged

Leelanau County Circuit Court probation authorities had a 72 year-old McBain man arrested for a probation violation Friday.  Dale L. Youngs is being supervised after pleading guilty in 2010 to Delivery of a Controlled Substance.  Youngs will be resentenced on the 7 year felony in Circuit Court after the case is reviewed by the Court.

District Basketball Fan Arrested

A Traverse City man missed the exciting finish to the boy's district final basketball game between host Suttons Bay and Traverse City Christian Friday.  A uniformed Leelanau deputy was in the gymnasium during the game and observed a man who appeared to be under the influence of intoxicants at 8:21 pm. 

The deputy contacted Austin R. Floyd, 19, of Traverse City and determined Floyd had been consuming alcohol.  He also had a warrant for his arrest from Grand Traverse County for failing to appear on Resisting and Opposing and Assault on a Police Officer charges. 

Floyd was taken into custody on the warrant and was later turned over to Grand Traverse County authorities.  He was issued a citation for being a minor in possession of intoxicants as well.

Rewards Offered for Pharmacy Break in Information

Your help is needed to identify this breaking and entering suspect.  Click on the Eyes and Ears of the County tab located above for more images and details of the crime.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Home Invasion Suspect Arrested on Drug and Weapon Charges

A man suspected of breaking into an Elmwood Township home in February and stealing a handgun has been bound over to Circuit Court on drug and weapon charges.  Tacha M. Milk, 29, of Traverse City, waived a preliminary examination in 86th District Court Friday in Suttons Bay.  He is accused of selling 9 morphine pills to an undercover officer with the Traverse Narcotics Team in November 2012 in Elmwood Township.  The criminal complaint says that Milk was also in possession of a handgun during the drug delivery. 

He was arrested last week in Grand Traverse County for possession of stolen property and weapons charges involving a handgun taken from an Elmwood Township residence.  Milk is a suspect in the home invasion and the Leelanau County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the case. 

Milk remains jailed after being unable to post bond.  Delivery of Morphine carries a 7 year maximum penalty and Felony Firearm possession a mandatory 2 year consecutive sentence.

Driver Arrested for Driving Impaired

A 57 year-old Traverse City man was arrested Thursday for Driving While Impaired.  He was stopped by Leelanau deputies at 8:25 pm on S. West Bay Shore Drive in Elmwood Township.  Field sobriety tasks were administered and the driver was arrested.

Driving While Impaired 2nd Offense charges will be sought because of a prior conviction which resulted from a parking lot crash in Solon Township in August 2011.  The driver remains jailed until bond is posted. 

Handgun Stolen from Home

A Leelanau Township homeowner reported Wednesday that a handgun was missing from his home.  The gun was taken within the past two weeks. The Leelanau Township deputy did not find any signs of forced entry.  A piece of jewelry was also discovered missing.  It is believed a family member who has since left the area may be responsible for the theft.  The investigation is continuing.

Road Repair Reminder

With recent warmer temperatures, potholes have again begun to appear.  Not only should drivers use added care and caution to avoid crashes and vehicle damage, but also need to be aware of Road Commission repair crews.  Crews have been patching potholes along S. West Bay Shore Drive recently and will be doing so on other roads throughout the county as spring approaches.

Drivers are reminded that it is the law to yield the right-of-way by moving to the left (into the oncoming lane if no oncoming traffic is present and it is safe) when any working emergency vehicle is on the side of the road.  If it is unsafe to move into the other lane, drivers must reduce and maintain a safe speed and used due care and caution, considering weather, road conditions and vehicular and pedestrian traffic present.  Click on http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(5cczej31glxlpt30rh421k55))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-257-653a for the entire Motor Vehicle Code statue dealing with this law.

Felony Drunk Driver Sentenced to Prison

Frederick R. Enghoffer Jr. was sentenced to 18 to 60 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections Monday for 3rd Offense Operating While Intoxicated. 13th Circuit Court Judge Thomas Power sentenced Enghoffer, 48, of Lansing, after several previous probation violations.

Enghoffer was arrested by Leelanau County deputies on September 9, 2012 in Solon Township.  He was in Leelanau County for business.  One of his co-workers called Leelanau County Central Dispatch at 5:20 pm from Leland to report that Enghoffer had taken their rental van.  They said he had been drinking before he took the van and they didn't know where he went.

A short time later, an employee from Bunting's Market in Cedar called to report a man who failed to pay for fuel was passed out in a van in the parking lot.  Leelanau County deputies responded and found Enghoffer passed out behind the wheel of the rental van.  Employees of Bunting's said he tried to pre-pay for $25 in gas but was told there was no pre-pay system and was instructed to pay after he pumped his gas.  Enghoffer left the $25 on the counter and then put $61.65 in fuel in the van.  He was stopped by an employee as he tried to drive away.  The employee was able to convince Enghoffer to pull the van into a parking spot where he eventually passed out.

Enghoffer's co-workers walked from Leland to Cedar after they were made aware of the rental van's location by dispatchers.  Enghoffer was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated 3rd Offense after after failing field sobriety tasks.  His license was also suspended.  A blood test showed his blood alcohol level was .267%.

This conviction was Enghoffer's seventh drinking and driving arrest since 1986.  The driving suspended arrest was his ninth.  He remains in the Leelanau County jail awaiting transport to Michigan Department of Corrections.

Domestic Violence Arrest Made

Leelanau deputies arrested a 39 year-old Elmwood Township woman for domestic violence Tuesday morning.  The suspect's husband called at 7:16 am and told deputies that he had been assaulted by his wife the previous evening and again shortly before he called Tuesday morning.  After interviewing both parties an arrest was made. 

The suspect has been released on bond pending a Friday court appearance in District Court. Domestic violence carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Algonac Probationer Jailed Again

A 26 year-old woman convicted of Operating While Intoxicated was jailed for a second time for violating her probation. Amanda J. Gougeon surrendered at the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office at 6:15 am Monday.

She was arrested on August 10, 2012 in Cleveland Township after being stopped at 2:21 am for a traffic violation.  Her blood alcohol content was .18%.  Her passenger and the owner of the vehicle, Danielle J. Guay, 26, of St. Clair Shores, later pleaded guilty to Allowing an Intoxicated Person to Operate.  Guay's preliminary breath test result was .081 at the scene.

Gougeon remains jailed pending a court appearance Friday.

Traverse City man Arrested for 2007 case

Benjamin A. Deverney, 42, was arrested Monday in Grand Traverse County on a bench warrant for failing to appear.  Deverney was convicted of driving with a suspended license and failing to report an accident in 2007.  A bench warrant was issued in July, 2012 when he failed to appear for a show cause hearing regarding unpaid fines and costs.

Deverney remains in the Leelanau County Jail until a Friday court appearance.

Fire Destroys Elmwood Township Home

A home was heavily damaged by fire early Tuesday morning on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Crain Hill Road in Elmwood Township.  A 911 call was received at 1:16 am.  The residents were awakened by smoke alarms and all four family members were able to get out of the house safely.

A Sheriff's Office Sergeant was first on the scene and discovered visible flames under the front portch.  He tried unsuccessfully to put out the flames with his patrol car fire extinguisher.  Fire fighters from Elmwood Township, Suttons Bay-Bingham, Cedar and Traverse City Fire Department eventually brought the fire under control.

The fire remains under investigation by the Leelanau County fire investigator and Elmwood Township fire department.

Sunday March 3, 2013

Elmwood Township Woman Arrested

Leelanau County deputies arrested Cynthia L. Alexander, 22, of Traverse City at 4:35 pm Friday at her Elmwood Township workplace.  She was arrested on a Contempt of Court warrant from Grand Traverse County.  Alexander was turned over to Grand Traverse County deputies.

Man Arrested for Driving without a License

A 29 year-old Elmwood Township man was stopped for a traffic violation at 10:55 pm Friday on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Carter Road.  It was learned that he had never obtained a Michigan driver's license.  He was taken into custody and later posted $100 interim bond pending a District Court arraignment.

Saturday March 2, 2013

Suttons Bay Township man lodged for OWI

A 33 year-old Peshawbestown man was stopped for erratic driving on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Cedar Cove at 1:15 am Saturday.   Signs of intoxication were present so Leelanau County deputies performed field sobriety tests and arrested him for Operating While Intoxicated.  The driver's blood alcohol content was .16%.  He was released on a $1000 personal recognizance bond.

Driver arrested for Third Offense OWI

A 31 year-old Glen Arbor Township man was arrested for Felony Operating While Intoxicated at 8:15 pm Friday.  A Leelanau County deputy made a traffic stop on Burdickville Road near Coleman Road after observing the driver speeding and for following the patrol car too closely.  

Contact was made with the driver, field sobriety tests were conducted and he was arrested. The driver had a .13% Datamaster result.  He was released on $15,000 personal recognizance bond for Felony OWI.  His prior OWI convictions were in 2002 and 2011.

Friday March 1, 2013

Two Arrested for Contempt of Court

Two men were sentenced to 3 days in jail for separate and unrelated Contempt of Court charges.  Steven F. Rozanski, 49, Traverse City, surrendered to serve the sentence after violating probation on an OWI Second offense conviction.  Rozanski was arrested on August 7, 2012 for Operating While Intoxicated and had a blood alcohol content of .19%.

Justin T. Lopez, 17, Cedar, was found in Contempt of Court for a probation violation.  He was adjudicated in Family Court after driving without a license on May 7, 2012 and was given 3 days in jail for violating probation. 

Leland Township man Arrested for Failure to Appear

Deputies arrested Chancey J. Kelly at his residence in Lake Leelanau Friday for failing to appear on a Driving while Suspended charge.  Kelly, 27, was cited on January 25, 2013 after he drove his car into the ditch on E. Duck Lake Road near Macksey Road in Suttons Bay Township.  Kelly's driving privileges had been suspended by the Secretary of State.  He failed to appear in court as directed.

Kelly was released after posting $100 interim bond pending another court date.

Suttons Bay Township woman Arrested for Circuit Court Probation Violation

Brandi M. Mikowski, 21, was arrested at a home in Elmwood Township Friday for a Circuit Court probation violation.  Mikowski was on probation after a Grand Traverse County larceny conviction and a warrant was issued after a probation violation.  She was turned over to Grand Traverse deputies after her arrest.

 

Jail Assault Investigated

Leelanau County Sheriff's Office is investigating an inmate on inmate assault that was reported Thursday.  An inmate in a 10 man dormitory cell pushed the call button at 11:39 am and alerted corrections officers in the control center that he had been assaulted.  The inmate told the investigating deputy that another inmate slapped him during an argument. The accused inmate said he was pushed first and denies slapping anyone. 

The prisoners are no longer in the same cell and the case will be turned over to the Leelanau County Prosecutor for review.

Woman Arraigned for Animal Cruelty

A 20 year old Suttons Bay Township woman was arraigned Friday on animal cruelty charges.  Paige S. Luster was arrested after a joint investigation by Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police and the Leelanau County Animal Control Deputy. 

The complaint alleges that on January 18, 2013, Tribal Police were told that there were two dogs tied outside without shelter.  They requested assistance from the Leelanau County ACD and discovered two short-haired dogs tied outside a residence.  The air temperature was 13 degrees, with the wind chill factor near zero.  The suspect told investigators that she wasn't allowed to have dogs in the home where she was staying.

The dogs were checked by a veterinarian before being taken to the Cherryland Humane Society to be put up for adoption.  Luster was released on a personal recognizance bond pending further court appearances.

Illinois man Arrested for Probation Violation

Jody G. Hanson, 42, of Oak Park, IL, surrendered at the Leelanau County Jail Thursday on a probation violation/ contempt of court warrant.  Hanson is accused of consuming alcohol 4 days after he was sentenced on Feburary 8, 2013, contrary to a condition of probation.

Hanson was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated with a High BAC > .17% and Possession of Marihuana on January 26, 2013.  A deputy discovered Hanson seated in a car in a snowbank on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Peck Road in Suttons Bay Township.  His blood alcohol content was .17% and approximately 10 grams of marihuana was found in his pants pocket and in a backpack. 

Hanson pleaded guilty to Operating While Intoxicated and the original charges of OWI with a High BAC >.17 and Possession of Marihuana were dismissed.