Happy Thanksgiving

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  Because of the amount of traveling and vehicles on the roadways, along with the heavy snow during the past few days which will continue for the next couple of days, we also ask that everyone traveling uses extra caution.  Slowing down and using seat belts are two good ways to prevent tragedy during this long holiday weekend.  Together we can make this a safe weekend as well.

IRS Phone Scam making the rounds in Leelanau County

On Wednesday, 11/27/13, at approximately 0900hrs, a County resident received a telephone call from a person identifying themselves as Damen Marshall from the IRS investigations division.  This call came from telephone number 347-559-7963.  The resident indicated the alleged IRS caller threatened to have a County Deputy come to her residence and arrest her for past due taxes.  As the conversation goes on it is apparent that the caller speaks with a foreign accent and digresses quickly to vulgar and antagonist language.

The County Sheriff's Office wants to advise residents that this call is a phone scam and the originating phone number is out of the State of New York.  Residents are advised that if they receive a call from this person to just hang up and do not give any information over the phone.

Driver Faces Operating While Intoxicated and Child Endangerment Charge

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office arrested a suspect after a motor vehicle crash on South Lake Shore Drive near Sharnowski Road.

On Sunday, 11/24/13, at approximately 1510hrs, deputies responded to County Road 643, South Lake Shore Drive north of Sharnowski Road on a single vehicle accident.  The vehicle, a 1998 Land Rover, was northbound on South Lake Shore Drive when it lost control leaving the roadway and rolling over.  Upon arrival at the scene the deputies determined alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.  An investigation showed the driver to be under the influence of alcohol and that his 14yr old son was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

The driver, a 46yr old man from Cedar, was arrested for operating while intoxicated and for child endangerment.  His blood alcohol registered a .18% at the County Jail therefore he was also charged under the high BAC law.  He was lodged in the Leelanau County Jail.

Neither the driver or his son were injured in the crash.

Leelanau Sheriff's Office assists TCPD

Leelanau County deputies assisted officers from Traverse City Police Department Thursday by trying to locate a stolen iPhone.  TCPD said a woman reported that her phone was stolen in the early morning hours Thursday from a downtown bar.  Using a phone finder application, she believed it was at a Leland Township residence.

Deputies contacted the resident of the home.  She said she lived alone and had not been to Traverse City in several days.  The woman did say that there was a van parked in front of her house overnight although she did not get a license plate number or detailed description of the vehicle.

The phone remains missing and the victim will continue to attempt to obtain a location for it. 

Probationer arrested in Grand Traverse County

Robert L. Caldwell, 33, was arrested Thursday for a District Court probation violation.  Caldwell, of Traverse City, was wanted for failing to appear at two scheduled meetings with his probation officer.  He pleaded guilty to Operating While Intoxicated after an August 2013 arrest.  He is being held in the Leelanau County Jail with no bond pending a court appearance on the probation violation.

Warrant requests put in for driver and two passengers

Leelanau County deputies stopped a car for driving down the middle of S Center Highway near Crain Hill Rd. Thursday at 8:01 p.m.  Upon contact, the deputies could smell the odor of burnt marihuana.

The driver was a 16 year-old from Peshawbestown and admitted that it was not his car and he did not have a license.  His passengers were a 23 year-old Suttons Bay Township man and an 18 year-old Traverse City woman.

The unlicensed driver was taken into custody and turned over to his parent.  He gave consent to search the vehicle and deputies discovered 9.5 grams of processed marihuana.  Some was in a mason jar hidden under the front seat and a baby food jar containing the drug was discovered hidden in a child seat.

No one admitted to possession of the contraband.  Evidence processing will be done on the jars and warrant requests will be sent to the Leelanau County prosecutor for review.

Woman surrenders after Tribal warrant issued

Karen M. Oskaboose, 42, surrendered at the Leelanau County jail Wednesday after learning that a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.  Grand Traverse Band Tribal court issued the warrant for failing to pay fines and costs relating to a 2007 conviction for Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication on GTB land.  The amount owed is $12,837.04 and Oskaboose is being held with that amount as bond.

Mid-day crash injures Suttons Bay woman

Another crash on S West Bay Shore Drive was reported Tuesday afternoon.  Leelanau County Sheriff's Office investigated the crash which happened north of Crain Hill Road.  21 year-old Sawyer A. Hentschel of Traverse City was struck by a vehicle driven by Cheva S. Bahle, 49, as he turned left into a private drive.  The roads were clear and dry and weather was not a factor.

Bahle was transported to Munson Medical Center by Elmwood Rescue and Hentschel was uninjured.  Both drivers were wearing safety belts.  Hentschel was cited for making an unsafe turn.

Reminder for handgun registrations

Citizens planning on buying and registering handguns are reminded that the law was changed by Public Act 377 in December 2012.  Safety inspections are no longer required.  For further details of the changes in the law click on  http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1591_3503_4654---,00.html.  This link will take you to the Michigan State Police website where you can learn more about the changes. 

Fleeing driver arraigned   

Justin T. Lopez

The driver who fled police on a motorcycle and assaulted an officer was arraigned yesterday.  Justin T. Lopez, 18, of Cedar continues to be held on $100,000 bond.  Lopez tried to flee at speeds over 115 miles per hour before crashing.  He ran from the scene and resisted arrest and assault an officer as attempts were made to apprehend him.

Lopez is scheduled to have a preliminary examination Friday in District Court.  He is charged with 3 felonies and a misdemeanor. 

 

 

Corrections officer suspended by Sheriff

A discipline hearing was held Monday for Leelanau County Sheriff's Office corrections officer Jeffrey D. Kassab.  Kassab was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated after he showed up for work intoxicated last week.  He pleaded guilty as charged to OWI with a High BAC > .17% on Friday.  His blood alcohol level was .25 after his arrest.

Sheriff Mike Borkovich suspended Kassab for 32 days without pay.  Kassab will remain suspended until his sentencing date in District Court December 20.

TC man arrested for felony OWI

A 51 year-old Traverse City man was arrested by Leelanau County deputies for 3rd offense drunk driving Monday.  A motorist called Leelanau Dispatch at 10:26 p.m. to report an erratic driver operating in the wrong lane on S West Bay Shore Drive near Carter Road.  The driver pulled into a business and parked in the middle of the parking lot.

Deputies made contact with the man and found his vehicle still running and in drive.  They had the man put the vehicle was put into park and began an OWI investigation.  The man appeared very intoxicated and said he had just had a fight with his girlfriend.  A partially filled bottle of vodka was located in the man's coat pocket.

Field sobriety tasks were given and the man failed them all.  A preliminary breath test was given with a .268 result.  The driver refused to take the Datamaster breath test so a search warrant was obtained and a blood sample taken at Munson Medical Center.

The suspect remains jailed in Leelanau County on OWI III, Driving While Suspended and Possession of Open Intoxicants charges.  No bond has been set yet.

Disagreement leads to broken foot

The Leelanau County Sheriffs Office investigated an injury accident Sunday involving a 20 year-old Suttons Bay woman that was transported to Munson Medical Center with a foot injury.  Melanie R. Wheeler was speaking with Elijah J. McKitrick, 19, of Suttons Bay in the Suttons Bay Marina parking lot Sunday afternoon.  McKitrick got into his 2006 Volkswagon Jetta and began to back out of the parking spot.  Wheeler stood behind the vehicle in an attempt to prevent McKitrick from leaving.  McKitrick continued to back up and ran over Wheeler's foot.  Suttons Bay Rescue was summoned and transported the victim for treatment.  No citations were issued.

Driver keeps sense of humor after arrest

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies stopped a vehicle for driving 82 mph on W Traverse Highway near S Cedar Road Sunday morning at 2:01 a.m.  The 27 year-old Traverse City man showed signs of intoxication and after being given field sobriety tasks he was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.

The driver was read his breath tests rights and agreed to take the Datamaster breath test as offered.  He responded, "Yes Datamaster.  No anal probe".

The test result was .09%.  He was charged with OWI 2nd offense and Driving While Suspended.  He posted 10% $5000 bond pending a Friday District Court appearance.  Blog administration is unaware of any field sobriety task that involves probing anything.

NPS Rangers rescue woman

National Park Service Rangers came to the rescue of a female Saturday afternoon.  Leelanau Dispatch received a broken 911 call and were only able to determine that there was a problem in the Basch Road/ Port Oneida Road area. Using Phase II technology, dispatchers were able to determine the location of the cellular phone which made the 911 call near the Pyramid Point trailhead.

NPS rangers that were nearby investigating a hunting complaint responded to the area and learned from someone near the trailhead that a woman was locked in the pit toilet and unable to get out.  The rangers were able to free the woman who was no doubt very grateful that they were nearby to help.

Driver who crashed into house is sentenced

The 28 year-old Traverse City man who crashed into an Empire Township home and fled the scene in August has been sentenced.  Abraham E. Labonte was sentenced to 5 days in jail after pleading to reduced charges of Failing to Report an Accident and Use of Marihuana.  The drug plea was accepted under Michigan law 333.7411.

Michigan has a delayed sentence option for drug use and possession crimes. It allows those who have never been convicted of either use or possession of a controlled substance to plead guilty under 7411.  It is only for use on possession charges and not for drug dealing, manufacturing, or maintaining a drug house.  If probation is completed successfully then no judgment of guilt will appear on the defendant's public record.  Since no judgment of guilt is ever entered, the Secretary of State doesn't impose any driver's license sanctions, like the mandatory suspension for a drug conviction.

Labonte drove through a stop sign and struck a house while airborne at S Glen Lake Road and W Mcfarlane.  The crash happened at 1:09 a.m. and Labonte fled the scene on foot when he was unable to drive his vehicle from the scene.

He was initially arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident.  The OWI charge was dropped in exchange for Labonte admitting responsibility to a Careless Driving civil infraction ticket.  He will pay $1050 in fines and costs and restitution to the home owner which will be determined at a December hearing.

 

Two women arrested for probation violations

Two women were arrested over the weekend in unrelated cases.  Kristen M. Hounsel, 42, of Cedar surrendered on a District Court bench warrant after failing a court ordered daily breath test two days earlier.  Hounsel pleaded guilty to Assault and Battery involving the shovel assault on a man in Kasson Township in July.  Hounsel struck a 40 year-old Maple City man in the groin numerous times with a spade while he was being assaulted by two of her friends.  They were also injured by the shovel.

Neither of the other two attackers were charged in the case.  Hounsel was originally arrested for Felonious Assault but later pleaded guilty to Simple Assault.  Alcohol was involved in the incident. 

Hounsel remains jailed without bond pending a District Court appearance.

Sandra L. Adams, 50, of Traverse City, was sentenced to 365 days in jail with credit for time already served.  She had her probation terminated unsuccessfully by the court after pleading guilty to Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense earlier in the year.  Fines and costs were preserved by the court and must still be paid after Adams is released from jail.

 

Corrections officer pleads guilty to OWI

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office corrections officer arrested Wednesday night pleaded guilty as charged Friday.  Jeffrey D. Kassab pleaded guilty in 86th District Court to Operating While Intoxicated with a High Blood Alcohol Content >.17%. 

Kassab was arrested Wednesday night when he arrived for work at approximately 7:30 pm and was intoxicated. He was interviewed by a road patrol sergeant and subsequently arrested for OWI.  His Datamaster breath test results were .24% and .25%.

Kassab remains free on bond until his sentencing December 20.  The internal investigation by the Sheriff's Office will continue.

Traffic violation results in high speed chase and assault to officer

A Leelanau County Sheriff's Sergeant attempted to stop a motorcycle for loud exhaust and no registration plate in Cedar early Friday morning.  The incident occurred at 2:26 am in Solon Township.  The motorcyclist refused to pull over and accelerated to speeds over 115 miles per hour as he attempted to flee north on Good Harbor Trail.  The chase covered approximately 6 miles of mostly straight roadway before the suspect lost control on a sharp curve just south of S Manitou Trail in Centerville Township.

The 18 year-old Cedar resident was not wearing a helmet and was thrown from the motorcycle.  Surprisingly he ran from the crash scene through some trees with the sergeant pursuing him.  The suspect entered an unlocked garage through the service entry door.  He locked the door behind him and threw items in the path of the pursuing officer who was forced to kick in the door in an attempt to apprehend the driver. 

The suspect ran out the back door of the garage and the sergeant caught up to him.  The officer attempted to handcuff the man while the suspect was laying on his stomach.  The man resisted the attempt to control him after one cuff was put on.  The Sergeant disengaged and aimed his Taser at him, continuing to order him to comply and stop resisting.

The suspect began to get up and was Tasered.  The probes did not make solid contact due to the man's heavy winter coat and he was not affected.  A struggle ensued and the officer was struck several time in the head by the swinging handcuff which was on the suspect's wrist.  The suspect was pepper sprayed and ran off again.

The sergeant caught the suspect again and ordered him at gunpoint to lay on the ground as he began to charge the officer a second time.  The man complied and was taken into custody without further resistance when another deputy arrived several minutes later.

Both men were treated and released at Munson Medical Center.  The sergeant received contusions and lacerations to the face and head and the suspect was treated for abrasions from the crash.

The suspect is being held in the Leelanau County jail awaiting a bond.  Requested charged will include Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, 3rd Degree Fleeing and Eluding, Illegal Entry and Resisting and Opposing a Police Officer.  The motorcycle was a total loss.



The final resting place of the fleeing motorcycle



Not just another car deer accident

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies policed an out-of-the-ordinary car/deer crash Thursday.  A northbound vehicle driven by a 19 year-old Cedar man struck a deer on S Cedar Road near E Popa Road at 8:40 pm.  There was certainly nothing odd about that.  After being struck, the deer flew through the air and struck a southbound vehicle driven by a 37 year-old Traverse City woman that was passing by the first car. 

The deer was pronounced dead at the scene after it was struck by the first vehicle, thrown onto the hood of the second vehicle and landed on the shoulder of the road.  Neither driver was injured.

 

Three warrant arrests made Thursday

Three suspects were taken into custody Thursday in Leelanau County.  Grand Traverse Band Tribal police arrested 31 year-old Margaret A. Urrutia of Traverse City on a Grand Traverse County bench warrant.  She was taken to the Leelanau County jail where she was picked up by Grand Traverse County deputies.

Paul T. Petoskey, 33, of Lake Leelanau surrendered on a Department of Corrections parole detainer.  He will be held until notice to release is received from MDOC.

Brian T. Kulanda, 47, was arrested at his Cleveland Township home by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies on a Friend of the Court bench warrant.  Kulanda failed to appear at a contempt of court hearing earlier in the day.  After being booked into the Leelanau County jail he was released after posting $1,235 bond.

Cedar woman cited for suspended driving

A 45 year-old Cedar woman was issued a Driving While License Suspended citation after being stopped for having an expired registration plate.  The stop occurred on S Cedar Road near Kasben Road in Solon Township at 11:01 pm Thursday. 

Because it was a first offense, no arrest was made and the driver was ordered to contact the court about the matter.

Corrections officer arrested for OWI

A Leelanau County Sheriff's Office corrections officer was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated with a High Blood Alcohol Content Wednesday night.  The 40 year-old man reported to work at 8:00 pm and a supervisor smelled alcohol on his breath.  He was immediately taken to an interview room and law enforcement was requested.

A road patrol Sergeant interviewed the employee who admitted to driving to work from Traverse City and to drinking earlier in the day.  After showing signs of intoxication and failing field sobriety tasks, the employee was placed under arrest and given the Datamaster breath test.  His results were .24% and .25%.

The employee is being held in the Leelanau County jail until bond is set.  His name is being withheld until District Court arraignment Friday. 

He has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of an agency investigation.  He has worked as a corrections officer in Leelanau County for 9 years.

Two men arrested downstate on child support warrants

Two men have been brought back to Leelanau County after being arrested on Friend of the Court bench warrants Wednesday.  Robert A. Buhl, 41, of Flat Rock, was picked up in Wayne County.  He is being held on $500 bond.

William P. Shananaquet, 37, of Grand Rapids, was arrested in Isabella County and has a bond of $800.

Leelanau County Sheriff's Office launches Facebook page    

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office has launched a Facebook page to better communicate with citizens of the County.  This is an avenue to improve two-way communication by disseminating information to the public and  receiving feedback from residents as well.

Some of the information released on this daily blog will be put on the Facebook page, as well as many other interesting and important things.  Check it out at  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leelanau-County-Sheriffs-Office/653199388046850
.
                         Click here to go to the new Leelanau County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

Cadillac woman stopped for speeding, arrested on warrant

A 29 year-old Cadillac woman was stopped for speeding on S West Bay Shore Drive near Carter Road at 12:36 am Wednesday.  She gave Leelanau County deputies a false name because her license was suspended and there was a misdemeanor warrant for her arrest from Grand Traverse County.

The problem for the woman was that the officer had dealings with her in the past and recognized her.  He confronted her about the false name given and she admitted that he was correct.

She was cited for Driving with a Suspended License and was turned over to a Grand Traverse County deputy on their warrant.  The woman will appear in 86th District Court on the driving charge.

Winter roads keep Leelanau deputies busy

A touch of winter weather Monday night caused slippery roads Tuesday morning.  13 calls for service were received with including vehicles in the ditch and single car crashes.  No injuries were reported.

Motorists are reminded that safe winter driving requires slower speeds and added caution.  Snow tires and 4 wheel or all-wheel drive will help and safety belts are always a must.  Let's make this winter as safe as it can be.

Drunk driver arrested Monday morning

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies stopped a 26 year-old Traverse City man for erratic driving at 12:34 am Monday.  The man was stopped on Hoxie Road near Bugai in Elmwood Township.

Numerous signs of intoxication were present and the driver failed field sobriety tasks given.  After his arrest he had a .24% blood alcohol content in a Datamaster breath test.  His license was also suspended and he possessed open intoxicants in the vehicle.

The suspect was released on a $2,000 personal recognizance bond pending a District Court appearance.

Solon Township homeowner gets forked Saturday night

A Gallivan Road resident called the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office Sunday morning to report that there were over a hundred plastic forks stuck in his lawn.  Although the homeowner didn't know who was responsible for the action, it was recognized as "Forking".

Forking is when someone has hundreds or thousands of plastic forks stuck in their lawn as a prank.  It can be done as a sign of endearment or to torment the resident.  It is a prank with seasonal limitations, however, as the same activity Monday night instead of Saturday night may not have even been noticed until spring!

No suspects were identified and the case is closed unless further information is received.

This is an example of a home that was "Forked"

Prudenvilled man arrested on bench warrant

A former Northport resident was arrested in Tuscola County over the weekend and was brought back to Leelanau County.  Mario A. Famiano, 40, was wanted for failing to appear at a restitution hearing.  He was convicted of Malicious Destruction of Property over $200 in 2010 and the hearing was to determine the amount of damage and how much restitution should be ordered.

Famiano is being held in the Leelanau County jail under a $10,000 bond pending dispostion of the matter in District Court.

Semi-winter weather involved in evening crashes

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies investigated four traffic crashes were reported in 90 minutes Thursday evening and snowy, slippery roads were a factor.  All the wrecks were in the southeast portion of the County between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm.  2 resulted in injuries.

23 year-old Cari A. Kendziorski of Lake Leelanau was negotiating a curve on S Lake Leelanau Drive in Bingham Township when her vehicle left the roadway and rolled over.  Although she was restrained, she was transported to Munson Medical Center by Suttons Bay Rescue.  Alcohol was not involved in the crash.

A rollover accident on Revold Road near S West Bay Shore Drive in Bingham Township was reported 45 minutes later.  Gerardo Vasquez, 37, of Suttons Bay, was headed west when he lost control on slushy roads and rolled his Dodge Durango.  He was transported to Munson Medical Center by Suttons Bay ambulance.  His 11 year-old passenger was uninjured.  Safety belts were worn and alcohol was not a factor. 

2 property damage crashes were reported in the 10000 block of S West Bay Shore Drive as well.

Boat tarp lost

A motorist reported that a black boat tarp for a 20 foot boat was lost between Lake Leelanau and Omena early yesterday morning.  Anyone with information about the item is asked to contact the Leelanau Sheriff's Office at 231-256-8800.

Driver hurt but ducks are safe

A 24 year-old Traverse City man was transported to Munson Medical Center after his vehicle ran into the rear of a car that was stopped for ducks crossing the road.  Zachary P. Koeppen crested a hill on S Center Highway near E Revold Road at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday.  As he did he saw a vehicle driven by Shirley A. Gain, 88, of Suttons Bay, stopped in the road to allow ducks to cross.

Leelanau County deputies said that Koeppen was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision.  Both drivers were restrained and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.  No citations were issued and the victim was transported by Suttons Bay Rescue.

Single car crash hospitalizes woman

A 26 year-old woman lost control while rounding a curve on E Valley Road in Solon Township Wednesday.  Suzette E. Burnell was travelling west near E. Bellinger Road at a speed too fast to negotiate a curve at 10:55 a.m.  Her vehicle left the roadway and overturned. 

Burnell was transported to Munson Medical Center by Cedar Rescue for minor injuries sustained in the crash.  She had a seat belt on and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.  No citation was issued.

Traverse City man arrested for ring theft

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies obtained a warrant for an 18 year-old man after a 4 week investigation.  He admitted to stealing a ring and pawning it at a Grand Traverse County jewelry store.  The suspect stole the item from an acquaintance's home in Kasson Township in September.

The man was arrested in Grand Traverse County on Larceny in a Building and Interfering with a Police Investigation charges.  He is being held in the Leelanau County jail until bond is made available.  His identity will not be release until after arraignment.

  Suttons Bay killer released from prison

Wayne Frank Porter, 2011 photo



A man convicted of murder in Leelanau County in 1971 and of First Degree Sexual Assault in 1979 will be released from prison tomorrow.  Wayne Frank Porter, 63, will be turned out with his maximum sentence served.  He will not be on parole so the Michigan Department of Corrections will not have supervision of him nor does he have to advise them where will live.  Porter will be released from Cooper Street Facility in Jackson on November 7th.

Porter's Offender Profile located on the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System shows an Earliest Release Date of October 31, 2026.  Click here for Wayne Frank Porter's OTIS information  It also shows his Maximum Discharge Date of November 7, 2013.  It is possible that Porter was  given extra good time by Michigan Department of Corrections officials in order for him to be released early to avoid excessive medical costs the state is incurring as a result of his treatment for an undisclosed illness.  He has reportedly loss nearly 100 lbs. as a result health issues.

Porter will be required by law to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life with the State of Michigan.  It is believed that he will reside with a sister in Traverse City.  His mother resides in a senior living facility in Traverse City.  Porter has 3 days after his release from prison to register his new address with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.  Click here for the Michigan Sex Offender Registry  

Porter was 21 years old in December 1971 when he pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder.  The Suttons Bay High School graduate admitted to strangling Barbara Belfour, 43, who's body was found covered in snow behind her home on Valentine's Day 1971.  Porter went to high school with Belfour's children and was home on leave from the Army at the time of the homicide.

Michigan State Police located Porter in Montreal, Quebec Canada and brought him back to the County several weeks after the murder.  Porter was AWOL when located in Canada.  He had served two tours in Vietnam and was seriously wounded by a grenade and land mine in combat.

Barbara Belfour was found buried in a snow bank on the ice on the frozen waters of Suttons Bay behind her home. Porter had attempted to chop a hole in the ice with an ax in order to hide the body but was unsuccessful. Police were called when Belfour did not show up for work the next morning.  State Police determined that she was strangled with a rope and was found with her hands bound behind her back.

Wayne Porter was sentenced to 12 to 25 years in prison.  It was Porter's first criminal conviction although he was charged with Felonious Assault by Traverse City Police Department in June 1968 but those charges were dismissed.  He was released on parole on March 23, 1979 after serving 7 years 3 months and he returned to Suttons Bay.

On August 6, 1979, a 16 year-old runaway reported that she was hitch hiking on S Airport Road in Grand Traverse County.  The child was in foster care and had snuck out of her foster home in an attempt to return to her mother in Reed City.

She later told her social worker that she was picked up, kidnapped and raped.  The victim was interviewed by Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Detectives who determined that the assault occurred in Leelanau County.  The victim was taken to Leelanau County by the detectives and showed investigators where the crime took place.  Because of the physical description of the suspect, the vehicle used in the crime, the location of the assault and the case facts from the 1971 homicide, Leelanau County Sheriff's Detective Robert Russell suspected parolee Wayne Frank Porter.

Porter's mother had a yellow Volkswagon Beetle which was described by the victim as the vehicle that picked her up.  His grandparents had property on the Lake Leelanau Narrows which contained an abandoned trailer that the victim identified as the place where the sexual assault occurred. 

The victim said that she was picked up by a white male with black hair and a stocky build.  The man was Wayne Porter.  He drove towards Interlochen and then north on S Long Lake Road.  He pulled off into a subdivision, saying he had to go to the bathroom.  When he returned, he held a knife to her throat and told her that if she moved she was dead.

Porter tied her hands behind her back with a rope he had and made her sit on the floor of the car while he held the knife to her throat.  The kidnapper tried to cram a towel down the victim's throat as he drove.  He tried to choke her into unconsciousness several times while driving as well. The victim was not cut or stabbed with the knife.

After he drove to Leelanau County, Porter stopped the car and attempted to choke her out again and used both his thumbs, one in each eye, to attempt to push her eyeballs back into her head.  The victim remained bound with her hands behind her back while still seated on the Volkswagon floor.  The man continued to choke her into unconsciousness as he removed her clothing and sexually assaulted her.  He told her that he was raped in prison, his girlfriend had just left him and he could not have regular sex as he assaulted the victim.

The suspect took her out of the car after the assault and took her to a creek that ran into the Lake Leelanau Narrows.  Porter grabbed her by the hair and forced her head into the watermultiple times while telling her he was going to drown her.  Thinking she was going to die, the victim decided to start talking about anything that came in her head.  She said "Daddy, what are you doing to me"?  Wayne Porter immediately stopped trying to drown her and said "Oh my God, what am I doing?"  He then untied her and took her into an abandoned trailer that was on his grandparents' property.  The Volkswagon that he kidnapped the victim with was stuck in sand so he could not drive away.

The victim said Porter laid newspapers, plastic and old life jackets on the floor and she slept on and off throughout the night.  In the morning they were not able to get the vehicle unstuck.  Porter asked her why she didn't scream so the neighboring house could hear her.  She told him that there was no need because he would get his punishment when he died.  He then for some reason showed her his driver's license and asked if he took her to a phone, would she want him to wait for the cops to come.

The victim said Porter then gave her the knife he had held to her throat earlier and told her if she was going to use it on him, to do it quickly.  She gave him the knife back and began to talk to him about God and how her foster father was a preacher.  He agreed to talk to her foster dad sometime. 

Porter then took her to a boat that was tied on the Narrows and rowed her across to the village of Lake Leelanau.  They walked to the grocery store and she used the payphone to call her case worker.  Porter went into the store and bought her cigarettes and a pop. 

As they sat on the curb in front of the store, Porter told the victim that her case worker would call the cops and they would know where to find him.  He went back to the boat and the victim did not see him again.

The initial investigation by Leelanau County identified Wayne Porter as the suspect.  They staked out his mother's home in Suttons Bay and located him there.  He let investigators into the home but chose not to speak with them about the crime.  He was arrested for Attempted Murder and First Degree Sexual Assault.

Porter pleaded guilty to the 1st Degree CSC in return for the Attempted Murder charge being dropped.  He was sentenced on April 29, 1980 by 13th Circuit Court judge Charles Forster to 60-90 years in prison.  The sentence was imposed prior to 1995 when truth in sentencing was enacted.  The law in 1980 allowed for good time and credit for disciplinary credits.  The law did not require prisoners to serve the mandatory minimum sentence as is now the case and has been since 1995.  He served 33 years 5 months on the 60-90 year sentence imposed.

Porter was ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluations after both Leelanau County arrests and was found competent to stand trial.  Although no one but Wayne Porter knows for sure, he does not appear to be an immediate threat to society due to his deteriorating health and physical condition.

Wayne Porter, 1979 Leelanau Co. SD photo

  



Senseless damage to Herman Park in Suttons Bay reported

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies took the report of malicious destruction of property at Herman Park on Monday.  An unknown motorist drove a vehicle over the sidewalks and tore up newly sodded areas.  The damage occurred over the weekend and involved a vehicle doing "360s" on freshly planted grass.  Damage estimates are pending.

Anyone with information on who may have damaged Herman Park is asked to call either Leelanau Dispatch at 231-256-8800 or the toll-free tip line at 231-256-8696.  Tips can be emailed to tips@co.leelanau.mi.us as well.

Deputies help man threatening self harm

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies were sent to Lake Leelanau to investigate the report of a suicidal subject.  An acquaintance of the 38 year-old man reported to Leelanau Dispatch that the man was texting that he was going to kill himself with a firearm. 

Deputies responded and spoke to the man after making sure the scene was safe.  He agreed to to to Munson Medical Center for a voluntary commitment for a mental health evaluation and treatment if warranted.  No crime was committed and no charges will be sought.

Car/ Deer crashes on the rise

Six car/deer crashes were reported to Leelanau Dispatch Monday.  3 occurred between 7:00 and 8:00am in Leelanau, Bingham and Elmwood Townships.  Two happened between 6:00 and 7:00 pm in Cleveland and Leelanau Townships.  The other was at W Empire Highway and S Cedar Road in Solon Township.

There were no injuries as a result of the crashes.  Motorists are reminded to drive with extra caution at dawn and dusk when deer are on the move.  Visually scanning the areas outside of the roadway when possible will alert drivers to deer near the road that may be crossing.

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies have taken 285 car/deer crashes so far in 2013.

Maple City man arrested for OWI

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies arrested a drunk driver in Kasson Township Friday afternoon.  A citizen tip was received at 2:31 pm that there was an extremely intoxicated man leaving a Maple City business.  A sheriff's deputy was nearby and located the suspect vehicle as it turned onto W Kasson Road from Maple City Road.

The vehicle swerved to avoid striking the patrol car that was waiting at a stop sign at the intersection.  The vehicle left the roadway, jumped a curb and went into a front yard. 

The 52 year-old Maple City man appeared intoxicated and was asked how much he had to drink.  He responded "Too much".  He was unable to complete field sobriety tasks given and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and Driving While Suspended.  His Datamaster blood alcohol level was .26%.

The man was released on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond Saturday and is scheduled to appear in District Court Friday.

Juvenile petioned into Probate Court after short car chase

A 15 year-old Traverse City youth will be petioned into Probate Court after leading Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies on a short chase Sunday morning.

Leelanau Dispatch received a report of suspicious activity on a property in northern Solon Township at 12:22 am.  A citizen reported that there was heavy vehicle traffic on a neighboring property that was not normal.  Deputies observed a vehicle leaving the property and attempted a traffic stop for an equipment violation.

The vehicle did not stop and sped up to 80 miles an hour before turning onto a private road that led to a home on Lake Leelanau.  The vehicle came to a sliding stop and a passenger ran away.  A splash was heard a short time later and deputies believe the passenger jumped into Lake Leelanau to escape.

The driver jumped into the back seat but later admitted he was actually driving.  The 15 year-old had taken a relative's car without permission, was driving outside of his Graduated Level 1 license allowances, had alcohol in the vehicle and admitted to smoking marihuana at a gathering before trying to evade the police.

The juvenile and a 17 year-old passenger who also admitted to smoking marihuana at the party were turned over to their parents.  Police believe they know the identity of the passenger who fled and are attempting to locate and interview him.  No one was injured and there was no property damage as a result of the chase.

Peshawbestown man arrested for probation violation and being disorderly

Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police arrested a 31 year-old man Saturday morning after they were called to a disturbance in Tribal housing.

Police arrested Marcus Ryan-Wiedbrauk Agosa as he tried to re-enter a residence where he was unwelcome.  He had been consuming alcohol in violation of terms of his District Court probation from an arrest for Disorderly Conduct in Northport in July.  Agosa was also charged with being a disorderly person for resisting police as he was being arrested on the probation violation.  

Agosa was released on bond court appearances in District and Tribal Courts.

Suttons Bay man charged with drug possession after traffic stop

A 19 year-old Peshawbestown man will be cited into District Court for drug possession after he was stopped for a traffic violation in the Village of Suttons Bay Saturday morning.  The stop occurred at 1:31 am at St Joseph's St. and Concord.  During the stop Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies discovered that the driver was in possession of drugs.

He was not taken into custody and the case will be sent to the Leelanau County Prosecutor for review.

Cedar man jailed for DWLS 

An 18 year-old Cedar driver spent 3 days in the Leelanau County jailed after being convicted of Driving While Suspended in Arenac County.

Justin T. Lopez was allowed to serve his sentence in his home county by the District Court in Arenac County.

Elmwood Township man sentenced on sex charge

36 year-old Shad J. Labonte was given 180 days in jail with work release after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of Attempted 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.  Labonte was originally charged with the 15 year felony of Second Degree CSC involving a person under 13.  Attempted 4th Degree CSC has a maximum 1 year jail sentence.

Labonte will be on probation for 2 years after release and must comply with Sex Offender registry requirements.  Counselling and substance abuse evaluation and treatment were also ordered.  He may have no contact with the victim or the victim's family either.

Two women jailed for probation violations

Two probationers were sentenced to 3 days in jail each Friday in unrelated cases.  Kristen M. Hounsell, 42, of Cedar, was originally convicted of Assault and Battery.  Toni E. Zotter, 20, of Traverse City, was convicted of Illegal Entry and being a Minor in Possession of Alcohol.

Both women have been released with the terms of probation continued.

Palmer picked up in Ottawa County

Probationer Shay A. Palmer was arrested in Ottawa County and brought back to Leelanau County Thursday.  Palmer, 20, of Muskegon, was picked up on a District Court bench warrant for Failing to Appear at a show cause hearing. 

Palmer was convicted of Malicious Destruction of Police Property after a June 2012 incident in Elmwood County.  Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies were investigating a large party involving minors drinking alcohol.  He was arrested for obstructing the execution of a search warrant.  As he was resisting arrest, he shattered the rear window of a patrol car from the outside with his forehead.

The defendant is being held on $1,700 bond pending a District Court appearance.

Domestic Violence probationer given jail time

Christopher T. Genereaux, 23, was sentenced to 180 in the Leelanau County Jail by Grand Traverse Band Tribal Court Thursday.  Genereaux, of Peshawbestown, was convicted of Domestic Violence after a July 2013 incident on the GTB reservation.  The Tribal Court revoked his probation and sent him to jail for 6 months with credit for 70 days already served.  He will still be responsible for $1050 in fines and costs.

GTB probationer surrenders

A man on Tribal probation for Fleeing and Eluding and Driving While Suspended 2nd Offense surrendered for arrest Thursday.  Beau C. Munnell, 36, of Suttons Bay Township, was wanted on a Bench Warrant for Failing to Appear at a scheduled show cause hearing. 

He was released after posting $500 cash bond and will appear in Tribal Court at a later date on the matter.