Tag Archives: Local Crimes

Last week, six workers at a Grand Rapids business were arrested following a two-month investigation into potential immigration violations. Searches and raids such as these have been increasing in larger numbers following immigration bills passed across the country. Although well-intentioned, an increase in security can also inflict unnecessary searches on innocent people.

Even when a person is is a card-holding medical marijuana user, it is still possible for them to be arrested and charged with drug violations, almost certainly resulting in jail time. However, in a possibly precedent-setting decision, the County Circuit Court judge sentenced a card-holding offender to probation instead of time behind bars, citing his lack of criminal history and debilitating medical conditions.

If involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important for all parties to stop at the scene and wait for law enforcement officials to arrive. This is particularly true for the at-fault motorist, and if anyone in the struck vehicle sustains personal injury or death. As seen by the example of Adam Hooper, failing to pull over at an accident site can instantly increase the severity of charges against you, and result in a sizable jail sentence.

In recent news, two separate instances of fraud have been reported involving food and convienience store owners trying to exploit the federally-run food-stamp program. In both cases, the suspects are accused of illegally obatining hundreds of thousands of dollars in their scheme, allowing customers to exchange food-stamps for cash and other items.

Being convicted of criminal charges in Michigan will permanently change a person’s life. Even upon release from jail, many ex-convicts find it increasingly difficult to reintegrate successfully into society. This is particularly true as many job applications ask criminal background questions, that if answered truthfully, almost automatically guarantee that a released offender will not be hired. However, a grassroots campaign has been organized in Kalamazoo, petitioning the Board of Commissioners to remove these interrogative questions to give ex-cons an opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.

Although a 2005 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court prohibits the state from sentencing any juvenile to the death penalty, the court further clarified the ruling this week. In a 5 to 4 decision, non-homicidal minors can no longer be incarcerated for life, and must be given a “meaningful” chance to obtain their freedom. The majority based their ruling on the basis that it was unconstitutional and violated the Eighth Amendment on cruel and unusual punishments.

Although the State of Michigan has laws allowing use of marijuana for medical purposes, the manufacture, possession, or distribution of other illicit narcotics is still prohibited. Such an example is seen in a recent case where Michigan police officers arrested a man during a search of his residence, suspecting he was running a drug house.

A Clinton Township man was arrested recently after being suspected of killing his ex-fiancee and her son, while injuring two others. Police believe that they have greater reason to be suspicious of this man, as he has a significant criminal background, prior to this bloodly incident.

While executing a search warrant at a Detroit apartment complex last weekend, a seven year-old girl was accidentally shot and killed during an altercation with a tenant. Although police maintain that the force was used in order to curb criminal activity, civil rights activists argue that law enforcement officials have gone too far.

In January 2009, cardiologist William Alt, 81, was accused of over-prescribing addictive pain killers, and his medical license was suspended. A criminal investigation launched in October 2009 discovered that he continued to treat patients anyways, resulting in his arrest on felony criminal charges last week.