MACOMB COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE EMAIL NEWSLETTER | | |
Dear Macomb County Residents, | |
Prosecutor Lucido's commitment to transparency and community engagement includes sharing updates from the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
This month the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office underwent some exciting staff changes. We congratulated Chief Assistant Donn Fresard on his retirement, welcomed Patrick Coletta as the new Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit and promoted Elizabeth Rittinger and Kymberly Shinneman to leadership roles. These changes mark a new chapter, and we look forward to many achievements under this dynamic leadership.
Enjoy episode two of "Anatomy of a Prosecution" on our YouTube series, educating the public on the criminal justice process in district courts. Our high school video competition, "Knocking Violence Out of My School," is accepting submissions to promote awareness and safer school environments. Prosecutor Lucido also continues free community presentations on scam prevention, ensuring your safety.
Prosecutor Lucido provides updates on community engagement, recent legal proceedings, and expresses gratitude for ongoing support. Everyone at the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office looks forward to sharing more updates in the months ahead.
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Prosecutor Lucido Thanks Chief Assistant Donn Fresard on his Retirement | |
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Donn Fresard, Chief Assistant to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, officially retired on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido acknowledged Fresard's legacy and commitment to public service in the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
“Prosecutor Lucido continues to attract strong talent and create a diverse work environment. It is remarkable that the staff turnover rate is so low compared to other county departments. The positive direction of the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has attracted some of the top assistant prosecutor candidates in the state. Important progress includes the fact that assistant prosecutor new hires make the office just about 50% women,” said Fresard. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in the two most vibrant counties in the State of Michigan.”
Fresard's legal career started in the 1980s. After over 20 years in private practice, he joined the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for 18 years and joined the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office in 2022. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to justice and accountability, playing a pivotal role in ethical practices.
Fresard praised Lucido's achievements, such as restoring ethics, record child support collections, eliminating forfeitures, and innovative initiatives. Lucido's progress was supported by Fresard, who highlighted additions like a Hate Crimes Unit, a Conviction Integrity Unit, and diverse hiring.
The Chief Assistant position, the second-highest in the Prosecutor's Office, remains vacant, with Lucido yet to announce a successor.
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Prosecutor Lucido was honored to spend some time at his alma mater, Oakland University. He was humbled to have been invited to speak to discuss his time as a student at OU, his 35+ years as a private attorney, his positions as a House Rep. and Senate member in the Michigan Legislature, and his current duties and responsibilities as the Macomb County Prosecutor. | |
Thank you to Fraser Woods Michigan Senior Community for providing me the opportunity to inform your residents about the SCAMS program, the current scams we are all facing, and how to take preventative measures to stay safe from criminals. | |
Prosecutor Lucido enjoyed presenting a SCAMS presentation at the Fraser Public Library. Scammers all have the same goal, to get your personal information or money. Learning about the latest SCAMS can help you stay one step ahead. | |
Prosecutor Lucido was proud to be a part of the Chesterfield Police Department's Press Conference on partnering with Families Against Narcotics (FAN). Chesterfield Township P.D. is now taking a proactive stance to support community members whose lives have been affected by substance abuse and addiction. | |
Prosecutor Lucido had a new and exciting experience speaking at our SCAMS presentation at the Solberg Tower Senior Community. Thank you Samar for translating to those who do not speak English and opening your doors to the surrounding community so they can prevent being scammed. | |
Prosecutor Lucido was treated warmly by those who braved the cold to attend a SCAMS presentation at Roseville Public Library. Thank you Roseville City Manager Ryan M. Monroe, Mayor Robert R. Taylor, and Chief of Police Mitch Berlin for assisting with the program. | |
It was a fun crowd at our SCAMS presentation at the Tivoli Manor Co-op in Warren. It was a great turn out and they had some on-point questions. Prosecutor Lucido always appreciates the participation and feedback from those attending our SCAMS presentation. | |
Prosecutor Lucido enjoyed meeting with the residents and their families of Meadows at Anchor Bay Senior Apartments in Chesterfield for a SCAMS presentation. | |
Prosecutor Lucido in coordination with the Macomb County Sheriff's Office held a press conference regarding an alleged prostitution / human trafficking ring working throughout the Metro Detroit area. Thank you to all the law enforcement agencies who continue to take part in that ongoing investigation. | |
Prosecutor Lucido was happy to meet with a handful of people for a SCAMS prevention presentation at a historic one-room schoolhouse built in 1863 that now serves as the Ray Township Library. They even let him ring the school bell! | |
Prosecutor Lucido and his administration attend Macomb County Police Chiefs’ meetings at least quarterly with the 28 Macomb County police agencies to educate and update all of the agencies on changes in policies and procedures in the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. | |
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"Anatomy of a Prosecution: District Court" | |
"Anatomy of a Prosecution" is a YouTube series that educates the public on how the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office works and the criminal prosecution process. View all episodes. | |
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Episode Two: "District Court" with Prosecutor Lucido and Kumar Palepu,
Chief of District and Specialty Courts.
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2023 Accomplishments by the Numbers | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has accomplished tremendous success in 2023 for Macomb County. View some of our highlights. | |
2024 "Knocking Violence Out of My School: Protecting Our Future by Curbing School Violence Now" Video Competition | |
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The 2024 “Knocking Violence Out of My School: Protecting Our Future by Curbing School Violence Now" video competition consists of students making videos regarding anti-threats, anti-violence, anti-weapons, and/or anti-bullying. The video should be no longer than two minutes and will be judged by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Juvenile Unit assistant prosecutors and staff. Awards will be given to the top three videos. First prize is $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500. The student’s school will also receive a Hero Award. No taxpayer dollars are used for these prizes.
Please see the rules, content ideas, and videos from past winners on the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office website at: https://www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/stopping-school-violence-video-competition
The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 15, 2024 at 5:00 pm. The winners and their schools will be announced on Monday, April 29, 2024. Submissions can be emailed to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office at prosecutorvideocompetition@macombgov.org. For questions, please call Communications Director Dawn Fraylick at (586) 469-5737.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office looks forward to seeing students' submissions and stopping school threats, violence, weapons, and bullying, once and for all.
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Prosecutor Lucido Says Hate Has
No Place in Macomb County:
Secures $800K Hate Crimes Grant and Appoints Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit
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In 2022, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido started the first ever Hate Crimes Unit to address such offenses in the county. With strong support from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office secured an $800,000 Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crime Program Grant. Over the next four years, the grant will fully fund a Principal Trial Attorney and support community outreach without any local taxpayer dollars.
Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Patrick Coletta has been appointed as Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit, focusing on prosecuting offenses like Ethnic Intimidation alongside other crimes. Coletta, with over a decade of experience, brings a successful track record, including cases involving murder and police misconduct. The Hate Crimes Unit is a significant step in addressing Hate Crimes in Macomb County, emphasizing equal access and constitutional guarantees.
Prosecutor Lucido expressed his commitment to confronting intolerance and bigotry, emphasizing the importance of fostering a community free from fear and discrimination. Macomb County, as one of 16 nationwide recipients of the Department of Justice's Hate Crimes Grant, aims to benefit diverse communities most affected by Hate Crimes, addressing issues based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, and sexual orientation.
The grant, focused on education, law enforcement training, and community awareness, reflects a proactive approach to preventing future incidents. The establishment of the Hate Crimes Unit, coupled with the DOJ grant, marks a landmark initiative in combating Hate Crimes in Macomb County, aligning with Lucido's commitment to equality, justice, and community safety.
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Hate Crimes Unit in the Community | |
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Prosecutor Lucido and Hate Crimes Unit Chief Patrick Coletta met with the Warren Crime Commission and the Sterling Heights African American Coalition to educate them on Hate Crimes. Prosecutor Lucido also asked them to contact the clergy and ministers, and their congregations in their communities to seek information on any Hate Crimes they are experiencing as well as educate them on Hate Crimes and how to report them.
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Prosecutor Lucido on Recent Hate Crimes | |
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Prosecutor Lucido’s Hate Crimes Unit at Work:
Man Guilty of Hate Crime Sentenced to Prison
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On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 56-year-old Anthony Mangiapane was sentenced to prison by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Edward Servitto. Servitto sentenced Mangiapane to 14 months to four years in prison for his Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Ethnic Intimidation conviction and two years in prison for his Felony Firearm conviction to serve consecutively.
On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, a Macomb County jury convicted Mangiapane of ethnic intimidation and two other charges after a three-day jury trial by Assistant Prosecutor Kumar Palepu.
On Monday, July 25, 2022, Anthony Mangiapane was at his business in Warren when the victim walked by on the sidewalk. Mangiapane yelled racial slurs and fired shots at the victim. The victim immediately called 911, and Warren Police responded in three minutes to two separate locations, meeting the victim and going to the business where they encountered Mangiapane. Click here to continue reading.
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Chief of District and Specialty Courts Kumar Palepu | |
Prosecutor Lucido Honored Law Legend Emil Cardamone for his 100th Birthday | |
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On Friday, January 26, 2024, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido celebrated Emil Cardamone's 100th birthday with a tribute at his Sterling Heights home. Prosecutor Lucido expressed gratitude and even extended a job offer to Mr. Cardamone.
Born in Detroit on January 19, 1924, to Italian immigrants, Emil Cardamone moved to Sterling Heights after serving in World War II. He received the Bronze Star Medal and French medals for his role in liberating POW camps. Cardamone married Margaret in 1950, and they had seven children, 15 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. His wife passed away in 2021.
Cardamone studied law at Wayne State University under the GI Bill, joined the Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in 1959, and later worked in the Warren City Attorney’s Office. As the oldest living Macomb County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Warren City Attorney, he has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan for 65 years and served as president. Cardamone remains a role model and mentor to many attorneys.
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Prosecutor Lucido with Emil Cardamone, and Retired Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Flynn | |
Peanut the Prosecutor Update | |
Peanut's update is from his "after 5" family, Assistant Prosecutor Mark Laws and the Laws Family. No taxpayer dollars are used to care for Peanut. | |
Peanut has been thriving in his new career. He has met with many young and adult victims and witnesses. He loves the new kid's corner room that Michelle Van Laan created. He has been making a few appearances around the county at various courthouses and in general the public and all of the county employees love him. Peanut is a very valuable member of the team in our office. | | |
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Apply Now for Summer Internships | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office is now accepting resumes and cover letters for undergraduate, and law school Summer interns. The Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Law School Internship Program provides law school students the unique opportunity to gain “hands-on” experience with the responsibilities and duties of a Macomb County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.120, student interns are given authority to appear and represent the people of the state of Michigan in court proceedings. More information | |
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has seen a rise in scams recently. Below is information to avoid scams. Whether you’re contacted by phone, mail, email, text, or in person, the following tips provide advice on how to spot a scam. | |
Be cautious if contacted unexpectedly: Scam artists use fake invoices, phony debt collection notices, and spam emails to trick consumers into paying without verifying. Never send money or share personal information with unknown entities.
Prize winnings requiring upfront payment are likely scams: Legitimate companies don't ask for upfront payments to claim prizes.
Avoid sending money via wire transfer or gift cards: Scammers often request payments through these untraceable methods, making it easy for them to disappear with the money.
Protect personal and financial information: Legitimate entities rarely request such information via phone, email, or text. Verify by contacting them directly using official contact details.
Don't keep transactions secret: Scammers may urge secrecy to avoid detection. Share suspicious situations with trusted family, friends, or law enforcement for advice.
Beware of urgency: Scam artists create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into quick decisions. Take time to consider and verify before acting.
Exercise caution with cashier's checks or money orders: Counterfeit checks look authentic, and clearing them may take time. Be wary of unexpected payments and allow for verification before taking any action. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.
To schedule a scam prevention presentation, please call Heather Esposito, at 586-469-5642, or email heather.esposito@macombgov.org
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Upcoming SCAMS Presentations | |
ATTENTION SENIORS in Warren & surrounding communities: You’re invited to join Prosecutor Lucido at the Warren Senior Expo, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave, Warren, 48092 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with dozens of local organizations dedicated to helping seniors and their families in our community. It's all FREE! Don't miss this event! More Information: https://www.seniorexpousa.com (registration not required) | |
In Person SCAMS Presentations by
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido
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Tuesday, February 6, 2024
2:00pm
Center Line Library
7345 Weingartz Street, Center Line, MI 48015
Monday, February 26, 2024
2:00pm
American House - Sterling Meadows
33433 Schoenherr Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Monday, March 4, 2024
1:30pm
MacDonald Public Library
36480 Main Street, New Baltimore, MI 48047
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
11:00am
Chesterfield Twp. Library
50560 Patricia St., New Baltimore, MI
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Recent Convictions, Pleas and Sentencings | |
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St. Clair Shores Woman Sentenced in
Drunk Driving Crash
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On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 33-year-old Shanara Reed was sentenced after a Macomb County jury found her guilty on all charges after a four-day jury trial by Assistant Prosecutor Richard Nelson in December 2023.
On Thursday, June 25, 2020, Reed was involved in a head-on collision in Chesterfield Township, where she was deemed at fault for hitting a family of three. Despite initially providing false information to the police, claiming someone else was driving, Reed was later arrested for the collision following a thorough investigation.
Shanara Reed was charged with Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Impairment (five year felony), Driving While License Suspended Causing Serious Impairment (five year felony), Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment (93 day misdemeanor), and Lying to a Peace Office (two year high court misdemeanor).
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Assistant Prosecutor
Richard Nelson
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Reed was sentenced to assessed fines and costs along with the following by Macomb County Circuit Court Chief Judge James Biernat, Jr.:
- Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Impairment- 50-120 months in the MDOC
- Driving While License Suspended Causing Serious Impairment - 50-120 months in the MDOC
- Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment - 93 days in Macomb County Jail
- Lying to a Police Officer - 365 days in Macomb County Jail
“This 2020 case was delayed primarily due to the defendant's repeated changes in legal representation and numerous evidentiary motions. Delaying a case does not deter our commitment to prosecuting and ensuring justice. The defendant has now been sentenced for her crimes, highlighting the accountability inherent in our legal system,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. More information
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Wayne County Man Sentenced for Killing Man in Drunk Driving Crash | |
Demetrius Benson was charged and pled to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death (15 year felony), driving while license suspended causing death (15 year felony), attempted carjacking (five year felony), possession of a controlled substance (four year felony), and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated 3rd offense (five year felony). He pled as a habitual third offender, doubling all of the penalties for each offense.
On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Viviano sentenced Benson to the following:
Count 1: Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death: 8-30 years
Count 2: Operating While License Suspended Causing Death: 8-30 years
Count 3: Attempted Carjacking: 5-10 years
Count 4: Possession of a Controlled Substance: <25 grams: 4-8 years
Count 5: Operating While Intoxicated 3rd Offense: 5-10 years
More information
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Fraser IT Director Pleads in Embezzlement Case | |
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Michele Kwiatkowski, the former IT Director of the City of Fraser, pled to Embezzlement of over $100,000.00 (20 Year Felony) and will pay restitution to the City of Fraser to resolve her embezzlement case.
It is alleged that from January 2016 through 2020, Michele Kwiatkowski used the City of Fraser’s American Express credit card to purchase personal items.
Her sentencing will be delayed pursuant to MCL 771.1 for twelve months. If Kwiatkowski pays approximately $90,000 in restitution and complies with all other conditions imposed by the court, her conviction will be amended to a ten year embezzlement felony and she will be sentenced accordingly. The City of Fraser has also requested that her pension be forfeited. More information
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An arraignment marks the formal presentation of charges against the accused. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Click here or on the images below for more information | |
Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Resources | |
We Want to Hear From You! Contact Us! | |
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What do you think would benefit our community? What do you think the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office should be doing or doing better?
Contact Dawn Fraylick at (586) 586-469-5737 or Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org and give us your thoughts.
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If you would like Prosecutor Lucido to attend a special occasion, please contact Outreach Coordinator Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or Heather.Esposito@macombgov.org | | | | |
