MACOMB COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

April 2024

Dear Macomb County Residents,

I am delighted to bring you the latest updates and initiatives from the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.


The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Crime Victim Rights Unit is proud to present the event, "Options, Services, and Hope for Crime Survivors," scheduled for Friday, April 26, 2024. This free event is for crime victims and/or individuals who know a crime victim. The event aims to provide guidance by providing information including how to get restitution or reimbursement from the Crime Victim's Fund.


The deadline for the, "Knocking Violence Out of My School" video competition is quickly approaching on April 15, 2024 at 5pm. This competition gives high school students the opportunity to creatively address the issue of violence in schools and contribute to a safer learning environment. Email a link with your entries and be part of the movement towards positive change.


Protecting our community members from scams and fraud is a top priority for us. Join me at the Spring Senior Expo on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Century Banquet Center in Sterling Heights for information on SCAMS and explore the valuable resources, services, and support available in Macomb County. Stay informed and stay safe.


We remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice. Our recent convictions, sentencings, and court hearings reflect our unwavering commitment to holding offenders accountable and ensuring the safety and security of our community. We will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the law and serve Macomb County.


Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in our mission to create a safer, more just Macomb County. Together, we can make a difference.


Sincerely,

Options, Services and Hope for Crime Survivors Event

More information about the event! No Registration Required

Join the Macomb County Prosecutors Team

Talented People Like Working With Talented People.

Join the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office team! We are hiring for an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney I position and Part-Time Office Assistant.


Assistant Prosecuting Attorney I

Salary: $75,183.84 - $97,244.01

Closing Date:

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.


Part-Time Office Assistant

Salary: $17.99 - $23.26

Closing Date:

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.

In The Community

Prosecutor Lucido had the pleasure of presenting a SCAMS presentation at the Centerline Library! Thank you Centerline Mayor Bob Binson for your assistance!

The Library Cooperative Directors met with Prosecutor Lucido concerning several items of interest. The most important was the programming for Senior SCAMS events hosted in the libraries.

The Warren Senior Expo was a success! Prosecutor Lucido shared informational S.C.A.M.S. booklets and answered questions to all the attendees at the Warren Senior Expo held at the Warren Community Center.

Prosecutor Lucido had the pleasure of presenting a SCAMS presentation at American House Sterling Meadows!

Prosecutor Lucido was honored and privileged to be involved in the Warren Police Department Promotion and Appointment Ceremony. These officers who protect and serve the City of Warren are heroes each and every day.

Many thanks for allowing Prosecutor Lucido to speak at MacDonald Public Library in New Baltimore. He appreciates all who attended and shared their concerns and experiences.

Thank you to Treasurer Frank V. DiGiorgio for setting up a SCAMS presentation with Mary Capulo at the beautiful Village at Orchard Grove Independent Senior Living. Prosecutor Lucido appreciated Supervisor and Chief Assessor Mike Fillbrook taking time out of his busy schedule to attend.

Prosecutor Lucido was honored to read at Pleasantview Elementary, in Eastpointe. He was also happy to run into officers from the Eastpointe Police Department who were there to read to the students as well.

Prosecutor Lucido had the pleasure of presenting a SCAMS presentation at Extra Credit Union! Thank you, Danielle, for coordinating the presentation for your in-office team and sharing it virtually with your remote team!

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Lucky Leprechaun Race in Utica! The event was a success due to the collective efforts of runners, organizers, sponsors, and spectators.

At the St. Baldrick's Shave Event in Romeo, MI, Prosecutor Lucido was honored to be a sponsor and supporter. Kids and teens face the tough battle against cancer every day. Together, we raised funds for research through head-shaving solidarity!

Prosecutor Lucido was pleased to speak at the panel discussion sponsored by the Coalition for Due Process at Macomb Community College's Lorenzo Cultural Center.

We, as citizens, possess the unequivocal right to due process. We championed our rights to be considered innocent until proven guilty before a vibrant and enthusiastic audience.

As we came to the end of reading month Prosecutor Lucido stopped in at God’s Love Overpowers Child Care in Macomb to read "Pete the Cat" to the children. Prosecutor Lucido was greeted with open arms by Director Laura Warrick and teacher, author, and poet of the "Gift of Poetry" book, Sarah A. Bell. We can all learn from Pete the cat, and his don’t sweat the small stuff message.

Prosecutor Lucido's final stop for the March is Reading Month school tour was Erie Elementary in Clinton Township, where he delivered back-to-back readings of Justice the Court Dog and the Missing Gavel to engaged fourth and fifth graders. Kudos to their teachers - Ms. Messenger, Mrs. Tardie, and Ms. Fleming - for fostering an environment that produces promising young minds.

The catchy tune from Pete the Cat: I love my white shoes - Prosecutor Lucido spent an energizing morning with Miss Colleen’s young fives class for National Reading Month at Dort Elementary School in Roseville.

2024 "Knocking Violence Out of My School" Video Competition Deadline is April 15 at 5pm

The 2024 "Knocking Violence Out of My School: Protecting Our Future by Curbing School Violence Now" video competition deadline is fast approaching on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 5pm.


To participate, create a video addressing anti-threats, anti-violence, anti-weapons, and/or anti-bullying theme that is less than two minute. Top three videos will be awarded: $1,000 for first prize, $750 for second prize, and $500 for third prize. Additionally, the winning student's school will be honored with a Hero Award. No taxpayer funds are utilized for these awards


Submission deadline: Monday, April 15, 2024, 5:00 pm. Winners and their schools will be announced on Monday, April 29, 2024. Submissions can be emailed to prosecutorvideocompetition@macombgov.org. For inquiries, contact Communications Director Dawn Fraylick at (586) 469-5737. More information on the competition.

Prosecutor Lucido on the School Threats

There were three identical school threats at three separate schools across Metro Detroit. Listen to WWJ's Zach Clark on the Daily J with Prosecutor Lucido.

Upcoming Senior Expo

Please join us on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 10 am-1 pm for the Spring Senior Expo at the Century Banquet Center, located at 33204 Maple Lane, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Prosecutor Lucido will be giving out vital information to seniors on SCAMS.


Connect with dozens of local organizations dedicated to helping seniors and their families in Sterling Heights, Fraser and surrounding communities. Meet with experts regarding Medicare Coverage, Assisted Living, Mobility Solutions, Independent Living, Veterans Benefits, Audiology, Senior Travel, Health Insurance, Home Care, Medical Equipment, Hospice Care, Financial Planning, Legal Assistance, Aging In Place Home Improvements, Eye Care, Physical Therapy and much more.   

Beware of Recent SCAMS

In Person SCAMS Presentations by

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

11:00am

Chesterfield Twp. Library

50560 Patricia St.

New Baltimore, MI

 

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

10:30am

Macomb Community College, South Campus

K Building, Room 301

14500 E. 12 Mile Road

Warren, MI 48088

 

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

5:30pm

Macomb Community College, Center Campus - University Center, Assembly Hall

43901 University Dr.

Clinton Township, MI 48036

If you would like to learn more about attending one of the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office SCAMS presentations, visit our website https://www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/senior-scams or if you are a Senior Center, Senior Group, Library, or any other organization and are interested in having a Senior SCAMS prevention presentation at a location of your choice, please let us know by calling Heather Esposito: 586-469-5642 or emailing heather.esposito@macombgov.org

Recent Convictions, Pleas and Sentencings

Hamtramck Police Officer Guilty of LEIN Violation

A Shelby Twp. District Court jury convicted 53-year-old Scott Budnick after a jury trial by Assistant Prosecutor Lin Goetz.



On Thursday, July 7, 2022, part-time Hamtramck Police Officer Scott Budnick was working as security at Coyote Joes Bar in Shelby Twp. when he confronted the victim in the entry line. Budnick believed the victim’s ID to be fraudulent and contacted Hamtramck dispatch and requested the victim’s information be confirmed through the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) even though he was not working as a law enforcement officer at the time. More Information.

Assistant Prosecutor

Linda Goetz

One of Two Macomb County Sheriff Deputy's Charged in Alleged Altercation During Juvenile Arrest Pleads No Contest

A Macomb County Sheriff Deputy Alan Weir pled no contest in connection with an altercation that occurred from taking a juvenile into custody.


On August 30, 2023, Macomb County Sheriff Deputys Derek Reed and Alan Weir were assigned to bring a juvenile to the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center for a probation violation. It is alleged that while taking the juvenile into custody, Deputy Reed slapped the juvenile.


Deputy Alan Weir was charged with Willful Neglect of Duty (one-year misdemeanor). Deputy Derek Reed was charged with Child Abuse in the Fourth Degree (one-year misdemeanor) and Public Official Willful Failure to Uphold the Law (one-year misdemeanor). Derek Reed’s case is still ongoing. More Information.

Fraser Man Guilty and Sentenced in Drowning a Six Year Old Special Needs Child

A Macomb County jury convicted 22-year-old Hunter Locke-Hughes of drowning his girlfriend’s six year old special needs child after a nine day jury trial by Assistant Prosecutors Stephanie Stager and Elizabeth Abbo.


On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Locke-Hughes was giving the victim a bath and held the boy under water. He was charged with First Degree Child Abuse (life felony) and Felony Murder (life felony).


Locke-Hughes was found guilty by a Macomb County Jury of First Degree Child Abuse (life felony) and Involuntary Manslaughter (15 year felony).


Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Viviano sentenced Locke-Hughes to 90 months to 30 years on the First Degree Child Abuse conviction, which was 45 months below the sentencing guidelines. On the Involuntary Manslaughter conviction, Judge Viviano sentenced him to the low end of the sentencing guidelines at 43 months - 15 years. The sentences will run concurrent. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is appealing the sentence.


"When a sentencing fails to reflect the gravity of the offense, we must appeal it on behalf of the victim, the victim’s family, and the community,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.


The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. More Information.

Assistant Prosecutor

Stephanie Stager

Assistant Prosecutor

Elizabeth Abbo

Fraser IT Director Sentenced in

Embezzlement Case

Michele Kwiatkowski, the former IT Director of the City of Fraser, was sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Diane Druzinski.  


Kwiatkowski was sentenced to 11 months probation pursuant to MCL 771.1. She was ordered to pay $89,670.95 during the course of her probation, have no contact with the City of Fraser, not open a credit card or bank account, and take an impulse control class.  Kwiatkowski has already paid $70,000 in restitution.


Kwiatkowski pled to Embezzlement of Over $100,000 (20 Year Felony). She used the City of Fraser’s American Express credit card to purchase personal items from 2016-2020. More Information.

Eastpointe Man Sentenced in Drunk Driving Death

Eric Compton of Eastpointe was sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Diane Druzinski for his conviction in a drunk driving incident.


On Wednesday, August 15, 2021, Eric Compton was driving under the influence of alcohol and struck a motorcycle, carrying two passengers. One passenger died at the scene and the other passenger was critically injured.

Assistant Prosecutor

Steve Fox

A Macomb County jury convicted Compton of Operating a Motor Vehicle with a High BAC Causing Death with a Prior Conviction (20 year felony) and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a High BAC Causing Serious Injury with a Prior Conviction (10 year felony) after a three-day jury trial by Assistant Prosecutor Steve Fox.


Compton was sentenced to 20-40 years for his conviction of Operating a Motor Vehicle with a High BAC Causing Death with a Prior Conviction and 9-20 years for his conviction of Operating a Motor Vehicle with a High BAC Causing Serious Injury with a Prior Conviction. He was sentenced as a habitual third offender. More Information.

Warren Man Guilty of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct of a Young Girl

A Macomb County jury convicted 54-year-old Jerome Bowens on two counts of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct after a four-day jury trial by Assistant Prosecutor Colleen Worden.


From 2017-2019, Jerome Bowens sexually assaulted his great niece in Warren when she was between the ages of seven and nine years old. He is facing a mandatory minimum 25 year prison sentence. More Information.

Assistant Prosecutor

Colleen Worden

Man Guilty as Charged for Eastpointe Murders

A Macomb County jury convicted 62-year-old Dennis Evans on all charges after a three-day jury trial by Assistant Prosecutors Danielle Strace and Jurij Fedorak.


On Thursday, January 27, 2022, Dennis Evans shot his neighbors Dorian Mitchell and Christie Davis outside of their apartment complex in Eastpointe. Both victims died from their injuries. After a search of Evans’ apartment police found a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl. Evans fled to Texas where he was arrested. Evans also has two previous convictions for Second Degree Murder. More Information.

Assistant Prosecutor

Danielle Strace

66-Year-Old Man Guilty on All Counts In Criminal Sexual Conduct Case

A Macomb County jury convicted 66-year-old Dennis Peterson Sr. in two cases that were combined into one trial by Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Stager.



The defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. More Information.

Assistant Prosecutor

Stephanie Stager

Recent Arraignments and Hearings

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 on the images below for more information. Click here for a full list of press releases and news.

Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Newsroom

Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Resources

Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Information

Domestic Violence: What You Need to Know

Hate CrImes: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself and Others

We Want to Hear From You! Contact Us!

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.

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

Invite People to Join The Macomb Prosecutor Newsletter
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