State Roundup

Ann Arbor Feds: Man arrested had drugs, kids in van ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Federal court records show a Canadian man arrested during a traffic stop in Ann Arbor had 10 kilograms of cocaine and four of his children in his van. The man was arrested Monday night after a stop by a Michigan State Police trooper. According to an affidavit by DEA Special Agent Michael Brouillard, the suspect told agents a man paid him $3,900 to drive to Los Angeles to pick up an unknown quantity of cocaine, promising him an additional $2,000 provided he successfully delivered it to an undisclosed location. AnnArbor.com reports the affidavit says the man left Los Angeles on July 7 and was pulled over in Ann Arbor four days later. The man is facing a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Grand Rapids Plan: Put 4,000 charging stations in western Mich. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- There's a proposal to install at least 4,000 electric vehicle charging stations across western Michigan. The Grand Rapids Press reports that the West Michigan Strategic Alliance wants to put stations in several counties. Alliance President Greg Northrup is seeking approval from Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties for the project, which would be financed through a bond sale. Northrup discussed the proposal with the Ottawa County commissioners on Tuesday, and plans to give presentations to officials in Kent and Muskegon counties later this month. He says if they agree he hopes other neighboring counties will agree to the project. Also Tuesday, Grand Rapids approved plans from Coulomb Technologies Inc. to put charging stations in the city's downtown. Battle Creek Police officer attacked, shoots suspect BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) -- Authorities say a breaking-and-entering suspect punched a Battle Creek police officer in the face and tried to grab the officer's gun before the officer shot him in the arm. Television stations WOOD and WWMT report police responded to the break-in about 1 a.m. Wednesday, and the officer tried to arrest the man. Police say the man hit the officer, forced him to the ground and tried to take his gun. The officer was treated for injuries to his face and released. The suspect was hospitalized for treatment of a non-life threatening wound. Police say the officer, in line with department policy, been placed on administrative leave until an investigation is complete. Port Huron Fraud lands inves tment adviser 10-year sentence PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) -- A 43-year-old investment adviser accused of fleecing a western Michigan school district and some local governments has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. The Muskegon Chronicle reports that Dante DeMiro (duh-MEER'-oh) of Milford has been sentenced in federal court in Port Huron and ordered to pay nearly $13 million in restitution. He pleaded guilty in April to fraud. The FBI says DeMiro received millions from clients but spent it on himself or others. Losses topped $7 million over a three-year period. His clients included the Mona Shores school district near Muskegon; Lapeer County; Comstock Township near Kalamazoo; a credit union in Iowa; and unions. They were told their money was being put into bank certificates of deposit. He worked in Southfield at MuniVest Financial Group. Published: Thu, Jul 14, 2011