Macomb County officials spar over clerical task
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — The chief judge and the county prosecutor are at odds over the handling of a clerical task regarding probation violation hearings in Macomb County.
Prosecutor Eric Smith declared last February that his office would no longer be responsible for securing summonses to bring defendants to court for probation violation arraignments and bench warrants. Chief Judge John Foster and other court officials have pushed back against Smith, saying he should follow the procedure his office has performed for decades.
Smith told The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens that his decision is backed by Michigan Court Rules, which indicate the responsibility belongs to the state. He has also cited staffing cutbacks for the move.
Foster says he doesn’t believe it’s a valid issue because it’s the prosecutor’s job to represent the people of Michigan in these cases.
Gilbert buying Compuware’s downtown Detroit headquarters
DETROIT (AP) — Developer and Quicken Loans owner Dan Gilbert says he’s reached a deal to buy the 15-floor headquarters of Compuware in downtown Detroit.
Gilbert’s Bedrock Real Estate Services says it signed the agreement Monday for an undisclosed price.
Bedrock says Compuware will remain headquartered in the 1 million-square-foot building. Private equity firm Thoma Bravo announced a $2.5 billion deal last month to buy Compuware and take the software developer private.
Bedrock says Meridian Health will use about 330,000 square feet and Compuware about 130,000 square feet.
Quicken Loans already occupies 300,000 square feet in the building and will add 60,000 square feet.
Prisoner gets parole interview after winning case
COLDWATER, Mich. (AP) — An inmate who won a groundbreaking case at the Michigan Supreme Court has been interviewed for possible parole after more than 25 years in prison.
Matthew Makowski spoke to a parole board member Monday. Corrections Department spokesman Chris Gautz says more information is needed and a decision could take weeks.
In 2010, Gov. Jennifer Granholm changed Makowski’s no-parole sentence, making him eligible for release, but she switched her position a few days later. The Supreme Court unanimously said Granholm's switch was illegal.
Makowski was convicted of first-degree murder for arranging a robbery that turned into a fatal stabbing in Dearborn in 1988. He wasn’t present when Pete Puma was killed. Officials say the 47-year-old has been an excellent prisoner.
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