Judge tried to hold rare trial but defendant refuesed to show up
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A federal judge in Grand Rapids tried to hold a trial, a rare step during the coronavirus pandemic, but the plan was scratched when the defendant didn't show up Tuesday.
U.S. District Judge Janet Neff had planned to have jurors spread out in the area normally used by spectators. Witnesses would testify from the jury box.
But jury selection didn't start: Anthony Ozomaro refused to leave a jail to go to court, Neff said in an order that sets a new schedule for the case.
Ozomaro is charged with a methamphetamine crime. He is acting as his own lawyer. Separately, he faces a murder charge in Kalamazoo County.
In state courts, trials have been postponed for weeks because of stay-home orders and efforts to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Nessel agrees to review case involving man’s death at Southfield mall
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that her office will review the case involving the death of 25-year-old McKenzie Cochran, who died in 2014 after a struggle with security staff at the Northland Mall in Southfield.
The case was investigated by the Southfield Police Department and reviewed by the Oakland County Prosecutor. A decision was then made not to issue any criminal charges against any of the security staff. Now, both these agencies have requested the attorney general review the entire case. The family of Cochran was advised of this decision and supports the action.
“My office will conduct a thorough and comprehensive review of this case to determine whether any additional action should have been taken in response to Mr. Cochran’s death,” Nessel said. “If the evidence warrants additional action, we will make efforts to ensure justice is served.”
Federal Bar chapter plans online annual meeting for June 30
Consistent with Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Chapter’s by-laws, the chapter’s annual meeting is normally held in conjunction with the Annual Dinner. This year, in order to address the administrative requirements needed to transition into the next chapter year during a global pandemic, the FBA will host this meeting via Zoom separate from the Annual Dinner event.
This Zoom meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 30, beginning at noon. It will be an open meeting of the membership and should take no longer than 1/2 hour. Pre-registration is required by emailing fbamich@fbamich.org to get the meeting identification number.
By separate correspondence to the chapter’s past presidents, executive board and committee chairs, the slate of officers and executive board will be proposed.
The FBA is discussing an outdoor event later in the summer as a unique and fun substitute for the Annual Dinner. Details will be released at a later date.
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