Authorities: Former court clerk, acquaintance took bribes
DETROIT (AP) — Authorities say a former court clerk and a longtime acquaintance took about $20,000 in bribes to dismiss more than $40,000 in traffic tickets and fines.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette says 56-year-old Annette Bates, an ex-36th District Court clerk, and 44-year-old Charles Fair are charged with forgery.
Not guilty pleas were entered on their behalf Monday. Court records didn't list lawyers for them.
The felony charges follow an investigation involving Schuette's office and the FBI's public corruption task force. Schuette says over a two-year period the Detroit residents forged dismissals of traffic tickets, fines and citations in the name of 36th District Court judges.
Schuette's office says the judges weren't aware of the dismissals. In some cases, dismissing tickets allowed drivers with a suspended license to regain an operator's license.
The 36th District Court released a statement saying it is pleased that Schuette has charged Bates and Fair with felony forgery.
The court said it cooperated throughout the investigation and would continue to work with the attorney general and any other law enforcement agency, to bring former or current court staff suspected of wrong doing to justice.
“Acts of this nature allegedly committed by employees erode public trust and confidence in the Court, our justice system partners and the public we serve,” said Chief Judge Nancy M. Blount. “Illegal actions will not be tolerated. The court will continue to report all suspected fraudulent actions to the local, state and federal authorities for investigation and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Processes and procedures are continually being reviewed and reengineered as part of the court’s restructuring under the new administration led by Chief Judge Blount,” added Court Administrator Kelli Moore Owen. “We are committed to restoring this court’s reputation and will prove to be an essential part of this city’s revitalization.”
Wife charged in husband’s killing says she was threatened
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — A 61-year-old suburban Detroit woman charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of her 75-year-old husband says she suffered from battered woman syndrome.
Julie Chimelak called 911 last Wednesday to report that her husband, Ron Chimelak, had been shot at their home in Macomb Township. She said it was an accident.
The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens says (http://bit.ly/1Izh5F6 ) she told a magistrate during her arraignment by video on Monday that her husband was "threatening to kill me for months." The magistrate advised Chimelak to refrain from elaborating because her statements could be used by prosecutors.
She is due back in court later this month.
Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison. She's also charged with manslaughter and using a firearm during a felony.
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