Judge drops charges against men behind studio

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- A western Michigan judge dismissed charges against two men involved in a project to convert a former auto parts plant into a film production studio. The Grand Rapids Press reported that criminal charges were dropped last Friday against Joseph Peters and Jack Buchanan Jr. Grand Rapids District Judge David Buter says state attorneys failed to provide enough evidence. The men were accused of inflating the value of part of the plant in Walker in order to secure more than $10 million in state tax credits. Peters said in a statement that the charges never should have been brought and he remains disappointed that project known as Hangar42 could not proceed. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette spokesman John Sellek says officials will review the decision to determine whether to appeal. Published: Tue, Sep 13, 2011