Clown attack lie; fake cancer scam; DNA test in dog's death
- Updated
Odd and interesting stories from the Midwest.
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STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — A 30-year-old man has been arrested after an email was sent threatening to "sever the heads" of two Detroit-area judges.
The Macomb County sheriff's office says Mohammad Subhi Alsheleh was arraigned Monday in Sterling Heights on false report or threat of terrorism and using a computer to commit a crime.
An investigation was started Sept. 26 after the email threatening Macomb County Circuit judges James Biernat Sr. and Kathryn George was sent to an attorney. The email was forwarded to the court which contacted the sheriff's office.
A suspect was developed by looking at cases handled by both judges.
Alsheleh, of Sterling Heights, was arrested Wednesday on an outstanding warrant. He is jailed.
The Associated Press was unable to determine Monday evening if he has an attorney.
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Federal prosecutors are asking for a "significant" prison sentence for a man who fleeced a prominent philanthropist in western Michigan.
Robert Haveman is returning to federal court in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, months after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering. The loss is pegged at $16 million.
Robert Haveman handled money for Elsa Prince-Broekhuizen. She's the widow of businessman Edgar Prince and mother of Republican activist Betsy DeVos and Blackwater Worldwide founder Erik Prince.
Sentencing guidelines put Haveman's punishment somewhere between six and seven years, although those guidelines aren't mandatory on Judge Robert Holmes Bell.
Haveman so far has repaid $5 million. Defense attorney Chip Chamberlain says many losses were based on false hopes that some investments would cover his mistakes.
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PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) — A judge has cleared the way for a DNA test in a last-ditch effort to keep a dog from being euthanized in the death of a neighbor's pet.
Vlad, a Pomeranian, was found dead on Aug. 24 in St. Clair in St. Clair County. Jeb, a Belgian Malinois, is blamed for Vlad's death.
The Times Herald in Port Huron (http://bwne.ws/2d96cRx ) says a judge ordered a 30-day timeout Monday so DNA samples from both dogs can be analyzed. The work will be performed at the University of Florida.
Authorities say Vlad's injuries suggest he was picked up and shaken by a larger animal at his home.
But Ed Marshall, a lawyer for Jeb's owners, says the tests might show the presence of another animal. Meanwhile, Jeb remains in custody.
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Information from: Times Herald, http://www.thetimesherald.com
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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some prosecutors say a loophole in Iowa law can allow educators convicted of sexually abusing students to avoid prison time.
An investigation the Des Moines Register (http://dmreg.co/2dyvc8i ) conducted last month identified seven cases in the past five years in which teachers convicted of sexual abuse avoided prison time or could seek to have their public record expunged despite state law that says they must spend time behind bars
Under the 1997 law pushed by former state representative Wayne Ford, mandatory reporters, such as teachers and social workers, are required to report child abuse cases to law enforcement. Those mandatory reporters who are convicted of abuse themselves aren't eligible for sentences that don't include jail time if the victim is under the age of 18.
"I know the intent of what I did with that law and why I did it. I did it to cut all this out," Ford said. "I wanted the public to know if you are a mandatory reporter and you have sex with a child, you are going to prison."
But Cherokee County attorney Ryan Kolpin and other attorneys say the law doesn't apply if prosecutors forget or decide not to include information showing the defendant is a mandatory reporter in a criminal complaint. Some prosecutors say the law also doesn't apply if a convicted reporter doesn't acknowledge their status as a mandatory reporter.
The reason centers on case law restricting so called "enhanced sentences" from being used unless specific criteria are proved as fact or acknowledged by defendants.
Rep. Chip Baltimore expressed frustration with the loophole. He believes the law and its intent are clear.
"It's difficult for me to opine upon any specific case but generally speaking I find it challenging for a county attorney to enter into a plea agreement that results in a suspended sentence knowing this provision is there," Baltimore said. "That part makes no real sense to me."
Some other county attorneys are reviewing sentences or taking action of cases identified by the Register's investigation.
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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com
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PATRIOT, Ind. (AP) — Indiana State Police say a southern Indiana woman faces charges for pretending to have terminal cancer to solicit more than $3,000 in donations.
Authorities say 29-year-old Santana M. Banta of the Ohio River town of Patriot is held at the Switzerland County jail after she was arrested Friday. State police said investigations started after they received a tip at the beginning of September claiming that Banta had made numerous social media claims she had terminal cancer. Police say Banta set up an online account to allegedly pay for medical bills.
State police said detectives determined Banta doesn't have cancer and was scamming people for the money to use for personal reasons. She faces a felony theft count and misdemeanor deception count.
Banta doesn't have a listed phone number to request comment.
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RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — More than 400 Rapid City elementary students are getting a week off from classes after the discovery of mold in their school, though they eventually will have to make up the missed time.
Black Hawk Elementary is closed this week due to the discovery last week of mold in an interior wall. Testing is being done this week to determine the extent of the problem. Lab results are expected Wednesday.
School district spokeswoman Katy Urban tells The Associated Press that if the problem takes more than a week to address, officials will need to find another place for the Black Hawk students to attend classes.
Buildings manager Kit Cline tells the Rapid City Journal that none of the 410 students has reported any mold-related health problems.
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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln officials said many landlords aren't aware of a carbon monoxide detector requirement the city adopted a year ago.
The Lincoln Journal Star (http://bit.ly/2dKX3Ui ) reported that the policy makes carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in any building with three of more units and an attached garage, fireplace or gas stove.
Eighty-year-old Dale Moyer died last month after accidentally leaving his car running in the garage of his building. The gas spread throughout the 24 units of the apartment complex and reached levels three times the amount deemed safe and prompted an evacuation.
Fire Inspector Mike Wright said Moyer's death isn't an isolated incident.
"A lot of people don't realize it, but carbon monoxide can travel through walls," said Wright. "It doesn't need a crack, it doesn't need a door open. It can actually transfer through drywall and disperse through the building pretty evenly."
Wright is the only inspector responsible for all apartments in the city. He said enforcing the code is difficult since there are thousands of units and only eight fire inspectors. According to Wright buildings are only inspected if the city gets a complaint or the building is sold to a new owner.
"It's unfortunate the way we're enforcing it now," he said. "But we're trying to figure out a way to make sure that all existing apartments know it's required and important to have these alarms.
Chief Fire Inspector, Bill Moody expects all units will be aware of the requirement within a year.
"Ultimately, in a year from now, all units should be aware," Moody said. "Starting now, we're sending inserts about the code requiring the carbon monoxide detectors to apartments staggered throughout the year."
The inserts would be included as a part of the statement building owners receive from the Building and Safety Department.
___
Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com
- Updated
PLATTE, S.D. (AP) — Police in Platte say a juvenile was responsible for placing fish hooks on playground equipment.
Authorities say a man discovered the fish hooks on a baby swing when he was about to put his granddaughter into the swing on Saturday afternoon.
Police Chief Brandon Semmler described the incident as a "lapse in judgment rather than a despicable prank." He says the investigation is closed.
The name and age of the juvenile were not released.
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — A 30-year-old man has been arrested after an email was sent threatening to "sever the heads" of two Detroit-area judges.
The Macomb County sheriff's office says Mohammad Subhi Alsheleh was arraigned Monday in Sterling Heights on false report or threat of terrorism and using a computer to commit a crime.
An investigation was started Sept. 26 after the email threatening Macomb County Circuit judges James Biernat Sr. and Kathryn George was sent to an attorney. The email was forwarded to the court which contacted the sheriff's office.
A suspect was developed by looking at cases handled by both judges.
Alsheleh, of Sterling Heights, was arrested Wednesday on an outstanding warrant. He is jailed.
The Associated Press was unable to determine Monday evening if he has an attorney.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Federal prosecutors are asking for a "significant" prison sentence for a man who fleeced a prominent philanthropist in western Michigan.
Robert Haveman is returning to federal court in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, months after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering. The loss is pegged at $16 million.
Robert Haveman handled money for Elsa Prince-Broekhuizen. She's the widow of businessman Edgar Prince and mother of Republican activist Betsy DeVos and Blackwater Worldwide founder Erik Prince.
Sentencing guidelines put Haveman's punishment somewhere between six and seven years, although those guidelines aren't mandatory on Judge Robert Holmes Bell.
Haveman so far has repaid $5 million. Defense attorney Chip Chamberlain says many losses were based on false hopes that some investments would cover his mistakes.
PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) — A judge has cleared the way for a DNA test in a last-ditch effort to keep a dog from being euthanized in the death of a neighbor's pet.
Vlad, a Pomeranian, was found dead on Aug. 24 in St. Clair in St. Clair County. Jeb, a Belgian Malinois, is blamed for Vlad's death.
The Times Herald in Port Huron (http://bwne.ws/2d96cRx ) says a judge ordered a 30-day timeout Monday so DNA samples from both dogs can be analyzed. The work will be performed at the University of Florida.
Authorities say Vlad's injuries suggest he was picked up and shaken by a larger animal at his home.
But Ed Marshall, a lawyer for Jeb's owners, says the tests might show the presence of another animal. Meanwhile, Jeb remains in custody.
___
Information from: Times Herald, http://www.thetimesherald.com
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some prosecutors say a loophole in Iowa law can allow educators convicted of sexually abusing students to avoid prison time.
An investigation the Des Moines Register (http://dmreg.co/2dyvc8i ) conducted last month identified seven cases in the past five years in which teachers convicted of sexual abuse avoided prison time or could seek to have their public record expunged despite state law that says they must spend time behind bars
Under the 1997 law pushed by former state representative Wayne Ford, mandatory reporters, such as teachers and social workers, are required to report child abuse cases to law enforcement. Those mandatory reporters who are convicted of abuse themselves aren't eligible for sentences that don't include jail time if the victim is under the age of 18.
"I know the intent of what I did with that law and why I did it. I did it to cut all this out," Ford said. "I wanted the public to know if you are a mandatory reporter and you have sex with a child, you are going to prison."
But Cherokee County attorney Ryan Kolpin and other attorneys say the law doesn't apply if prosecutors forget or decide not to include information showing the defendant is a mandatory reporter in a criminal complaint. Some prosecutors say the law also doesn't apply if a convicted reporter doesn't acknowledge their status as a mandatory reporter.
The reason centers on case law restricting so called "enhanced sentences" from being used unless specific criteria are proved as fact or acknowledged by defendants.
Rep. Chip Baltimore expressed frustration with the loophole. He believes the law and its intent are clear.
"It's difficult for me to opine upon any specific case but generally speaking I find it challenging for a county attorney to enter into a plea agreement that results in a suspended sentence knowing this provision is there," Baltimore said. "That part makes no real sense to me."
Some other county attorneys are reviewing sentences or taking action of cases identified by the Register's investigation.
___
Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com
PATRIOT, Ind. (AP) — Indiana State Police say a southern Indiana woman faces charges for pretending to have terminal cancer to solicit more than $3,000 in donations.
Authorities say 29-year-old Santana M. Banta of the Ohio River town of Patriot is held at the Switzerland County jail after she was arrested Friday. State police said investigations started after they received a tip at the beginning of September claiming that Banta had made numerous social media claims she had terminal cancer. Police say Banta set up an online account to allegedly pay for medical bills.
State police said detectives determined Banta doesn't have cancer and was scamming people for the money to use for personal reasons. She faces a felony theft count and misdemeanor deception count.
Banta doesn't have a listed phone number to request comment.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — More than 400 Rapid City elementary students are getting a week off from classes after the discovery of mold in their school, though they eventually will have to make up the missed time.
Black Hawk Elementary is closed this week due to the discovery last week of mold in an interior wall. Testing is being done this week to determine the extent of the problem. Lab results are expected Wednesday.
School district spokeswoman Katy Urban tells The Associated Press that if the problem takes more than a week to address, officials will need to find another place for the Black Hawk students to attend classes.
Buildings manager Kit Cline tells the Rapid City Journal that none of the 410 students has reported any mold-related health problems.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln officials said many landlords aren't aware of a carbon monoxide detector requirement the city adopted a year ago.
The Lincoln Journal Star (http://bit.ly/2dKX3Ui ) reported that the policy makes carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in any building with three of more units and an attached garage, fireplace or gas stove.
Eighty-year-old Dale Moyer died last month after accidentally leaving his car running in the garage of his building. The gas spread throughout the 24 units of the apartment complex and reached levels three times the amount deemed safe and prompted an evacuation.
Fire Inspector Mike Wright said Moyer's death isn't an isolated incident.
"A lot of people don't realize it, but carbon monoxide can travel through walls," said Wright. "It doesn't need a crack, it doesn't need a door open. It can actually transfer through drywall and disperse through the building pretty evenly."
Wright is the only inspector responsible for all apartments in the city. He said enforcing the code is difficult since there are thousands of units and only eight fire inspectors. According to Wright buildings are only inspected if the city gets a complaint or the building is sold to a new owner.
"It's unfortunate the way we're enforcing it now," he said. "But we're trying to figure out a way to make sure that all existing apartments know it's required and important to have these alarms.
Chief Fire Inspector, Bill Moody expects all units will be aware of the requirement within a year.
"Ultimately, in a year from now, all units should be aware," Moody said. "Starting now, we're sending inserts about the code requiring the carbon monoxide detectors to apartments staggered throughout the year."
The inserts would be included as a part of the statement building owners receive from the Building and Safety Department.
___
Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com
PLATTE, S.D. (AP) — Police in Platte say a juvenile was responsible for placing fish hooks on playground equipment.
Authorities say a man discovered the fish hooks on a baby swing when he was about to put his granddaughter into the swing on Saturday afternoon.
Police Chief Brandon Semmler described the incident as a "lapse in judgment rather than a despicable prank." He says the investigation is closed.
The name and age of the juvenile were not released.
