News Releases
- Friday, July 23, 2010 - Personal Injury Accident
- Monday, July 19, 2010 - Personal Water Craft Accident
- Monday, July 19, 2010 - Fatal Crash
- Thursday, July 15, 2010 - Missing Kayakers
- Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - Fatal Single Vehicle Accident
- Friday, July 9, 2010 - Tammy Mulder arrested on two felony counts
- Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - Arrests made in Boyne Highlands Armed Robbery
- Thursday, July 1, 2010 - Have a Safe 4th of July
- Monday, June 28, 2010 - fatal traffic accident
- Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - missing kayakers
- Wednesday, June 8, 2010 - Brian Keith Haag Arrested on one felony charge of Solicitation of Murder
- Friday, June 4, 2010 - one vehicle crash on N US 31 south of Graham
- Monday, May 31, 2010 - Two vehicle crash on Robinson Rd. Friday, May 28
- Friday, May 21, 2010 - two vehicle crash on N Pleasantview
- Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - Michael Ray Stav of Harbor Springs
- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - Joshua Keller Arrested
- Thursday, May 6, 2010 - two individuals arrested
- Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - Scott Jewell Arrested
- Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - Male falls off ladder
- Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - Vehicle Arson
- Tueday, April 20, 2010 - Letter to Parents
- Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - Series of stoeln cars and home break-ins
- Monday, April 19, 2010 - Fatal traffic accident
- Friday, April 9, 2010 Personal Injury Accident on Pleasantview Road near Catob Road
- Monday, March 15, 2010 - Search Warrant
- Thursday, March 11, 2010 - Jaimie McDonald arrested for seven felony counts
- Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - Lauer arrested on Felony Charges
- Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - Drug Sting
- Thursday, February 2, 2010 - Census Workers
- Archived News Releases
Friday, July 23, 2010 - Personal Injury Accident
The Emmet County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the report of a personal injury accident which occurred on 7-23-10 at approximately 1:13 p.m.
According to Sheriff Peter A. Wallin the accident occurred on US-31 near Boulder Ln., Bear Creek Twp. Traffic was closed on US-31 in Bayview for approximately 45 minutes while emergency crews worked on the scene. The two unit accident involved a south bound 2007 International Gordons Foods truck and a north bound 2005 Dodge Durango. The semi-truck was driven by James Lester, a 38 year old Johannesburg resident. The Durango was occupied by the driver, Edward Favers, a 52 year old Ohio resident, and his 13 year old child. Favers and his child were transported to Northern Michigan Hospital by Allied EMS, Lester was not injured.
The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the Petoskey Department of Public Safety and the Bear Creek / Resort Fire Department.
Monday, July 19, 2010 - Personal Water Craft Accident
The Emmet County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a Personal Water Craft accident on 7-17-10 at approximately 11:05 a.m. According to Sheriff Peter A. Wallin, the accident occurred on Crooked Lake, west of Oden Island, Springvale Twp. The investigation found two 15 year old Bloomfield Hills area residents were operating two 2002 SeaDoo personal water craft in close proximity to each other. One of the personal water craft was occupied by the operator, the other was occupied by the operator and a passenger, a 15 year old Birmingham resident.
A collision occurred between the two personal watercraft resulting in serious injuries to one of the operators. The operator was transported to Northern Michigan Hospital.
The Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by Allied EMS and the Emmet County Victim Services Unit. The accident remains under investigation.
Monday, July 19, 2010 - Fatal Crash
The Emmet County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred on 7-16-10 at approximately 5:19 p.m. The crash occurred on US-31 near Rose St. in Oden. US-31 was closed for approximately 2.5 hours. The crash occurred when a 2005 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Gary Hibbler, a 57 year old Petoskey resident, lost control. The second vehicle involved was a 1996 Lumina, driven by Bradley Kearby, a 48 year old Oden resident. Hibbler died as a result of the crash.
The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police, Little Traverse Bay Band Tribal Police, Allied EMS, Alanson Fire Department, Emmet County Road Commission and the Emmet County Sheriff's Victim Services Unit.
The crash remains under investigation.
Thursday, July 15, 2010 - Missing Kayakers
Subjects involved:
Jeffrey Parson DOB-12/15/91 Harbor Springs
Josh Bonter DOB-6/16/91 Harbor Springs
The Emmet Co Sheriff's Office was sent to the Sturgeon Bay/Cross Village area on a report of two missing kayakers, last seen at approx. 1700 hrs on 7/14/10. Both kayakers were located on the shores of Waugoshance Point by the Coast Guard Helicopter out of Traverse City. They were found around daybreak on the morning of 7/15/10, both in good condition. The Emmet County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by MSP Petoskey, LTBB Police, Allied Ambulance, Readmond Fire and Rescue, Emmet County Search and Rescue, Coast Guard Charlevoix and Traverse City, Emmet County Marine Division, Emmet County Dive Team, and the Victims Services Unit.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - Fatal Single Vehicle Accident
According to Sheriff Pete Wallin, on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at approximately 5:11 a.m., Emmet County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a fatal single vehicle accident which occurred on Stutsmanville Road, just west of State Road in Friendship Township. A 1998 Subaru driven by Terri Ann Sholberg, 42 years old, from Harbor Springs, was eastbound on Stutsmanville Road near State Road, when she came into contact with a horse that was in the roadway. Terri Sholberg was pronounced dead at the scene by Emmet County Medical Examiner Dr. Hawkins. It appears that the horse broke free from a residence belonging to Daniel Truman of Harbor Springs. The horse belonging to Truman also died as a result of the accident.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by Harbor Springs Police and Fire Departments, Michigan State Police, Readmond Friendship Fire and First Responders, Emmet County Sheriff's Ofc. Victim Services Unit, and the Emmet County Road Commission.
The accident remains under investigation and will be forwarded to the Emmet County Prosecutors' Office for review when complete.
Friday, July 9, 2010 - Tammy Mulder arrested on two felony counts
On Wednesday, July 7, 2010, in Bear Creek Township, Emmet County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 40 year old Tammy Marie Mulder, of Harbor Springs, Michigan, for two felony counts; Operating/Maintaining Laboratory Involving Methamphetamine (20 year felony) and Possession of Methamphetamine (10 year felony), according to Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin.
Sheriff's Deputies were assisted by officers from SANE. It was determined during the investigation that the scene was not a hazmat type situation.
Mulder is currently lodged in the Emmet County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - Arrests made in Boyne Highlands Armed Robbery
After a year long investigation into the Boyne Highlands armed robbery, Sheriff Wallin advises that the Emmet County Sheriff's Office has arrested two males for their involvement. The sheriff's office executed a search warrant at the residence of one of the suspects on 7/2/10 in Traverse City with the assistance of the Traverse City Police Department. Taken into custody were:
-Jame David Rakoniewski of Petoskey, charged with Armed Robbery/Conspiracy to commit Armed Roberry/Habitual Offender 4th. Bond set at $250,000
-John Carl Ruppen of Traverse City, charged with Armed Robbery/Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery/Felony Firearm/Possession of a Firearm by a felon/Habitual Offender 4th. Bond set at $250,000
Sheriff Wallin praises the efforts of his law enforcement division in solving this crime and expects further arrests to be forthcoming.
Additional information regarding those taken into custody:
Jame David Rakoniewski is 40 years of age.
John Carl Ruppen is 26 years of age.
Authority Sheriff Pete Wallin
Thursday, July 1, 2010 - Have a Safe 4th of July
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE INDEPENDENCE DAY
Be sensible about using fireworks this Fourth of July. "The upcoming Fourth of July is a time of celebrations," said Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin. Sheriff Wallin is reminding people about the dangers of mishandling fireworks. "Let's not make it a time of tragedy, too." "We know it's part of the tradition on the Fourth, but too often we have people suffering severe injuries because of fireworks," said Sheriff Wallin.
There are two types of fireworks, according to Sheriff Wallin. The first type is "Class B," manufactured and used for professional displays. These are illegal in the State of Michigan without a permit. The second type is "Class C." These are the kind commonly sold in stores for consumer use. They include Paper Caps, Toy Trick Noise Makers, Sparklers, Fountains, Toy Snakes and Toy Smoke Devices. They are legal in the State of Michigan and do not require a permit.
If you are unsure about which type of firework you have, follow this guideline: If it makes a loud bang or leaves the ground it is illegal.
"The best thing you can do for you family is to educate them," said Sheriff Wallin. "Always follow the direction on the packaging. Never hold fireworks in your hands or around your eyes and ears. Always use fireworks in an open area, and never check a malfunctioning firework. Always leave it alone for at least an hour, and soak it with water to ensure that it won't explode."
Consider the alternative - attending your local city's display, leaving the fireworks to the professionals. Let's make it a safe holiday.
For a complete listing of both legal and illegal fireworks in the State of Michigan, please visit http:/www.michigan.gov/documents/bulletin12_9109_7.pdf. Further questions can be directed to the Fire Marshal Division of the Michigan State Police at (517)322-1924.
Monday, June 28, 2010 - fatal traffic accident
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred on June 25, 2010 at approximately 2:15 p.m. According to Sheriff Peter A. Wallin the crash occurred on I-75 south bound near the 338 Exit. South bound I-75 was closed for approximately 5 hours while investigators worked on the scene. The crash involved a 1997 Geo and a 2006 International Semi-Tractor Trailer. The Geo was occupied by the driver, Therese Warner, a 38 year old Cheboygan resident and a passenger Patricia St. Amour, a 68 year old Cheboygan resident. Warner and St. Amour were transported by Mackinaw Ambulance, St. Amour was pronounced dead at Mackinaw Straits Hospital. The International was driven by Roger Nast, a 56 year old Cheboygan resident. Nast was not injured during the crash.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mackinaw City Police and Fire Departments, Mackinaw Ambulance, Michigan State Police, Emmet County Victim Services Unit, and the Emmet County Road Commission. The accident remains under investigation.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - missing kayakers
According to Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin on Saturday, June 19, 2010, at approximately 1:45 p.m., a call was made to CCE 911 in regards to five kayakers that had put in near Wilderness State Park and were headed east towards the Mackinac Bridge. The caller stated one of the kayakers had tipped over and the rest were trying to get back to shore, but could not make it due to the high winds. The Carp Lake Fire Department, Wilderness State Park Personnel, Emmet County Sheriff's Office, Coast Guard, and the Mackinaw City Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. Three of the kayakers made it back to shore, but two of the kayakers had not returned. At approximately 2:43 p.m., the Carp Lake Fire Department Personnel located the two missing kayakers.
The two juvenile victims, Tyler Bourdo of Plainwell, Michigan and Cole Richie of Delton, Michigan were transported back to Wilderness State Park Boat Launch and turned over to the Mackinaw Ambulance. Both victims were transported to Straits Area Hospital in St. Ignace.
Wednesday, June 8, 2010 - Brian Keith Haag Arrested on one felony charge of Solicitation of Murder
According to Sheriff Pete Wallin, the Emmet County Sheriff's Office arrested Brian Keith Haag on Monday, June 7, 2010 after his appearance in 57th Circuit Court after he was sentenced for a second time for numerous weapons charges. Haag was charged with one felony charge of Solicitation of Murder which is a life offense. Haag is currently is serving a seven to 40 year prison sentence with the Michigan Department of Corrections at the Newberry Correctional Facility.
Friday, June 4, 2010 - one vehicle crash on N US 31 south of Graham
According to Emmet County Sheriff Peter Wallin, deputies responded to a one vehicle traffic crash on N. US-31 south of Graham Road at 2:09pm on Thursday, June 3, 2010. Sheriff Wallin states that an SUV driven by 70 year old Geraldine Hoddy of Indian River was traveling northbound on N US-31 when she left the roadway to the right, struck a sign for the Hearthside Grove RV village and rolled. Firefighters from Resort Bear Creek Fire Department had to use the jaws of life to extricate Hoddy from the vehicle. Hoddy was taken to Northern Michigan Hospital where she is listed in serious condition. The crash remains under investigation.
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Allied EMS, Resort Bear Creek Fire Department and the Emmet County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit.
Monday, May 31, 2010 - Two vehicle crash on Robinson Rd. Friday, May 28
According to Sheriff Peter Wallin, Emmet County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Robinson Rd. west of State Road at approximately 9:05 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2010. Sheriff Wallin states that a motorcycle driven by 24 year old Kyle Newbury of Harbor Springs was eastbound on Robinson Road when a pickup truck driven by 22 year old Austin Mesner of Harbor Springs was westbound on Robinson Road. Preliminary investigation indicates that the motorcycle driven by Newbury crossed the centerline and into the path of the pickup truck driven by Mesner. Newbury was pronounced dead on scene. Mesner was not injured in the crash. The accident remains under investigation.
The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Allied EMS, Readmond/Friendship Fire Department, Emmet County Road Commission, and Emmet County Victim Services Unit
Friday, May 21, 2010 - two vehicle crash on N Pleasantview
According to Sheriff Peter Wallin, Emmet County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on North Pleasantview Road near Schmalzried Road at approximately 1:24 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2010. Sheriff Wallin states that a motorcycle driven by 42 year old David Byard of Levering was southbound on Pleasantview Road when a pickup truck driven by 64 year old David Wells of Levering was northbound on Pleasantview Road. Preliminary investigation indicates that the motorcycle driven by Byard crossed the centerline and into the path of the pickup truck driven by Wells. Byard was pronounced dead on scene. Wells and his passenger 47 year old Roberta Brooks of Levering were not injured in the crash. The accident remains under investigation.
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Mackinaw City Ambulance, Carp Lake Township Fire Department, the Emmet County Road Commission, and the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - Michael Ray Stav of Harbor Springs
The Emmet County Sheriff's Office arrested 61 year old Michael Ray Stav of Harbor Springs on Monday, May 17, 2010, for one felony count of Assault With A Dangerous Weapon and two misdemeanor counts of Assault and Battery, and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. According to Sheriff Pete Wallin, deputies were called to a residence in Readmond Township to investigate an assault complaint. During the investigation the victim stated they had been physically assaulted by Stav and threatened with a machete. Stav had left the scene, but was located later by deputies driving north bound on State Road near Osborne Road in Readmond Township. Stav is currently lodged in the Emmet County Jail. Emmet County Sheriff's Deputies were assisted by Troopers from the Michigan State Police.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - Joshua Keller Arrested
According to Sheriff Wallin on May 11, 2010 24 year old Joshua Keller of Petoskey was arrested on a four count felony warrant in connection with the recent crime spree in northern Emmet County. The charges include Breaking and Entering, Arson, and UDAA.
19 year old Matthew Sundmacher of Harbor Springs was also charged with four additional felonies including Breaking and Entering, Arson, and UDAA.
Thursday, May 6, 2010 - two individuals arrested
A task force comprised of detectives, deputies and troopers from the Emmet County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan State Police Petoskey Post have arrested two individuals from Emmet County in connection with the crime wave that has hit Northern Emmet County this spring. Two search warrants were executed on April 29, 2010 with some of the stolen property being recovered. Charged with multiple felony counts are 19 year old Michael Bowman and 19 year old Matthew Sundmacher, both from Harbor Springs. Charges include Conducting Criminal Enterprises, Home Invasion, Safe Breaking, Unlawfully Driving Away a Motor Vehicle, and Arson. More charges are expected to be issued in the near future concerning this investigation. Both MSP Lt. Dale Selin and Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin pointed out the excellent teamwork of both agencies in solving this crime wave.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - Scott Jewell Arrested
The Emmet County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Scott Douglas Jewell for fourteen felony counts, including Criminal Sexual Conduct - First Degree, Criminal Sexual Conduct - Second Degree, Child Abuse - First Degree, and Distributing Sexually Explicit, Visual Or Verbal Matter to Children. Sheriff Pete Wallin states his office received the complaint on Saturday, May 1, 2010 regarding a minor who had been sexually assaulted by Jewell. These incidents took place between April/May 2009 till April 2010.
Jewell was taken into custody on Sunday May 2, 2010 and is currently lodged in the Emmet County Jail with his bond set at $ 100,000. Jewell is to be arraigned in 90th District Court on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - Male falls off ladder
According to Sheriff Pete Wallin on Monday, May 3, 2010 at approximately 8:17p.m. Emmet County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a Bear Creek residence on Hoag Road to assist Allied EMS. It appears that a male subject had fallen off a ladder and struck his head. The subject was identified as 40 year old Edward James Sumner, who was pronounced dead at the scene by the Emmet County Medical Examiner Dr. Carl Hawkins. Deputies were assisted by Petoskey Public Safety, the Bear Creek Resort Fire Department. and the Emmet County Victim’s Services unit.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - Vehicle Arson
On April 19th, 2010, the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office handled a stolen vehicle complaint in Pleasantview Township. Sheriff Pete Wallin states mushroom hunters found the vehicle on April 21st, 2010 on a two-track off Beacon Hill Road. Investigators found the vehicle was completely burned, in addition to approximately one acre of land.
Sheriff Wallin states a Michigan State Police Fire Investigator was called and later determined it to be arson. Because of the arson a $5000 reward is issued for any information leading to the arrest of the suspects responsible for this incident. If you have information you are encouraged to call 1(800) 44-Arson.
Tueday, April 20, 2010 - Letter to Parents
Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin is pleased to announce that for the fourth year in a row, he and Charlevoix County Sheriff Don Schneider will be sending a letter to parents of juniors and seniors in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties as the prom and graduation season approaches. Also included in the letter is a Family Guide for Teen Parties. This campaign is made possible with the support of the Northern Michigan Regional Hospital Foundation, Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, Charlevoix Community Foundation, and SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment) in Northern Michigan. Mitchell Graphics has again offered to facilitate the mailing for both counties.
Every year that the letter has been sent out, both Sheriff Wallin and Sheriff Schneider have received positive comments from parents, church officials and the leaders in the community that felt this was a worthwhile venture. The Sheriff's and other area law enforcement officials find it reassuring to know that organizations like Northern Michigan Regional Hospital Foundation, Petoskey Harbor Springs Community Foundation, Charlevoix Community Foundation, SAFE in Northern Michigan, and Mitchell Graphics are concerned about the safety of our children in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties. This partnership again resulted in a safe prom and graduation season last year for both counties.
Every year there are tragic stories of teens that are killed in accidents that involve alcohol. Local law enforcement agencies and their county prosecutors want to share some information with parents that hopefully make their teen's prom and graduation parties safe this year.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - Series of stoeln cars and home break-ins
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police are investigating a series of stolen cars and home break ins occurring in Northern Emmet County. These incidents have occurred over the past two months. Law enforcement officials are urging citizens to be on the lookout for suspicious or out of place vehicles and individuals. Officials also would like to remind citizens to keep their doors locked and keys removed from their vehicle.
If anyone has information you are asked to contact either the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office or the Michigan State Police – Petoskey Post.
Monday, April 19, 2010 - Fatal traffic accident
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred on 4-17-10 at approximately 1100 a.m. The single vehicle crash happened at the intersection of Intertown and Howard roads.
Thomas Foltz, a 59 year old Resort Twp. resident, was the operator and single occupant of a 1975 Chevrolet dump truck. Foltz was traveling east bound on Intertown Rd., proceeded through the Howard Rd. intersection and the truck overturned. Foltz was transported to Northern Michigan Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The accident remains under investigation. The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Resort Bear Creek Fire Department, Emmet County Victim Services Unit, Allied EMS, and the Emmet County Road Commission.
Friday, April 9, 2010 Personal Injury Accident on Pleasantview Road near Catob Road
A 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix, operated by Marjorie Ann Wibel, 83, was involved in a single car, personal injury accident on April 8, 2010 at approximately 1149 hours. Marjorie was extricated from the vehicle with multiple injuries and transported to Northern Michigan Regional Hospital by Allied EMS.
Harbor Springs Fire and First Responders, Michigan State Police, Allied EMS and Victim Services Unit assisted on scene. Traffic was re-routed for approximately an hour.
Monday, March 15, 2010 - Search Warrant
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement executed another search warrant on 03/11/10 in Springvale Township. Sheriff Pete Wallin states this search relates to the February 16th searches that resulted in the seizures of methamphetamine. Officers from SANE and the Sheriff’s Office searched the home of Donnell Raspberry resulting in the seizure of nearly 10 grams of suspected crack cocaine, marijuana, $1000, and later recovered a stolen handgun.
Sheriff Wallin states SANE’s assistance was incredibly helpful in recovering the drugs and a stolen gun in this case.
Donnell Raspberry was charged with two counts of delivery/manufacturing of cocaine (20 year felony) and one count of maintaining a drug house. Sheriff Wallin also states more charges are expected in the future. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank SANE and Petoskey Public Safety for their assistance.
Thursday, March 11, 2010 - Jaimie McDonald arrested for seven felony counts
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36 year old Jaimie McDonald for seven felony counts, including Child Sexually Abusive Material, Using a Computer to Commit a Crime and Eavesdropping. Sheriff Pete Wallin states his department responded to a Pellston home where a victim saw a computer camera mounted behind a two-way mirror in the bathroom. Deputies obtained a search warrant and seized computer hard drives and a computer camera.
Sheriff Wallin states investigators indentified three victims and one under the age of 18. Further charges were authorized for a second victim which included Manufacturing an Eavesdropping Device, Installing a Device and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime.
Sheriff Wallin would like to thank investigators from the Petoskey Public Safety for their assistance with this investigation.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - Lauer arrested on Felony Charges
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office arrested James Jeffery Lauer of Springvale Township on a host of felony charges. James Lauer was arrested on 03/01/10 for a five count felony warrant related to a 02/16/10 search warrant execution. Sheriff Pete Wallin states Lauer was arrested related to the incidents revolving around the Meth labs and other related issues. On 02/16/10, several search warrants were executed resulting in several drug related arrests. James Lauer’s home was searched which resulted in the seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.
Sheriff Wallin states what is interesting, is Lauer was arrested on delivery/manufacturing of marijuana, but Lauer holds a medical marijuana card. When deputies entered the home, they found a grow operation related to Lauer’s marijuana card, but it was not in a locked area and witnesses at the scene admitted to buying or receiving the marijuana Lauer grew.
Lauer is currently lodged in the Emmet County Jail facing charges on two 20 year delivery charges and three other felony related offenses.
Sheriff Wallin states the Emmet County K-9 unit was utilized and would also like to thank members of the SANE team for their assistance at the scene.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - Drug Sting
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement have completed a drug sting resulting in the arrests of seven Emmet County suspects. Sheriff Pete Wallin states three search warrants were carried out on February 16th, 2010 that resulted in these arrests and the location of a fully functional and active methamphetamine lab.
Arrested were Brian Haag, Christopher Greenier, Maribeth Lauer, Karen Bergey, Matthew Stoll and two other suspects currently on Circuit Court probation or parole. Haag is charged with 11 felonies, including possession of controlled substances, firearm offenses, and maintaining a drug house. Greenier is charged with 4 felonies and one misdemeanor including 2 drug and 3 firearm offenses. Lauer is charged with 2 felony drug offenses and was later charged with one misdemeanor possession and a felony prisoner possession of contraband.
SANE arrested Bergey and Stoll at the Meth lab in a Northern Emmet County home. Bergey was arrested and later charged with 8 felony counts, including operating/maintaining a laboratory in the presence of a minor. Stoll was arrested and later charged with 13 drug related offenses, including felony firearm. Wallin states SANE did an excellent job with the Meth lab investigation which included in a 14 hour clean up and seizure of suspected methamphetamine. Sheriff Wallin states this is a perfect example of a multi-jurisdictional team effort that lead to the arrests of multiple subjects at several locations. Sheriff Wallin believes this cooperative investigation will lead to more charges in the near future.
Sheriff Wallin states the Emmet County K-9 unit was utilized, resulting in the location of suspected hidden narcotics in two of the search warrants.
Sheriff Wallin would like to thank the Straits Area Narcotic Enforcement team, Emmet County Prosecutor’s Office, Circuit Court Probation and Parole, Michigan State Police, Allied EMS, and the Harbor Springs Fire Department for their assistance in this investigation.
If you have any further information you are asked to contact the SANE hotline (800) 621-8651 or D/Sgt. JL Sumpter at (231) 439-8901.
Thursday, February 2, 2010 - Census Workers
EMMET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WARNS 2010 CENSUS WORKERS ARE IN THE AREA
Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin stated that beginning February 2010 through late August, 2010 Temporary Census Workers will be working throughout Emmet County. These field staff workers will work in neighborhoods across the United States to deliver questionnaires, collect information from those who have not returned their census questionaires, and verifying addresses.
These Census Workers are required to carry an official indentification card with the employee's signature and expiration date. Citizens should ask to see the identification card. Sheriff Wallin stated that if the person fails to provide the identification card, local residents should call 911 to report this so law enforcement can verify that the person is indeed a Census Worker.
The Census Bureau has contacted all law enforcement agencies across the United States providing them information to make sure that they can identify Census Bureau employees.
SHOULD THE PUBLIC BE CONCERNED/HOW ARE CENSUS DATA PROTECTED
Federal law protects your privacy and keeps your answers confidential (Title 13, United States Code, Section9 and 214). The answers you give on the census form cannot be obtained by law enforcement or tax collections agencies. Your answers cannot be used in court. They cannot be obtained with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. As allowed by law, census data becomes public after 72 years (Title 44, United States Code, Section 2108)
Authority Sheriff Pete Wallin