A local organization is celebrating five years of service through an advocacy program for neglected and abused children. LACASAâs Court Appointed Special Advocates program or CASA thanked the volunteers who make the program possible with an awards ceremony and reception event on Thursday. CASA is comprised of community volunteers who advocate for local children in the court system for cases of abuse and neglect. The volunteers undergo rigorous training and must communicate with everyone involved in the childâs life for the case to which they are assigned to. It is their job to spend time with the children and communicate with the court to ensure the best outcome for each child. Bill Lawrence is a CASA Volunteer and he tells WHMI he was assigned the very first case when the program began five years ago. CASA is the only program of its kind in Livingston County and Program Director Sara Applegate says since its inception, it has served over 137 children in the region with the help of 68 volunteers. The Livingston County Department of Public Health and Human Services and the 44th Circuit Court were honored at CASAâs celebration for their leadership and support of the program. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh is assigned to the child abuse cases in the juvenile division of Circuit Court and swears in CASAâs volunteers. She says it is a great program that provides a consistent figure for the children under the courtâs jurisdiction and lets them know someone cares about them. (DK)
Children Advocates Honored At Program's Fifth Anniversary CelebrationChildren Advocates Honored At Program's Fifth Anniversary Celebration
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Former Coach Enters Plea In Molestation Case Former Coach Enters Plea In Molestation Case
A Howell man charged with molesting a 13-year-old boy and lying about being diagnosed with Leukemia has entered a plea in the case. 21-year-old Zachary Phillip Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of 2nd degree CSC, larceny by false pretenses over $1,000 and identity theft. In exchange for the guilty pleas, the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office agreed to dismiss a separate count of 1st degree CSC and not file charges for criminal sexual conduct involving a second victim. Jones was a volunteer coach for the Highlander Way Middle School and Howell Hurricanes youth wrestling teams last year when he claimed to have been diagnosed with stage 4 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Fundraisers were held by community members to help with medical bills while several members of his family reportedly got tattoos with red ribbons and his name in support. During the course of the original investigation, Howell Police found Jones allegedly committed sexual acts with a 13-year-old boy, leading to the multiple charges of criminal sexual conduct. The identity theft and false pretense charges were added after police determined he had used a forged doctorâs letter to support the false diagnosis. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI family of the victims were present in court for the guilty plea and are in complete agreement with the resolution. He noted that there is no sentencing agreement and Jones faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on March 3rd. (JM)
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Fenton Dance Studio Owner Arrested For Embezzling MillionsFenton Dance Studio Owner Arrested For Embezzling Millions
The owner of Chasse Ballroom in Fenton has been arrested and is facing charges of embezzling from a credit union. 36-year-old Michael LaJoice was the CFO of the Clarkston-Brandon Community Credit Union. He is expected to face charges for allegedly embezzling $20 million from the institution. Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe told the Detroit News that an official of the credit union walked into the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office and admitted he had been stealing funds since 2003. Investigators say they are stunned and that it wasnât known that any money was missing. Search warrants were reportedly executed at several locations, including a Livingston County home believed to belong to LaJoice, and on accounts linked to him. A safe, computers and business records were removed from the home and are still being examined. The scheme, which apparently involved fake transactions and investments that covered the embezzled funds, began to unravel during a recent audit at the credit union, located on Ortonville Road. A credit union official assured members that their personal accounts were all safe and insured by the National Credit Union Administration for up to $250,000. Investigators believe the embezzled funds went to support a lifestyle that included a $1.3 million, 5,800-square foot home. He also started and heavily promoted his dance studio, one of several he told others he planned to build over the next decade. LaJoice has been in jail since Wednesday, and is expected to be arraigned this afternoon. Chasse Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio posted a notice to their Facebook page last night that said they will be closed until further notice. The news comes just days after plans were finalized for a major expansion of the studio in Downtown Fenton.
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Fenton Dance Studio Owner Arraigned On Embezzlement ChargesFenton Dance Studio Owner Arraigned On Embezzlement Charges
The owner of Chasse Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio in Fenton has been arraigned on multiple felony embezzlement charges. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says on Wednesday, Michael LaJoice walked into their headquarters in Pontiac and made a statement to detectives that he committed an embezzlement of approximately $20 (m) million dollars over a 12 year period at the Clarkston/Brandon Credit Union in Independence Township. He was the Chief Financial Officer at that credit union since 2003. The office says detectives proceeded to confirm the credibility of his statements with the credit union officials and as a result of statements made during interviews and further investigation, the Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office authorized a 14-count warrant against LaJoice. He has been arraigned on the charges and bond was at $1 (m) million. A GPS Tether is required if bond is posted. The investigation is ongoing and LaJoice is scheduled to appear in 52-2 District Court in Independence Township January 20th. (JM)
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Local Fire Station Offers Free CPR Class For ResidentsLocal Fire Station Offers Free CPR Class For Residents
A local fire department is offering a free CPR course for community residents later this month. The Hamburg Township Fire Department will host the class at the townshipâs Fire Station 11, located on East M-36 in Pinckney on Wednesday, January 27th. The class will begin at 6:30 and run through 10 pm. The course is available to township residents and will cover CPR and Automated External Defibrillators. To register for the class, call 810-222-1100. (DK)
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Local Agency Will Thank Its Supporters With Annual BreakfastLocal Agency Will Thank Its Supporters With Annual Breakfast
A local organization will honor its supporters at a breakfast celebration later this month. The 2nd annual Dream Big Breakfast will be held January 29th from 7:30 to 9 am at the Chemung Hills Golf Club and Banquet Center. The public is invited to attend the breakfast which will acknowledge proponents of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County. January is National Mentoring Month and the program works year round to guide and be an example to the youth within the community. Several recipients at the breakfast will be awarded for their role in sponsoring and partnering with the agency. Tickets are $30 per individual and $50 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com or by calling 517-546-1140. (DK)
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Brighton City Council Looking to Fill VacancyBrighton City Council Looking to Fill Vacancy
The Brighton City Council voted unanimously Thursday night to post a vacant council position on its website. The person selected will replace council member and former mayor Ricci Bandkau, who passed away on Christmas Eve. The city has 60 days from the date of Bandkauâs death to appoint a replacement, who will serve until the end of her term in November of 2017. Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI the city will post the vacancy on its website, adding that any resident interested in the position should submit a letter of interest and a resume to the city clerkâs office. The deadline for submitting an application for the position is Jan. 26. Anyone wanting to be considered for appointment to the City Council must have been a Brighton city resident for at least two years and owe no outstanding taxes to the city. If a person is not selected at the Feb. 4 meeting, council would have one more meeting in which to make its selection. If no one is chosen by Feb. 24, the 60-day deadline, the city would have to hold a special election, which would cost several thousand dollars. Bandkau, a lifelong resident of Brighton, died on Dec. 24 at the University of Michigan Medical Center. She was originally appointed to the Council in 2004 and then elected the following year. She was most recently re-elected to a four-year term in 2013. Bandkau was also mayor of Brighton from 2009 - 2011. (TT)
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Highland Township Man Flees Police In Truck And On FootHighland Township Man Flees Police In Truck And On Foot
Local authorities are investigating an incident that occurred in Highland Township earlier this week of a man who fled from police in a truck and then on foot. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township Substation reports that just after midnight on Thursday, a deputy had pulled to the shoulder of southbound Milford Road when he noticed a pickup truck approaching from behind. The vehicleâs driver locked up his brakes and drove in reverse down the middle of the road before making a U turn and heading northbound. The deputy initiated a pursuit and the truckâs driver sped up and refused to stop. When the vehicle approached Craig Street, a passenger jumped out of the truck and fled on foot. The vehicle continued on to Rowe Road and westbound Lone Tree Road and the deputy terminated the pursuit where Lone Tree Road dead ends. The truckâs driver continued onto a trail into a wooded area. Deputies took to that trail on foot and found the unoccupied vehicle in a ditch. The Michigan State Police and Livingston County Deputies assisted at the scene and deputies were able to track footprints that led into the Hartland Glen golf course. A K-9 unit established a three mile track before losing the scent and the search was terminated. The owner of the truck was contacted and she told authorities her son is the only one that drives the pickup. Footage from the patrol car is unusable because the truck was so far ahead. The vehicle was impounded and authorities have listed a 34 year old Highland Township man as a suspect. The investigation is ongoing. (DK)
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Fenton Dance Studio Owner "Lived Lavish Lifestyle On Other People's Money"Fenton Dance Studio Owner "Lived Lavish Lifestyle On Other People's Money"
Authorities say the investigation involving a man who allegedly embezzled millions is far from over. 36-year-old Michael LaJoice was said to be living well outside of his means and $65,000 annual salary while serving as chief financial officer of the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union. He had a lavish home in Tyrone Township and was in the process of expanding Chasse Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio in Fenton. The alleged scheme apparently started to fall apart during a recent audit of books and on Wednesday, LaJoice walked into the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office headquarters and told them he had embezzled $20 (m) million over 12 years. Sheriff Mike Bouchard tells WHMI theyâre not sure what precipitated LaJoice turning himself in, whether guilt or the massive amount of money stolen from other people, but he understands some kind of audit was underway so maybe LaJoice wanted to get ahead of it. He says typically things like embezzlement or internal crimes come to light after someone reports something unusual such as behavior, lifestyle, or numbers not adding up, but oddly enough that hadnât occurred in this case. Bouchard added the biggest sadness is that LaJoice was living a lifestyle on other peopleâs money and not just a little above his means - having earned less than $100,000 per year but living in a $4 (m) million house. Bouchard says a number of entities will be examining LaJoiceâs lifestyle, assets and property because when they began digging deeper, they informed other related entities to begin their part including federal regulators of credit unions. He says itâs likely the IRS will also be involved because even illegal monies that are âearnedâ are considered taxable, which is how authorities got Al Capone. LaJoice faces 14 felony embezzlement charges and is being held on a $1 (m) million bond pending future court hearings. If he posts bond, a judge has ordered that he be placed on an electronic tether. (JM)
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International Mothers Support Group To Host Monthly Meetings In BrightonInternational Mothers Support Group To Host Monthly Meetings In Brighton
Local mothers in need of good conversation and bonding are invited to a new groupâs monthly meetings that will begin later this month. Mothers of preschoolers and school-age children are encouraged to attend the MOPS and MOMSnext group in Brighton. The first meeting will be held Friday, January 15th from 9 to 11:25 am at Brighton First United Methodist Church, located on Grand River Avenue near Brighton Lake Road. The group will meet once a month to start and kids will be dropped off with childcare volunteers. The mothers will then enjoy a nice breakfast, share a program or discussion and partake in some kind of craft. The faith-based MOPS international organization gives structure, curriculum and support to mothers around the world. Kate Fick, the groupâs new leader, moved to Brighton a year and a half ago and said many mothers at the church she attended wished for a MOPS group. Fick had attended the groupâs meetings in other areas and felt it was a refreshing and energizing experience. For more information or to RSVP for childcare, contact Kate Fick at kmfick@gmail.com. (DK)
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Design Team Moves Forward On Phase 2 Of Brighton Twp Sidewalk ProjectDesign Team Moves Forward On Phase 2 Of Brighton Twp Sidewalk Project
The second phase of a sidewalk installation project in Brighton Township is underway. Phase 1 was constructed and completed last year, with the 5-foot wide non-motorized pathway beginning at US-23 and heading towards the townshipâs pump station property on Grand River Avenue. Phase 2 will cross over Kensington Road and head north towards the metro parkâs entrance. Jacob Rushlow, Project Manager with OHM Advisors, met with the townshipâs Board of Trustees at a work session Monday night, seeking direction so his team can proceed with the project. Rushlow says phase 2 is now in the design process and will be one and a half miles long. Rushlow tells WHMI the projectâs second phase calls for road crossing signalization for pedestrians at Kensington Road. The first phase of the sidewalk project was constructed of concrete which is cheaper by $2 per foot. Concrete has a surface life of around 20 years; however some residents have voiced a preference of asphalt to avoid seams in the pathway. The projectâs total cost is $560,000 and Township Trustee Mike Slaton appears to be against the project in general. Slaton says it is a âpure waste of moneyâ and if the township were to get 15 to 20 years out of the sidewalks it would be a âmiracle from Godâ. Construction of the project is expected to begin this summer and would be completed by the end of the year. (DK)
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Local Woman Who Embezzled Over $100,000 From Her Workplace SentencedLocal Woman Who Embezzled Over $100,000 From Her Workplace Sentenced
A Brighton woman has received a prison sentence for embezzling a significant amount of money from her employer. 35-year-old Brynn Annette Robinson has been sentenced to 3 to 15 years in prison with a credit of 120 days served for embezzling over $100,000 from AArbor Colorants Corporation. Robinson was employed at the Brighton-based business and reportedly used company credit cards for personal expenses. Robinson pleaded guilty last month and admitted using the credit cards from March of 2012 through August of 2015. A plea deal required the woman to plead as a habitual offender and pay $200,000 in restitution. Court records indicate a previous conviction in 2003 of embezzlement and an attempt to file a false police report in 2010. (DK)
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M-DOT's Tow Plow Operating With Increased EfficiencyM-DOT's Tow Plow Operating With Increased Efficiency
The Michigan Department of Transportation is touting the advantages of a rather large snow plow that can be somewhat intimidating for those that see it coming down the road.
The pressure of blowing snow from plows can be intense and motorists are reminded to do their part and give them space, as drivers need all the help they can get when it comes to maneuvering the large trucks through traffic and along roadways. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI thatâs especially true for the relatively new tow plow, which is using both a right and left wing now, so it will be a fairly large piece of equipment moving down the roadway. Arend says the tow plow has a lot of advantages and allows crews to make less passes overall but also clear freeway ramps in a single pass. Meanwhile, M-DOT is testing out new technology to prevent ice and snow from bonding to road surfaces in areas experiencing the heaviest snowfall. A liquid anti-icer and de-icer is mixed with sand, magnesium chloride and/or salt and is being tested for effectiveness. M-DOT says the non-toxic and non-corrosive material is a byproduct of agricultural products and beer and wine distilling. (JM)
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Trial Delayed For Local Man Who Attacked Another With Samurai SwordTrial Delayed For Local Man Who Attacked Another With Samurai Sword
The trial of a Livingston County man who allegedly attacked another man with a sword has been further delayed. 55-year-old Michael Sefton is charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a weapon. He is charged as a fourth-time habitual offender. In July, Sefton attacked another man with a samurai sword. The complainant told authorities he saw Sefton arguing with his girlfriend and calling her inappropriate names and he intervened. Sefton reportedly pushed the man into a pool and then came at him swinging a samurai sword once the man got out of the pool. The man who intervened suffered multiple injuries as a result of the attack, including lacerations to his nose, arms and neck. Sefton was arrested in August and court dates for his case have been adjourned several times. A final settlement conference was held on Friday and another is scheduled for February 26th. Seftonâs jury trial has been rescheduled from January 11th to February 29th. (DK)
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Celebration In Milford Will Pay Tribute To Message Of Dr. KingCelebration In Milford Will Pay Tribute To Message Of Dr. King
Several events in Milford this month will honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of a yearly celebration. The tradition of marching through downtown Milford from Prospect Hill to Main Street will return and kicks off at 1 pm on Sunday, January 17th. Isaac Perry, Chair of the Huron Valley MLK Day Committee says the message and wisdom of Dr. King is as relevant today as it was during the Civil Rights Movement. Perry tells WHMI the MLK celebration is important to communicating the universal message of Dr. King to younger generations. The MLK March will end at the Suzanne Haskew Arts Center and winners will be awarded for their submissions in âThe WORDS of Dr. Kingâ art contest. The Empty Bowl Charity event will also be held at the SHAC on Monday, January 18th from 4 to 7 pm. The bowl painting event is held by the MLK Day Committee and the Community Sharing Outreach Center as a fundraiser to end hunger. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Community Sharing to help feed local people in need. Perry encourages anyone interested in the celebration to stay in touch by âlikingâ the committeeâs page on Facebook or visiting their website at HVMLKDay.org. (DK)
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Salvation Army Reaches Christmas Campaign Goal Salvation Army Reaches Christmas Campaign Goal
The Salvation Army of Livingston County says it was blessed with many generous donors and able to meet its campaign fundraising goal. With Christmas over and the red kettles have been packed up until next year, the Salvation Army is thanking all of the individuals, corporations, organizations and families that donated time and dollars. For the first time in several years, the local Corps had raised its goal of $378,000 by the first week in January. Major Prezza Morrison says theyâre excited to see what 2016 will bring for Livingston County, an amazing supportive community. Over the past several years, it has been a struggle for the local Corps to meet the Christmas goal by the end of January. The 2015 bell ringing season was shortened by almost two weeks this year and finding bell ringers was also a challenge. As Christmas neared and the year was coming to an end, a generous individual heard the need for help and donated two gold bars valued over $1,000 each. It was a pleasant surprise and brought smiles to the faces of volunteers and staff counting donations that Monday night but also reminded them that the community has faithfully helped The Salvation Army meet the needs of individuals and families throughout the years. More information on programs, events and opportunities with the Salvation Army of Livingston County is available in the link below. (JM)
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Brighton High School Robotics Team Hosts Competition Kickoff SaturdayBrighton High School Robotics Team Hosts Competition Kickoff Saturday
An international competition kicked off Saturday that will test the engineering skills of high school students across the world, including Livingston County. Brighton High Schoolâs Robotics Team, called the TechnoDogs,is sponsored again this year by General Motors in the FIRST Robotics Competition. This yearâs kickoff was broadcast to the team Saturday morning at the Brighton Center for Performing Arts. Dan Delisle is the GM Proving Grounds manager, who also serves as one of the teamâs mentors. He says this yearâs theme, called âStronghold,â will have different challenges that may be tough to overcome in the six weeks the team has to build its robot. Delisle, who has been working with the robotics team since it began in 2011, says although Brighton will be competing on the world stage against more than 5,000 other teams, they will have help from some seasoned veterans. âStrongholdâ takes on a medieval look which Delisle says will select random alliances between three different teams, with the goal of attacking an opposing tower and launching balls, called boulders, into it for points. He says building a robot that compliments another teamâs robot to achieve the goal is the way to get ahead in the competition. He says Brighton will compete first at Kettering University in Flint in early March. (DS/JK)
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Brighton Police K-9 Danko To Get Protective Body Armor Brighton Police K-9 Danko To Get Protective Body Armor
A four-legged member of the Brighton Police Department will be receiving some potentially lifesaving body armor thanks to a non-profit organization. K-9 Danko will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to the non-profit Vested Interest in K9s Incorporated. Danko has been with the department for about a year now and is the partner of Officer Jim Meldrum. Police Chief Tom Wightman tells WHMI they were notified recently and the grant funded vest is bullet and stab resistant to help protect Danko in potentially life-threatening situations. Wightman says often times with a police K9, the dog ends up going in ahead of the officer in what could be a dangerous situation so itâs good to have some extra protection for him. Wightman says Danko is doing great and does drug sniffing, building searches and tracking of suspects but can also help locate a missing child or elderly person who might have wandered away. Heâs also a good deterrent when it comes to prevention and keeping kids on the straight and narrow. Wightman says Danko is assigned to the school resource officer and often performs drug sniffs in Brighton schools and parking lots to help protect students. Each protective vest for a law enforcement K-9 is valued between $1, 795 and $2,234. It has an average weight of four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty. All of the vests are custom made in Michigan and the Brighton Police Department expects to receive Dankoâs new gear in eight to ten weeks. (JM)
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Two Students Charged In Alleged Rape Bound Over For Trial Two Students Charged In Alleged Rape Bound Over For Trial
Two of three Pinckney High School students charged in the alleged rape of another student have been bound over for trial. 17-year-olds Nicklaus Lefebvre and Jacob Houck both waived their preliminary examinations that were originally scheduled in 53rd District Court this afternoon. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI the waivers were conditional, meaning that if there ends up not being a plea at the pre-trial in circuit court, the defendant can ask for a remand to district court to conduct a preliminary examination. Houck, LeFebvre and a 16-year-old student are charged in connection with the alleged rape of a female student that police say occurred at a residence within the village on December 15th. Houck and LeFebvre face charges of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and furnishing alcohol to a minor. LeFebvre is also charged with child abusive commercial activity for allegedly taking pictures during the incident. Meanwhile, the 16-year-old suspect is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing February 1st in juvenile court and faces a single count of 3rd degree CSC. Charges could also be possible against a fourth student, who was interviewed and arrested but later released. Pinckney Police previously noted that the student was not a participant in the assault. (JM)
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Gas Leak Reported in Green Oak Township Gas Leak Reported in Green Oak Township
A gas leak was reported this afternoon in Green Oak Township.
Police and fire officials were on scene at Silver Lake Road, where a large truck somehow hit a regulator stand. Consumers Energy crews were still making the necessary repairs as of 6:20pm and estimated it would likely take few hours. There was not believed to be any threat to public safety. Silver Lake Road was closed from Kensington Road to Park Place and re-opened just before 6pm. The Hamburg Township Fire Department was called in to provide mutual aid assistance and cover Green Oakâs Fire Station 81. (JM)
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