Legend Steps Down Today: Larger than life, tough, and feared by the state’s most vicious drug dealers and pornographers – and yes – even controversial – We honor U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell – We Bring You His Honor’s Final Sentencings

http://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/0,1607,7-186-25806—,00.html

PURE MICHIGAN campaign is not only false but a disgusting joke by Snyder Administration, its strong-arming lackeys within DNR that impose their will on biologists, and other insiders like the Michigan Resources Commission, administration should be rounded up on federal RICO charges.

Worst environmental Governor in Michigan History – while trying to look like a sportsman – a haggard-looking Snyder has been touring the U.P. touting the absurd “Pure Michigan” Campaign.

Wake up folks – wether you are Democrat or Republican – you should not be happy about the rape of the Michigan’s environment – then a disgusting coverup campaign named Pure Michigan

The Snyder Administration created an ongoing criminal enterprise and organization by:
Creating an environment within the MI-DNR that helped the creation and coverup of a statewide water crisis – like the entire generation of low income kids who were poisoned in Flint and in many cities – and lying to the public, betraying the wildlife, covering up with a fictitious Pure Michigan campaign.

The environmental gang rape of Michigan by lawmakers cannot even come close to any good things that have happened – many in a panicked response to their criminal enterprise becoming public. By the way – I have walked the walk with the Michigan environment – please go to Linked In and see what projects I have been directly involved in like helping pollinators.

The Upper Peninsula wildlife have no bigger enemy than the dastardly and CRIMINAL Administration of Republican Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (2011-not soon enuf).

There were also environmental crimes of the Democratic Administration of Jennifer M. Granholm (2003-2010).

While working for Indian Country Today, I submitted questions that Granholm refused to answer in reference to state mining corruption, and state materials and more being used to support the rape of Indian Treaties and the joke of a mine – a terrible tradeoff – the Acid Mine hidden in north Marquette County. Never has a mine been sold so quick as it was starting production – and only a handful of temporary jobs.

Meanwhile mining conglomerates suck away billions in precious metals – and if history is any example – leave a criminal environmental mess behind.

Also we praised CCI for long-term jobs until – in our opinion – CCI’s recent manipulations of the housing and land market and the closure of the Empire Mine – CCI made off big time.

We challenge the Snyder Administration, all of its DNR and NRC lackeys – to argue they did not blatantly lie to the public about the Michigan Wolf Hunt.

***A reminder to federal prosecutors – sorta like they got Capone on tax charges – the Governor, the NRC and others actually joked about the dwindling northern Michigan Deer Herd as they formed the public lie about opening up a wolf season.

Remember taxpayers spent millions of dollars per wolf – and with lawmakers spreading fear about wolves – they denied the real reason was the near destruction of the U.P. Deer Herd in past 8 years.

If you would like me to list all the pollution that plagues the state it would like take hours – and whether Yoopers admit it – they know we have screwed the pooch on the Michigan environment. No one should deer hunt in the U.P. (or the wasting disease) northern Lower Peninsula for at least a decade. Period. Unless you need meat.

But to list a handful that each have big time impacts – treaty violations, wolf hunt lie, U.P. And northern LP deer herd destruction in several ways, cozy deals, corruption in the Marquette County Road Commission disguised with pitiful record-keeping, you can’t eat but a few Lake Trout from polluted Lake Superior.

To see other Unpure Michigan – things visit the websites:

http://www.notsopuremichigan.com/

http://www.politicususa.com/tag/rick-snyder

http://wonkette.com/599112/looks-like-pretty-much-everyone-tried-to-warn-rick-snyder-about-flints-water

http://www.uptravel.com/events-6/

http://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/0,4584,7-212–54132–,00.html

The KingPin in Criminal Sick Joke – Pure Michigan

http://www.michigan.org

https://www.pinterest.com/puremichigan/

U.P. Breaking News Exclusive: Feds Issue Big Warning to Northern Michigan Tribal Houses – Domestic Violence will end or you will go to prison – even is she forgives or stays with you

June 30, 2016July 1, 2016yoopernewsman Leave a comment

Feds continue their crackdown on tribal domestic violence and arresting a lot of people who prey on children and racking up convictions or guilty pleas

In the Upper Peninsula many of the cases are very brutal – This Predatory Behavior by Wimps Must Stop – and … Please my message to all the domestic violence victims – you must move on and leave your brutalizers in the dust – actually federal prison

By Greg Peterson
News Director, Owner
Upper Peninsula Breaking News

Here is an U.P. Breaking News Editorial followed by news stories.

We dedicate both to our late, dear friend Tillie Black Bear – who was once a lone voice in the wilderness exposing tribal domestic violence. A Lakota, Tillie was also abused by the criminal justice system, fellow tribes people, and finally some of her co-workers.

Watch Tillie Black Bear’s talk at Northern Michigan University where she explained that “tribal domestic violence was once punished by death.”

https://turtleislandproject.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/tillie-black-bear-tribal-domestic-violence-once-punished-by-death

(Marquette, MI) – Upper Peninsula Breaking News believes that if you physically attack your spouse that results in injury – then you should go to prison. Period.

That’s a lot easier on the domestic assault offender than the death punishment, that our friend Tillie Black Bear spoke of in Lakota custom.

It’s sad that federal prosecutors have to wait until the evil-minded suspects has racked up three other domestic violence-related convictions in tribal court or state courts.

A real man doesn’t put his hands on a woman with intent to injure. Then these batterers get all wimpy and try to play court jester around the U.S. Marshals that ship them off to federal prison that has no parole.

One Keweenaw Bay Indian Community batter was recently sent prison for choking his spouse and he blamed alcohol for the violence saying he was a mean drunk during a conversation with U.P. Breaking News – and then repeated that in court – noting the federal bust experience changed his life and he is now helping others and staying sober. He said drinking was no excuse for his violent crimes.

The tiny victim stood at his side and said she still supports and forgives him – but he has to stay away from booze.

First we look at the laws that have allowed this federal crackdown on tribal habitual domestic violence.

Feds Demand Domestic Violence Will End in Tribal Households across northern Michigan – or the FBI is coming to get you

Violence Against Indian Women

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a landmark piece of legislation that sought to improve criminal justice and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in the United States.

The passage of VAWA in 1994 and its re-authorization in 2000 has changed the landscape for victims who once suffered in silence.

Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking have been able to access services, and a new generation of families and justice system professionals have come to understand that domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are crimes that our society will not tolerate.

Federal Prosecutor Hannah Bobee Takes on the Bad Boys of the Tribes – and They Lose

Also Feds are cracking down on pervs who hurt children in ways that are sickening

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (66)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (65)

Glenn Daniel Tolonen, Sr photo by Lauri Denomie, tribal paper

Kicking the Batterers’ Butts to the Pen – The Big House – To meet their friendly shower-mate Bubba

By
Greg Peterson
News Director, Owner
Upper Peninsula Breaking News

(Marquette, MI) – A Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) man recently pleaded guilty to being a domestic violence habitual offender in a violent attack on his spouse involving putting his hands around her throat in an attempted strangulation.

Under the plea agreement with Glenn Daniel Tolonen, Sr., a KBIC fisherman, a second charge of assault by strangulation was dropped. Meanwhile, an Isabella Indian Reservation man in central Michigan was recently sent to federal prison for his violent attacks on females.

After hearing his defense attorney extol the good sides of Mr. Tolonen, the prosecutor said don’t be fooled because Tolonen is a manipulator.

Mr. Tolonen “is a batterer and this is how he manipulates victims,” said prosecutor Bobee.

Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee, Lochner (9)

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee of Marquette is throwing tribal domestic batterers into federal prison. because if you have three tribal or state court domestic violence-related convictions – the fourth time the FBI is coming.

Bobee said the public must realize that women are being seriously hurt and even murdered – and the Tolonen case is serious because of “the gravity of this type strangulation” that could have led to death.

A federal judge said tribal batterer’s better take the domestic violence crackdown seriously. In other words, the government isn’t playing.

Mr. Glenn Tolonen, Sr. “is a batterer and this is how he manipulates victims,” said federal prosecutor Hannah Bobee.

The Honorable R. Allan Edgar by David Laprad, Hamilton County Herald

Photo of now-retired Federal Judge R. Allan Edgar by David Laprad, Hamilton County Herald

“The federal government is prosecuting these cases – its meaningful,” said federal judge R. Allan Edgar during his final handful of sentencings before retiring after 20 years on the bench.

Judge Edgar was not pleased with Tolonen’s four domestic violence convictions and said Tolonen “obviously has not respected the law and the victims” adding that prison time for many may be a “deterrent.”

The judge said by giving prison terms family batterer’s will get a clue because “hopefully consequences will make them (batterers) think twice about doing it,” the Judge said.

“The federal government is prosecuting these cases – its meaningful,” said federal judge R. Allan Edgar during his final handful of sentencings before retiring after 20 years on the bench. “Hopefully (the) consequences will make (batterers) think twice about doing it.”

Tolonen received two-and-a-half years (30 months) in federal prison from U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar last Wednesday, June 22, 2016 – who held his final day of sentencings before retiring after nearly three decades on the bench and legal work. Following his release, Tolonen will be on two years supervised release.

Tolonen has been receiving alcohol treatment at the Phoenix House in Calumet and “there is a spiritual component,” said Assistant U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse, adding that the treatment has made a “profound difference” in his life.

Mr. Tolonen is “very remorseful for his actions,” LaCosse said. Tolonen “hurts deeply in his soul.” for attacking his female companion.

While Tolonen is making no excuses for his crime, LaCosse said alcohol has always been “a precursor” to violent behavior. The alcohol “allows demons that would hit a woman or a girl,” LaCosse said.

Tolonen’s alcohol and domestic violence go “hand-in-hand”but she acknowledged he has been in an out of treatment that never sticks – until now. LaCosse said since his arrest by the feds her client has “helped people get into treatment – and helps the elderly a lot.”

LaCosse asked the judge to allow Tolonen to “self report” and reminded the court Tolonen is a “commercial fisherman” who will likely lose his job. However Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee would have none of that – saying the attack was “a violent offense” and he should be “taken into custody.”

By Susan Field, Mt. Pleasant News

Meanwhile, sentencing was held on April 11, 2016 in federal court for the Eastern District of Michigan at Bay City, MI for Sean Michael Wilson of the Anishinaabe Isabella Indian Reservation located in the heart of the Lower Peninsula.

Listen to this rare, exclusive audio of the federal court sentencing of Sean Wilson.

Wilson pleaded guilty to habitual offender domestic violence and was sentenced to just over three years or 37 months in federal prison .

Wilson has three previous domestic violence related convictions including a felony weapons conviction of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in Isabella County Circuit Court, domestic violence in Isabella County District Court and family violence in Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Court dating back 15 years involving a spouse.

Starting in 1988, court records show Wilson also has a long history of other crimes including resisting arrest, animal cruelty, drinking alcohol on a roadway, driving with no license, drunken driving and possession of pot.

Download, brochures, studies:

Listen to the rare audio of a federal court sentencing of a confessed tribal habitual domestic violence offender

House Republicans Add Insult To Native Women’s Injury

Policy Insights Brief_The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)_02-06-13

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan 2013 Year_in_Review

Indian Affairs Committee in New Mexico 8-30-12 – Domestic Violence Combating Violence Against Indian Women and Children: Facts, Figures, and Resources Center for Native American Health

Sacred Circle Brochure

Guide to Understanding the Requirements of Purpose Area #5 OVW Tribal Governments Program) in the Fiscal Year 2016 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

Maze of Injustice: A Summary of Amnesty International’s Findings

Showing Support for the Women of Turtle Island

For the Women of Turtle Island are the real leaders if the Seventh Generation can’t get their act together

A true worry because we have left the Seventh Generation with a world full of pollution, hate and violence

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Anishinaabe Isabella Indian Reservation – The Seven Fires Prophecy

http://www.anishinabe-history.com/reservations/isabella.shtml

http://www.sagchip.org/ziibiwing/aboutus/history.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_Indian_Reservation

——-

Stats, Info and the Fight Against Tribal Domestic Violence:

——-

Tribal Domestic Violence studies, information and help:

Tribal Court Clearinghouse, A Project of the Tribal Law and Policy Institute:

Violence Against Indian Women

The passage of The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994 and its re-authorization in 2000 has changed the landscape for victims who once suffered in silence.

http://www.tribal-institute.org/lists/vaiw.htm

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA 2013) Implementation Update: Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2013 and the Tulalip Tribes Jurisdiction over Crimes of Domestic Violence

U.S. Justice Department remarks:

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch Delivers Remarks at Justice Department Event in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Acting Associate Attorney General Stuart F. Delery Delivers Remarks at Justice Department Event in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Resources:

Domestic Violence

Sexual Assault

Stalking

Victims of Crime

Office on Violence Against Women

Training and Technical Assistance Providers:

Mending the Sacred Hoop TA Project

Southwest Center for Law & Policy

Tribal Law & Policy Institute

Clan Star, Inc. (Coalition Grants)

Sacred Circle

Federal Agencies:

Office of Tribal Justice (OTJ)

Indian Health Service

HUD Office of Native American Programs (ONAP)

Office for Victims of Crime

OJJDP Tribal Youth Program

Office on Violence Against Women

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Law Enforcement Services

more

Native Organizations:

Native American Rights Fund (NARF)

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA)

National Tribal Justice Resource Center

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

Native American Children’s Alliance (NACA)

National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC)

Navajo Nation Bar Association

California Indian Legal Services

Native Elder Health Care Resource Center

National Indian Child Welfare Association

more

Resources:

National CASA Association

Drug Court Clearinghouse

National Indian Law Library

Child Welfare League of America

National Children’s Alliance
Lisa Mitten’s Native American Sites
Native Web

Violence Against Women

http://www.niwhrc.com/Violence-Against-Women

University of Miami Law School Institutional Repository

University of Miami Race & Social Justice Law Review 7-1-2013

‘House Republicans Add Insult To Native Women’s Injury’ By Ryan Devreskracht

http://repository.law.miami.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=umrsjlr

A Guide to Understanding the Requirements of Purpose Area #5 Violence Against Women Tribal (OVW) Tribal Governments Program) Fiscal Year 2016 Coordinated Tribal Assistance

Contact Info: Call The Office on Violence Against Women Tribal Affairs Division at 202-307-6026.

Fiscal Year 2016 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation.

Copy of the official solicitation may be obtained at:

http://www.justice.gov/tribal/grants.html

https://www.justice.gov/tribal/file/796091/download

Indian Health Service

www.ihs.gov/dvpi/resources

Break the Cycle: Empowering Youth to End Domestic Violence

Downloadable resources

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Screening: Fact Sheet and Resources

The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence (888-792-2873)

Futures without Violence website

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC) (855-649-7299)

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) (800-537-2238)

The NRCDV’s VAWnet

U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Violence Prevention page

The Truth Out Organization – an important group

www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/25230-a-national-disgrace-violence-against-native-women

National Congress Of Americans Indians

www.ncai.org/attachments/PolicyPaper_tWAjznFslemhAffZgNGzHUqIWMRPkCDjpFtxeKEUVKjubxfpGYK_Policy%20Insights%20Brief_VAWA_020613.pdf

http://files.ncai.org/broadcasts/2013/February/VAWA%20toolkit_013113%20(2).pdf

Violence Against Women in Indian Country

Tribal Coalitions Program

Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS)

www.justice.gov/ovw/tribal-communities

The Indian Law Resource Center

http://indianlaw.org/issue/ending-violence-against-native-women

http://indianlaw.org/safewomen/violence-against-native-women-gaining-global-attention

At Last, Violence Against Women Act Lets Tribes Prosecute Non-Native Domestic Abusers: 3/6/2015 by Jennifer Bendery White House and congressional reporter, The Huffington Post

www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/06/vawa-native-americans_n_6819526.html

Futures without Violence

www.futureswithoutviolence.org/userfiles/file/Violence%20Against%20AI%20AN%20Women%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Sacred Circle – M ending The Sacred Hoop

Violence Against Native Women Fact Sheet

From: American Indians and Crime Report, Homicide and Suicide Among Native Americans

http://mshoop.org

http://mshoop.org/brochures-pdf/VAIWFact%20Sheet.pdf

Maze of Injustice: A Summary of Amnesty International’s Findings

www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/women-s-rights/violence-against-women/maze-of-injustice

http://mshoop.org/

http://www.amnestyusa.org/pdfs/MazeOfInjustice.pdf

The University of Mew Mexico – School of Medicine: Health Sciences Center Report on Indigenous/Native American/Tribal Domestic Violence

Combating Violence Against Indian Women and Children: Facts, Figures, and Resources

A Presentation to the New Mexico Legislature Indian Affairs Committee (Interim)

By Tassy Parker, PhD, RN

Associate Professor, Family and Community Medicine

Director, Center for Native American Health

Assistant Dean, Office of Academic Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/handouts/IAC%20083012%20-%20Domestic%20Violence%20CNAH.pdf

Sacred Circle, National Resource Center to End Violence Against Native Women

Tribes and tribal organizations are invited to contact Sacred Circle about their specific needs.

Sacred Circle

722 St. Joseph Street

Rapid City, SD 57701

1-877-RED-ROAD or 1-877-733-7623 (toll free call)

(605) 341-2472 (fax)

scircle@sacred-circle.com

www.ncdsv.org/images/SacredCirclebrochure.pdf

DV Groups 11 Sacred Circle Fighting Tribal Domestic Violence

DV Groups 10 Sacred Circle Fighting Tribal Domestic Violence

DV Groups 9 Sacred Circle Fighting Tribal Domestic Violence

October 6th. 2015 panel presentation on Implementing VAWA 2013: Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction

The U. S. Department of Justice held a Domestic Violence Awareness Month event on October 6, 2015 which featured a panel discussion with representatives from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona and the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.

On March 7, 2013, President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013) into law.

www.tribal-institute.org/lists/vaiw.htm

——-

Assistant U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse

Elizabeth A. LaCosse
Federal Public Defender – Marquette
925 W Washington, Ste. 104
Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 226-3050
(906) 273-0070 (fax)

beth_lacosse@fd.org

——-

Patrick A. Miles, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, headquarter in Grand Rapids, MI – where there are numerous violent cases involving automatic weapons, machine guns and more.

Federal Prosecutors in Marquette, MI: Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee, left, and Asst. U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner, right.

Federal Prosecutors in Marquette have the go ahead to put habitual tribal domestic violence offenders in prison from Michigan Western District U.S. Attorney General Patrick A. Miles.

Pictured above are, from left, are Miles, and Marquette Asst. U.S. Attorneys Hannah Bobee and Paul Lochner They are not putting up with habitual offenders who regularly beat, strangle and seriously hurt their partner or others on tribal lands

Cracking Down of Tribal Domestic Violence

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Patrick Miles, Jr. was nominated by President Barack Obama on March 29, 2012 to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 29, 2012 and assumed office on July 9, 2012.

Offices of the United States Attorney (federal prosecutor) for the Western District of Michigan

Grand Rapids, MI HQ

616-456-2404

Marquette, MI HQ

906-226-2500

Lansing, MI HQ

517-377-1577

www.miwd.uscourts.gov

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/meet-us-attorney

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/victim-and-witness-assistance-program

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/current-us-attorneys-office-openings

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/criminal-division

www.judicialwatch.org/document-archive/allan-r-edgar-financial-disclosure-report-for-2003

June 24, 2016:

Former Upper Peninsula Teacher Sentenced For Sexual Exploitation Of Children

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/violent-crime-reduction-task-force-initiative

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/victim-and-witness-assistance-program

The Attorney General’s Smart On Crime Initiative

Western District of Michigan

Smart on Crime Action Plan 2014-2016

https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-wdmi/pages/attachments/2015/04/10/wdmi_smartoncrime_actionplan.pdf

Project Safe Childhood

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/project-safe-childhood

Violent Crime Reduction Task Force Initiative

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/violent-crime-reduction-task-force-initiative

Giving Back to the Community through a variety of venues and initiatives

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/community-outreach

Marquette Federal Prosecutors

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Citizens Bank Building, 2nd Fl.

1930 US 41 W

Marquette, MI 49855

Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee

(906) 226-2500

Hannah.Bobee@usdoj.gov

She is native American and and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

www.rosettelaw.com/attorney-bio-bobee.html

www.justice.gov/dea/divisions/det/2013/det061913.shtml

www.leadershipdirectories.com/profiles/Hannah-Bobee-Assistant-US-Attorney-Marquette-%28MI%29-Office-.htm

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner

(906) 226-2500

Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov

Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat

(906) 226-2500

www.justice.gov/usao/miw/news/2012/2012_0525_VProtasoff.html

www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/07/12/attorney-actor-john-stamos-fling-year-old-student/

——-

Photo of Judge R. Allan Edgar by David Laprad, Hamilton County Herald

www.miwd.uscourts.gov/content/judge-r-allan-edgar

Federal Judge R. Allan Edgar

U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar

U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan

P.O. Box 698
Marquette MI 49855

Office Phone: (906) 226-2084
Case Manager: (906) 226-2084

www.hamiltoncountyherald.com/Story.aspx?id=1210&date=4%2F16%2F2010

A Marquette native, Edgar spent most of his career in Tennessee, first an attorney and then elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives. President Ronald Reagan appointed Edgar as a U.S. District judge in 1985.

His parents me at the Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Big Bay, MI.

Until age 13, Edgar lived as a child on West Magnetic Street in Marquette, MI

The family moved in 1953 when his his father got job in Tennessee.

The future Judge Edgar still spent summers in the U.P. with his grandparents and worked a summer job out at the exclusive Huron Mountain Club in Big Bay, MI.

Photo of Judge R. Allan Edgar by David Laprad, Hamilton County Herald

www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/564345/Home-again–Judge-has-U-P–roots.html?nav=5006

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Allan_Edgar

——-

Court Reporter Sandy Larson

Case Manager C.A. Moore

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley

U.S. Probation Officer Matthew Luce

——-

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley

www.nmu.edu/criminaljustice/node/75

http://abc10up.com/greeley-reappointed-u-s-magistrate-judge

www.nmu.edu/criminaljustice/node/135

www.miwd.uscourts.gov/content/magistrate-judge-timothy-p-greeley

www.historyforsale.com/html/prodetails.asp?documentid=175357&start=1&page=92

——-

Greg Peterson

News Director, Owner

UpperPeninsulaBreakingNews@gmail.com

906-204-2249 (hm)

906-204-0848 (cell)

www.UPBreakingNews.com

https://twitter.com/UPBreakingNews

https://www.facebook.com/UpperPeninsulaBreakingNews

https://www.youtube.com/UPBreakingNews

U.P. Breaking News Exclusive: Suffering Selfie – Detroit native who ‘grew up in the hood’ gets six years in federal prison for taking a ‘Selfie’ – The problem? He is a convicted felon!!

June 28, 2016June 28, 2016yoopernewsman Leave a comment

The “Selfie” that sent a man to prison – Millions of selfies are taken daily across the world – But when will convicted felons learn not to pose with a gun?

Grew up in the Hood
Convicted felon Montdesze Antonio Johnson, 31, was surrounded by drugs and “grew up in the hood,” in Detroit, MI, according to his defense attorney – Assistant U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (27)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (26)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (28)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (29)

Canik Model TP9SA 9mm semiautomatic pistol 1

By Greg Peterson

News Director, Owner

https://www.usinquirer.com/records/15040000

(Marquette, MI) – It may be the costliest selfie ever taken in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – a place where selfies are common thanks to summer tourists visiting the beautiful wilderness and Lake Superior.

Convicted felon Montdesze Antonio Johnson, 31, took a “picture on his phone” holding a pistol – and that selfie has put him in federal prison.

Johnson got almost 6 years in prison but that’s a lot better than the maximum sentence of 10 years.

U.S. Marshals escort Montdesze Johnson into federal court in Marquette, MI on June 22, 2015 for sentencing. Photo by Greg Peterson

In an effort to possibly elicit leniency from the judge, Johnson’s defense attorney immediately tried to set the sympathy bar very low using the “P” card or maybe the “H” card.

Poverty stricken and “growing up around drugs” in the Detroit area, Johnson grew up “basically in the hood,” said Assistant U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse. “He had a lot of issues growing up – he can be rehabilitated.”

The gun has not been found and “nobody saw him with the gun,” LaCosse said. The owner “showed off the gun to my client and Ms. Flaska” adding before it disappeared the gun was in a case and stored in a shed.

Johnson was was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for taking a selfie – the only problem is he was holding a pistol. If you have a felony record – like carjacking – you can’t possess a gun – ever – not for any reason.

The selfie might not seem like that big of a deal, however prosecutors say Johnson has a long history of getting into trouble – like convictions on two counts of carjacking.

Johnson has “quite a record,” U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar, adding the reason Johnson must be put in prison for public protection.

Johnson grew up around poverty and drugs, LaCosse said, adding he started abusing marijuana and alcohol at age 12.

The theft of cars and carjacking are not crimes that can easily be explained away, prosecutors said.

“It’s not like he stole bags of potato chips or packs of gum – cars are a big deal in America,” said Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat. “This is a big deal.”

“It’s not like he stole bags of potato chips or packs of gum – cars are a big deal in America,” said Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat. “This is a big deal.”

Before sentencing, Johnson apologized and said he had “no excuses.”

“I apologize to the court,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he’d “made better decisions” and described himself as “very impulsive.”

Last week (June 22, 2016) in Marquette, federal Judge R. Allan Edgar sentenced Johnson to 70 months in federal prison and that equals five years and 10 months. After serving his federal prison sentence, Johnson will be under three years supervised release.

Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, Johnson pleaded guilty to count one of the two-count indictment returned on Dec. 15. 2015 by a federal grand jury sitting in Marquette. The judge dismissed count two of the indictment possession of a stolen firearm.

Johnson admitted being a “felon in possession of a firearm.” The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The gun at issue is the Canik Model TP9SA 9mm semiautomatic Luger pistol – described as a Polymer pistol.

The incident happened in Marquette County between July 27 and Aug. 1, 2015 – and that’s the rub – this case is about a selfie.

Johnson has been in trouble with the law on previous occasions:

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (121)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (72)

Judge Dennis H. Girard gave a 90-day jail sentence on June 29, 2015 to 30-year-old Montdesze Antonio Johnson of 2019 Longyear Ave in Marquette, MI on a state misdemeanor charge of larceny between $200-1,000 – and was given credit for 14 days serve and ordered to pay nearly $1,222 in costs/fines – that according to a news brief in the Mining Journal on Sept. 29, 2015 that listed June 2015 sentencings in district court.

Montdesze Antonio Johnson was booked into the Macomb County, MI jail near Detroit on April 18, 2006, according to MobileMugs.com – that analyzed Public Records from the Michigan Department of Corrections.

The felony information associated with this charge alleged that, on October 22, 2005, in Macomb County, MI:

Johnson entered a guilty plea on March 1, 2006, and sentenced to 4 to 20 years in prison on April 18, 2006.

On Valentines Day 2006 then 20-year-old Montdesze Antonio Johnson was arrested in Lansing, MI on numerous felonies including conspiracy to commit car jacking, car jacking, Third-degree fleeing from a police officer, and attempted car theft “receiving and concealing stolen property,” according to the website MugShotsOnline.com

Sent Memorandum Montdesze Antonio Johnson other charges 5

Sent Memorandum Montdesze Antonio Johnson other charges 2

Sent Memorandum Montdesze Antonio Johnson other charges 4

Sent Memorandum Montdesze Antonio Johnson other charges 1

Sent Memorandum Montdesze Antonio Johnson other charges 3

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The Canik Model TP9SA 9mm semiautomatic pistol:

Guilty plea:

Count 1: Felon in possession of a firearm – involving the Canik Model TP9SA 9mm semiautomatic pistol:

July 27 – Aug. 28, 2015

Marquette County

Dismissed:

Count 2: Possession of a stolen firearm

Aug. 6 – Aug. 28, 2015

Marquette County

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Related links and info about cases in the U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan

——-

Prior crimes of Montdesze Antonio Johnson like carjacking and larceny:

1: Marquette District Court Judge Dennis H. Girard gave a 90-day jail sentence on June 29, 2015 to 30-year-old Montdesze Antonio Johnson of 2019 Longyear Ave in Marquette, MI on a state misdemeanor charge of larceny between $200-1,000 – and was given credit for 14 days serve and ordered to pay nearly $1,222 in costs/fines – that according to a brief in the Mining Journal on Sept. 29, 2015 that listed June 2015 sentencings in district court.

2. Montdesze Antonio Johnson was booked into the Macomb County, MI jail near Detroit on April 18, 2006, according to MobileMugs – that analyzed Public Records from the Michigan Department of Corrections.

3. The felony information associated with this charge alleged that, on October 22, 2005, in Macomb County, MI, Defendant:

Johnson entered a guilty plea on March 1, 2006, and sentenced to 4 to 20 years in prison on April 18, 2006.

3. On Valentines Day 2006 a then 20-year-old Montdesze Antonio Johnson was arrested in Lansing, MI on numerous felonies including conspiracy to commit car jacking, car jacking, Third-degree fleeing from a police officer, and attempted car theft “receiving and concealing stolen property,” according to the website MugShotsOnline.com

http://mugshots.mobi/michigan/macomb-county/15040000

http://www.mugshotsonline.com/michigan/lansing/montdesze-antonio-johnson/153615831

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/626868/Courts.html?nav=5204

http://www.leagle.com/decision/In%20FDCO%2020160412A92/U.S.%20v.%20JOHNSON

http://www.leagle.com/decision/In%20FDCO%2020160412A91/U.S.%20v.%20JOHNSON

——-

Selfie from the modern knowledge source – All of the interesting info below on all angles of “selfies” is from Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfie

Robert Cornelius, an American pioneer in photography, produced a daguerreotype of himself in 1839 which is also one of the first photographs of a person.
Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna at the age of 13 was one of the first teenagers to take her own picture using a mirror to send to a friend in 1914. In the letter that accompanied the photograph, she wrote, “I took this picture of myself looking at the mirror. It was very hard as my hands were trembling.”
Illustration of a modern selfie performed in 1997 The Fifth Element movie: The first known depiction of the modern selfie is found in the 1997 Luc Besson futuristic movie The Fifth Element when a crew member of the talk-show host Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker) takes a photograph of himself alongside the main character Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis).
In 2015 it was reported that more people had been killed taking selfies that year than by shark attacks. A 2015 study showed that 20% of young Britons had taken selfies while driving a car.
The Italian chief of state police expressed concern over the same phenomenon in Italy on the occasion of the launch of a short film with the title “Selfie.”
In 2016 the behavior of an Argentinian crowd seeking a selfie with a La Plata dolphin was held responsible for its death.
The first use of the word selfie in any paper or electronic medium appeared in an Australian internet forum September 13, 2002. In Karl Kruszelnicki‘s ‘Dr Karl Self-Serve Science Forum‘, a post by Nathan Hope stated:

Um, drunk at a mates 21st, I tripped ofer (sic) and landed lip first (with front teeth coming a very close second) on a set of steps. I had a hole about 1cm long right through my bottom lip. And sorry about the focus, it was a selfie.

——-

Da meaning of “Selfie by those who think a lot:

Oxford says it is a noun – the plural (of course) is “selfies.” Notice the Oxford warning or opinion in description

Informal meaning: A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media: occasional selfies are acceptable, but posting a new picture of yourself every day isn’t necessary

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/selfie

What a story folks: “The Murky Meaning of the Killer Selfie” by Avi Steinberg Dec. 11, 2015
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/11/magazine/the-murky-meaning-of-the-killer-selfie.html?_r=0

Even Babynology.com is asking its readers to give the meaning to the word (used as a name) “Selfie” for a newborn

http://www.babynology.com/meaning-selfie-f6.html

——-

A Polymer Pistol: Canik Model TP9SA 9mm semiautomatic Luger pistol

One expert called the pistol: Striker-fired, polymer-framed full size 9mm pistol that’s essentially a Turkish-made knock-off of the Walther P99

Another expert said: Organized in form-fitting foam, you’ll find the TP9SA inside a SERPA-style retention holster with two different belt attachments. The pistol has a GLOCK-like magazine loading tool, and two magazines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTaXe2uwKww

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/century-tp9sa-9mm-luger-semiautomatic-pistol

http://www.guns.com/review/the-tp9sa-is-built-of-steel-polymer-and-black-magic-video/

http://www.handgunsmag.com/reviews/polymer-pistol-showdown-glock-17-vs-canik-tp9sa

http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/canik-tp9-sa-budget-9mm-torture-test/

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/06/jeremy-s/gun-review-canik-tp9sa

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U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley

www.nmu.edu/criminaljustice/node/75

http://abc10up.com/greeley-reappointed-u-s-magistrate-judge

www.nmu.edu/criminaljustice/node/135

www.miwd.uscourts.gov/content/magistrate-judge-timothy-p-greeley

http://www.historyforsale.com/html/prodetails.asp?documentid=175357&start=1&page=92

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Assistant U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse
Elizabeth A. LaCosse
Federal Public Defender – Marquette
925 W Washington, Ste. 104
Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 226-3050
(906) 273-0070 (fax)
beth_lacosse@fd.org

——-

Federal Prosecutors:

Patrick Miles, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan

Patrick Miles, Jr. was nominated by President Barack Obama on March 29, 2012 to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 29, 2012 and assumed office on July 9, 2012.>

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/meet-us-attorney

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/victim-and-witness-assistance-program

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/current-us-attorneys-office-openings

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/criminal-division

www.miwd.uscourts.gov

www.judicialwatch.org/document-archive/allan-r-edgar-financial-disclosure-report-for-2003

June 24, 2016:

Former Upper Peninsula Teacher Sentenced For Sexual Exploitation Of Children

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/violent-crime-reduction-task-force-initiative

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/victim-and-witness-assistance-program

The Attorney General’s Smart On Crime Initiative: Western District of Michigan Smart on Crime Action Plan 2014-2016

https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-wdmi/pages/attachments/2015/04/10/wdmi_smartoncrime_actionplan.pdf

Project Safe Childhood

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/project-safe-childhood

Violent Crime Reduction Task Force Initiative

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/violent-crime-reduction-task-force-initiative

Giving Back to the Community through a variety of venues and initiatives

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/community-outreach

United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan

Marquette Federal Prosecutors

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Citizens Bank Building, 2nd Fl.

1930 US 41 W

Marquette, MI 49855

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner

(906) 226-2500

Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov

Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat

(906) 226-2500

www.justice.gov/usao/miw/news/2012/2012_0525_VProtasoff.html

www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/07/12/attorney-actor-john-stamos-fling-year-old-student/

Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee

(906) 226-2500

Hannah.Bobee@usdoj.gov

She is native American and and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

www.rosettelaw.com/attorney-bio-bobee.html

www.justice.gov/dea/divisions/det/2013/det061913.shtml

www.leadershipdirectories.com/profiles/Hannah-Bobee-Assistant-US-Attorney-Marquette-%28MI%29-Office-.htm

——-

www.miwd.uscourts.gov/content/judge-r-allan-edgar

Federal Judge R. Allan Edgar

U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar

U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan

P.O. Box 698
Marquette, MI 49855

Office Phone: (906) 226-2084
Case Manager: (906) 226-2084

www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/564345/Home-again–Judge-has-U-P–roots.html?nav=5006

His parents me at the Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Big Bay, MI.

Until age 13, Edgar lived as a child on West Magnetic Street in Marquette, MI.

The family moved in 1953 when his his father got job in Tennessee.

The future Judge Edgar still spent summers in the U.P. with his grandparents and worked a summer job out at the exclusive Huron Mountain Club in Big Bay, MI.

Photo of Judge R. Allan Edgar by David Laprad, Hamilton County Herald

www.hamiltoncountyherald.com/Story.aspx?id=1210&date=4%2F16%2F2010

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Allan_Edgar

——-

Court Reporter Sandy Larson

Case Manager C.A. Moore

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley

U.S. Probation Officer Matthew Luce

——-

Greg Peterson

News Director, Owner

UpperPeninsulaBreakingNews@gmail.com

906-204-2249 (hm)

906-204-0848 (cell)

www.UPBreakingNews.com

https://twitter.com/UPBreakingNews

https://www.facebook.com/UpperPeninsulaBreakingNews

https://www.youtube.com/UPBreakingNews

U.P. Breaking News Exclusive: Federal judge declares U.P. infested with drugs like cancer; First guilty pleas in massive heroin/crack pipeline from Detroit to U.P.

June 27, 2016June 27, 2016yoopernewsman Leave a comment

“Drugs in Detroit are being spread like a cancer here in the U.P.,” said U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar, who was presiding over his final sentencings before retirement. “There is really no excuse for it.”

Corrie Venta Ruth, left, was sentenced to 41 months or three years and five months in federal prison. Stephanie Rae Hatch, right, was sentenced to 33 months or two years and nine months in federal prison. Video still by Greg Peterson

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Corrie Venta Ruth 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (3)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (34)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (39)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Corrie Venta Ruth 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (1)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing 3 of them by Greg Peterson (75)

Damon Ramone Belcher received 46 months or three years and 10 months in federal prison. Video still by Greg Peterson

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing 3 of them 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson

youtube:

By Greg Peterson
News Director, Owner
Upper Peninsula Breaking News

**See the federal court documents including emotional letters to the judge from friends/relatives of one of the three who were sent to prison Stephanie Rae Hatch

(Marquette, MI) – A large heroin and crack cocaine pipeline from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula is being dismantled by federal prosecutors who oversaw the sentencing of three co-conspirators last week (June 22, 2016) and there are huge hints that more criminal charges and indictments are expected against others in the drug trafficking organization that can be violent.

“Drugs in Detroit are being spread like a cancer here in the U.P.,” said U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar, who was presiding over his final sentencings before retirement. “There is really no excuse for it.”

“Today we are dealing with the Houghton branch of the conspiracy,” the judge said, noting that the kingpin of the conspiracy was also bringing “heroin and crack cocaine to Escanaba.”

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (24)

Heroin Asian from Vice.com via Wikimedia

Vancouver heroin and crack Photo Creative Commons

Federal prosecutor Paul Lochner said the cases are important to the U.P. because the cycles brought by highly addictive drugs have left a “wrath of social problems” on Yooper and national doorsteps – like meth, heroin and cocaine.

Even though the nickname of a Detroit drug baron and his wife were brought up several times during the sentencings, one federal official pleaded with U.P. Breaking News not to use the name because “lives are at stake” and suggested a temporary pseudonym be used in news coverage.

The kingpin is “good about hiding facts of the conspiracy” from each employee, federal officials said.

For the purposes of this story only and to protect lives, U.P. Breaking News will use the pseudonyms “Mr. Drug Kingpin” and “Mrs. Drug Kingpin.”

“Drugs in Detroit are being spread like a cancer here in the U.P.,” said U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar, who was presiding over his final sentencings before retirement. “There is really no excuse for it.“

Damon Ramone Belcher received 46 months or three years and 10 months in federal prison. Video still by Greg Peterson

Federal Judge R. Allen Edgar handed out these sentences:

Damon Ramone Belcher, a.k.a. defendant “D” received 46 months or three years and 10 months in federal prison
Corrie Venta Ruth, a.k.a. defendant “C” was sentenced to 41 months or three years and five months in federal prison
Stephanie Rae Hatch sentenced to 33 months or two years and nine months in federal prison

All were interviewed and officially arrested by Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) agent Ron Koski in Houghton, MI

The three sentencing were each handled separately. But had several uncommon ties – sidebars.

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (31)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (25)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing 3 of them 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (83)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Corrie Venta Ruth 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (6)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Damon Ramone Belcher 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (47)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing 3 of them 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (81)

In a rare event during sentencing, an official sidebar with the judge was requested by prosecutors and defense attorneys with their clients at their side. Sidebars are common during trials and sometimes pretrial hearings but rarely during sentencing.

Just to make sure no-one could hear what was being said, federal court officials turned on a white noise machine.

At issue is a major federal investigation into the Detroit to the U.P. of a heroin and crack cocaine pipeline – and high level trafficking of drugs in others areas.

Cooperating witnesses lives may be in jeopardy.

Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee, Lochner (7)

Federal Prosecutors in Marquette, MI: Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee, left, and Asst. U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner, right.

Federal Prosecutor Paul Lochner painted Ruth as one of “multiple bagmen” in the organization and all said all three were in the game because of greed – “trying to make money.”

Lochner said he hopes the prison sentences will be a “deterrent” and send the message to would-be drug couriers that “easy money is not the answer.”

“It’s a dumb decision,” Lochner said. “The answer isn’t selling narcotics.”

Damon Ramone Belcher and Corrie Venta Ruth were indicted on two counts each of felony “distribution of heroin.”

On Nov. 18, 2015 in Houghton and Lake Linden, Belcher and Ruth “knowingly and intentionally distributed heroin, and aided and abetted the distribution of heroin,” the indictments state.

The defendants and their lawyer ask for leniency:

During each sentencing, Assistant U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse tried to paint her clients in the best possible light and pleaded for leniency because their respective roles were minor compared to others being investigated in the coke-heroin pipeline.

LaCosse argue that in federal sentencing guidelines there have long been “powder and crack cocaine disparities” in sentencing – that the judge noted was important because crack is much more addictive and powerful – the cooked base of powdered cocaine.

LaCosse reminded the judge about recently changed sentencing guidelines set by the United States Sentencing Commission and that the judge has the discretion to give a prison term appropriate for each person’s involvement in the conspiracy that take into consideration the actual drug weights of involving each defendant.

The judge said he sentenced all three on the “low end” of the federal sentencing guidelines because of their cooperation and relatively minor roles in the conspiracy.

However, Public Defender LaCosse asked the judge to consider an even lower departure because future sentencing commission edicts are expected to give judges even more desecration, but the retiring judge appeared uninterested in reading the tea leaves.

Saying I am a lowly judge, the Judge Edgar said he was going to “administer the guidelines as given” and issues raised by LaCosse are “questions for the sentencing commission to decide.”

After the heart-wrenching information offered by the defense, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Lochner reminded the judge that the cases are the latest example of the misery brought by drug traffickers in the U.P. – where an untold number of Yoopers are addicted.

Damon Ramone Belcher received 46 months or three years and 10 months in federal prison. Video still by Greg Peterson

Damon Ramone Belcher:

With the holidays approaching, Belcher needed “Christmas money” and made a dumb decision.

“He was unemployed” and desperate so Belcher “went back into crime,” said LaCosse, the court-appointed federal defense attorney.

LaCosse argued Belcher’s case is a “unique situation” because he was involved for only “14 days.”

Belcher “was hired (in Detroit) to sit on the bag” of cocaine and heroin as it was transported to the Houghton area by unnamed female conspirators, LaCosse said. Belcher “had no proprietary interest in the conspiracy.”

Damon Ramone Belcher received 46 months or three years and 10 months in federal prison. Video still by Greg Peterson

The judge described Belcher as an “enforcer” with a “limited function.” LaCosse described Belcher as “hired help” at the “bottom rung” of the drug pipeline.

“This is a bigger conspiracy” that could involve “all of the U.P.,” LaCosse said. Belcher is not “aware of subsections of the conspiracy.”

LaCosse argued that it wasn’t Belcher “did not transport drugs into the U.P.” However Judge Edgar said Belcher knew about the drugs in the vehicle and his job was to “accompany a female who was carrying drugs” often stashed in private places on their bodies.

“Two weeks and a $10,000 wire transfer” was the entirety of Belcher’s involvement, LaCosse said.

“He is not friends with all these people” involved in the heroin and cocaine conspiracy,” LaCosse said.

LaCosse said Belcher’s family depends on him and that he has taken “ownership (of his crime) and has learned responsibility.”

Belcher has a “mass on his colon” and may “require surgery in the near future,” LaCosse said.

Speaking to the judge before his sentence, Belcher said “I accept full responsibility – I did participate in the conspiracy.”

“I made a bad decision,” Belcher said. “I hope the Court shows some leniency.”

“I accept that what I did was wrong,” Belcher said.

Prosecutor Lochner said Belcher was “only being held responsible for the drugs he was involved with” and the bottom line is Belcher was “hired to come to the U.P. to sell cocaine Houghton.”

“A job he was doing well,” Lochner said. Heroin, cocaine, meth, painkillers (opioids), and other drugs that are being driven into the U.P. are “very addictive and very damaging” to the addict and the community.

Lochner said Belcher may claim he was after Christmas money but was the muscle in a smuggling ring – even if for a brief period..

Locking up people like Belcher and the others in the conspiracy serves “as a deterrent,” Lockner said.

Mr. Belcher should “consider people in Houghton who were fed coke (cocaine) by people like yourself.”

Woman smokes marijuana pipe http://www.psypost.org Photo credit: Jonathan Piccolo (Creative Commons)

“There has been a big spike in heroin use” in the U.P., Lochner said. From “oxycodone to heroin” the illicit drugs have been “devastating to the (U.P.) community.”

Lockner said Belcher’s “job was to make sure drugs went out and (bring) money back in.”

“They did accompany females from Detroit,” the judge said. The muscle escorting the women and drugs – like Belcher and Ruth – “were entrusted by suppliers downstate to protect the drugs,” Judge Edgar said.

The judge was not happy with Belcher’s criminal record that included “an armed robbery conviction.” Mr. Belcher got “back into criminal activity again – you were up here to make a buck,” the judge said.

As Belcher was being led away by U.S. Marshals, the judge offered a kind word.

“Good luck on your surgery,” Judge Edgar said.

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Corrie Venta Ruth 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (2)

Corrie Venta Ruth:

Ruth “was an idiot for trying to make quick money,” LaCosse said, adding Ruth is a “very nice person – not a street thug.”

However, LaCosse said Ruth grew up in a life surrounded by criminal “recidivism.” She asked Ruth be given credit for time served as he spent two months in the Houghton County Jail before “the (federal) government took over the case.”

Ruth told the judge he apologizes for bringing and “selling drugs” in the U.P.

“I want to apologize to the court,” said Ruth, in asking the judge to show “leniency.” “I apologize to the (U.P.) community.”

“I took the stupid easy route – this is not what I planned to do with myself,” Ruth said.

LaCosse said Ruth “didn’t know where he was going” when ordered by the Drug Kingpins but “did know it involved drug sales.” Ruth was the muscle hired to protect the shipment while the driving was handled by Damon Ramone Belcher, prosecutors said.

Ruth “had no idea about (the) Escanaba” arm of the drug ring, LaCosse said.

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (30)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (26)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (22)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (40)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (37)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (1)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencing Stephanie Rae Hatch 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (23)

Stephanie Rae Hatch

Hatch allowed those involved in the conspiracy to “use her residence as a place to stay and to sell heroin and cocaine base” commonly known as crack cocaine, the indictments state.

Defense Attorney Theodore Joseph Greeley from lawfirm website

Defense Attorney Theodore J. Greeley

“She was not an organizer or a leader” in the conspiracy said defense attorney Theodore Joseph Greeley, of the prominent U.P. law firm Casselman & Henderson P.C. Of Marquette.

Hatch was “not a decision maker” and only knew about the Houghton part of the drug ring – not the Escanaba tentacle, said defense attorney Greeley, the son of U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley.

Hatch has suffered from substance abuse since childhood – or three quarters of her life – including smoking pot at age 9, drinking alcohol at age 11 and started using cocaine at age 15 – addition to other drugs, defense attorney Greeley said.

She first “had trouble with the law” at age 9, said Greeley.

Greeley argued that judge because crack cocaine is highly addictive – it is not always “cheaper.”

Hatch wire transferred money from Houghton drug sales to Detroit area drug suppliers and their associates, the indictments state.

An admitted drug addict, Hatch allowed her home to be “back up house” for the conspiracy to stash and sell crack cocaine and heroin, Greeley told the judge, admitting his client sent wire transfers to the Detroit kingpins from a U.P. Walmart.

The conspiracy facilitates Houghton “drug addicts” who sometimes become dealers “trying to make money” and feed their addictions, prosecutor Lochner said in general but specifically referring to Hatch’s involvement in the conspiracy.

Lockner said once addicts can not afford their drugs “its spirals” and they sometimes sell drugs.

“Next is the sales of drugs,” Lochner said, adding “it supplies their habit – locals help out” the conspiracy.

“It is a public hazard to have her out there” in the community, said Judge Edgar.

Edgar described Hatch as a “local courier” and who “wired drug money to Detroit or someplace.”

“Her home was a staging point for sales,” Judge Edgar said. “She played a pivotal role making sure the money got down” to Mr and Mrs. Drug Kingpin.

Hatch “understood” that she and her home were “essential to the success of the operation in Houghton,” Judge Edgar said,

Unlike her co-defendants, Hatch did not make a statement to the judge prior to sentencing. Hatch’s parents and teenage daughter drove up from Grand Rapids to attend the hearing and show support for their family member.

The Plea Agreements:

Under the agreements, the trio agreed to “fully cooperate” in drug investigations including with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET).

Under an agreement with federal prosecutors, Hatch, Belcher pleaded guilty to count one – felony conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base.

The charges carried a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison that has no parole but the smaller time drug runners received much lower sentences under a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

The judge waived fines due to defendant’s “inability to pay.”

As part of the plea agreement with the trio, the judge dismissed felony counts two and three – possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. He also dismissed felony counts four and five against Belcher and Ruth.

Evidence obtained by prosecutors included cocaine base (crack cocaine), heroin, records of wire transfers, two undercover drug buys, prerecorded buy money, cell phone data, Walmart surveillance video, drug packaging, photographs, video of interview with Hatch.

During Ruth’s sentencing, the judge asked about the role of Mrs. Drug Kingpin (and other unnamed females) in the drug network – noting Mr. Drug Kingpin “used” his wife “to protect drugs.”

The federal prosecutor picked his words carefully in describing the hiding of drugs by female couriers.

“Their role is salient,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner of Marquette. “It’s unique to females – let’s leave it at that.”

Woman-smoking-marijuana-pipe-by-Jonathan-Piccolo-Creative-Commons

The defendants “conspired, confederated, and agreed with each other, and others, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin” according to a five-page federal grand jury indictment of the three drug runners.

The judge waived fines due to inability to pay and all were sentenced to three years supervised release after prison, a $100 special assessment and must find jobs upon release from prison perform 20-hours weekly community service.

The trio were ordered to submit to DNA testing and cannot possess firearms, drugs or alcohol, testing and treatment for substance abuse and compete the cognitive behavioral treatment program.

The three were ordered to participate in a Michigan Bureau of Prisons 500-hour residential substance abuse program.

All three were given three years supervised released – a federal form of probation. Despite entering into plea agreements, the judge reminded the trio about their legal avenues for appealing his sentence. The three must complete a “cognitive treatment program.”

Damon Ramone Belcher received 46 months or three years and 10 months in federal prison. Video still by Greg Peterson

They can no longer posses guns, no drugs, no alcohol, undergoing regular drug and alcohol testing, and they can not visit establishments (bars) that serve alcohol, plus attend drug abuse treatment if determined appropriate by the U.S. Probation office. After release, they must serve 20 hours of weekly community service until they find a job.

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Related links and info:

——-

United States Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi

U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan

PO Box 698

Marquette, MI

49885

906-226-2084 (Mqt office/case manager)

www.miwd.uscourts.gov

www.judicialwatch.org/document-archive/allan-r-edgar-financial-disclosure-report-for-2003

——-

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley

www.nmu.edu/criminaljustice/node/75

http://abc10up.com/greeley-reappointed-u-s-magistrate-judge

www.nmu.edu/criminaljustice/node/135

www.miwd.uscourts.gov/content/magistrate-judge-timothy-p-greeley

www.historyforsale.com/html/prodetails.asp?documentid=175357&start=1&page=92

——-

Court appointed defense attorneys for Stephanie Rae Hatch:

Casselman & Henderson P.C.
148 W Washington St.
Marquette, MI 49855

Theodore Joseph Greeley

Sarah Emily Henderson

(906) 228-2855

(906) 228-2863 (fax)

tgreeley@casselmanandhenderson.com

shenderson@casselmanandhenderson.com

——-

Court appointed defense attorney for Damon Ramone Belcher

Assistant U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse

Elizabeth A. LaCosse
Federal Public Defender – Marquette
925 W Washington, Ste. 104
Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 226-3050
(906) 273-0070 (fax)

beth_lacosse@fd.org

——-

Marquette Federal Prosecutors

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Citizens Bank Building, 2nd Fl.

1930 US 41 W

Marquette, MI 49855

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner

(906) 226-2500

Email:

paul.lochner@usdoj.gov

Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat

(906) 226-2500

www.justice.gov/usao/miw/news/2012/2012_0525_VProtasoff.html

www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/07/12/attorney-actor-john-stamos-fling-year-old-student/

Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee

(906) 226-2500

Hannah.Bobee@usdoj.gov

She is native American and and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

www.rosettelaw.com/attorney-bio-bobee.html

www.justice.gov/dea/divisions/det/2013/det061913.shtml

www.leadershipdirectories.com/profiles/Hannah-Bobee-Assistant-US-Attorney-Marquette-%28MI%29-Office-.htm

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Federal Judge R. Allan Edgar

U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar

U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan

P.O. Box 698
Marquette MI 49855

Office Phone: (906) 226-2084
Case Manager: (906) 226-2084

www.miwd.uscourts.gov/content/judge-r-allan-edgar

www.hamiltoncountyherald.com/Story.aspx?id=1210&date=4%2F16%2F2010

His parents me at the Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Big Bay, MI.

Until age 13, Edgar lived as a child on West Magnetic Street in Marquette, MI

The family moved in 1953 when his his father got job in Tennessee.

The future Judge Edgar still spent summers in the U.P. with his grandparents and worked a summer job out at the exclusive Huron Mountain Club in Big Bay, MI.

Photo of Judge R. Allan Edgar by David Laprad, Hamilton County Herald

www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/564345/Home-again–Judge-has-U-P–roots.html?nav=5006

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Allan_Edgar

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Court Reporter Sandy Larson

Case Manager C.A. Moore

U.S. Probation Officer Matthew Luce

——-

Woman smokes marijuana pipe www.psypost.org Photo credit: Jonathan Piccolo (Creative Commons)

Woman smokes marijuana pipe http://www.psypost.org Photo credit: Jonathan Piccolo (Creative Commons)

Heroin Is the Most Dangerous Way to Increase Your Creativity

www.vice.com Photo via WikiMedia Commons.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Heroin_asian.jpg

Woman-smoking-marijuana-pipe-by-Jonathan-Piccolo-Creative-Commons.jpg

www.psypost.org Photo credit: Jonathan Piccolo (Creative Commons)

Gorgeous Vintage Advertisements for Heroin, Cannabis and Cocaine …

www.pinterest.com

Bottles Heroin, Old Medicine Bottles, Drug Ads, Gorgeous Vintage, Vintage Ads, Vintage Advertisements, Drug Poster

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/97742254388543272

Take Two | The rise of Oxycontin addiction and abuse

www.scpr.org

OxyContin causes more overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined, according to a report by the Centers for Drug Control. Vitualis/Flickr/Creative Commons

Vancouver Drug Reform Group: Why Decriminalizing Hard and Soft Would Reduce Use In Canada

www.isciencetimes.com

Vancouver issued a report today urging the government to decriminalize all drugs–including hard drugs like heroin and crack. (Photo: Creative Commons)

Photo by wikipedia username Argv0 on Nov. 3, 2015 of two grams of cocaine

Argv0 talk contribs

——-

Greg Peterson

News Director, Owner

UpperPeninsulaBreakingNews@gmail.com

906-204-2249 (hm)

906-204-0848 (cell)

www.UPBreakingNews.com

https://twitter.com/UPBreakingNews

https://www.facebook.com/UpperPeninsulaBreakingNews

https://www.youtube.com/UPBreakingNews

——-

The Final Sentencing for a Federal Judge in Marquette, MI and renders Justice for “The Boys of St. Ignace” – Judge R. Allen Edgar sends St. Ignace man to prison for 15 years for using pen camera to videotape nude teen male athletes at LaSalle High School

June 24, 2016June 24, 2016yoopernewsman Leave a comment

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (112)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (110)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (108)

Graphic of federal indictment

By Greg Peterson

News Director, Owner

https://www.instagram.com/1800TheLost/

Thomas Hamel sex offender photo

He carried an ink pen in his front pocket like thousands of teachers – except his pen was a high definition video camera.

He is a 68-year-old small-statured, bespectacled, diminutive man with a masters degree who never married.

He wept uncontrollably while trying to apologize in federal court and sat down apparently unable to finish the apology.

A seemingly nice elderly man who hid a dark heart with evil intentions, Thomas Kevin Hamel always made himself available to help when high school athletes were nude like weigh-ins and locker-rooms.

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (107)

Photo by Greg Peterson

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Photo of the honorable U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar by David LaPrad, Hamilton County Herald

Hamel was sentenced in Marquette federal court Wednesday to 15 years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar.

In fact, after 31 years on the bench, Hamel was the final federal court sentencing for Judge Edgar, who has retired after some four decades in legal work that included growing up in Marquette until age 13 and becoming a lawyer, and a state representative, and then a U.S. District Court judge in Tennessee – who also presided in Marquette federal court because he and his family love the U.P. of Michigan.

——-

A confirmed bachelor with over 600 child porn images on his computer, Hamel is the scion of a prominent St. Ignace family – whose physician father “delivered most of the children” in the St. Ignace” area.

“I apologize to the city of St. Ignace, I apologize to the community and I apologize to the students I took care of,” Hamel said tearfully before breaking down and returning to his chair at the defendant table.

He never raised suspicion as a volunteer athletic trainer on the boys wrestling and football teams at LaSalle High School in St. Ignace were nude including wandering into the male showers being used by young athletes while he recorded everything between Nov. 2007 and Dec. 2012.

The unsuspecting student athletes liked Hamel who wrapped injured ankles, helping in many other ways even described as an assistant coach at times.

A retired teacher of 27 years turned volunteer in male teen sports, Hamel plead guilty Feb. 1, 2016 to sexual exploitation and attempted exploitation of a minor.

Hamel had a favorite 14-year-old that he videotaped on many occasions, prosecutors said in court.

Hamel made numerous still images from the videotape of “one boy he was particularly fond of,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner.

The indictment alleges Hamel made secret videos of three young male wrestlers in their early teens at a weigh-in and another teen athlete who was “dressing in a locker room,” and another who was “partially nude” in a trainer’s room.

Thomas Hamel mug shot Mackinac County Sheriff's Department

Mackinac County Jail mugshot of Thomas Hamel

While teen male athletes were nude below the waist “at a wrestling team weigh-in,” Hamel videotaped the boys and created videos involving the “lascivious exhibition of (the boy’s) pubic area”

A once proud St. Ignace family that’s struggling to deal with life-changing humiliation, Hamel’s siblings drove from the eastern U.P. to be in Marquette federal court Wednesday to show their support for him.

Hamel’s father delivered over 2,500 babies in the St. Ignace area.

While Hamel secretly videotaped, student athletes would be nude in front of him in the locker-room and Hamel taped “nude wrestlers at weigh-ins,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner.

Surreptitiously, Hamel’s volunteer job “gave him access… it game him access as an athletic trainer,” Lochner said.

Tom Hamel video stills 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson 1

Tom Hamel video stills 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson 2

Hamel’s actions are a “hideous abuse of trust,” Lockner said.

Federal prosecutors take Hamel at his word that none of his videos and photos were distributed but rather for his own use. Nonetheless, the images were turned over to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children because federal prosecutors “can’t be certain” the images did not make it on the internet or private child porn video collections.

Among the reasons the feds believe the LaSalle High School images were not distributed is Hamel’s computer was not connected to the internet and he cooperated in providing passwords to his secret stock of child porn including the boys of St. Ignace.

In fact, parents, students and school officials were genuinely shocked when the FBI came knocking on their doors with the horrifying news the kids were exploited by the team’s athletic trainer.

When a defense attorney tried to argue that Hamel had no supervisory role, Judge Edgar disagreed.

“Minors were in his care,” Judge Edgar said. “The wrestling and football teams were entrusted to his career.”

Trying to paint his client as not as bad as fellow dangerous predators, defense attorney Joseph P. Kwiatkowski of Cheboygan noted Hamel “never touched or molested anyone.”

Kwiatkowski said Hamel cooperated fully with the FBI and U.S. Postal Service Inspector Wylie Christopher.

He pleaded with the judge not to give Hamel the maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison calling it a “death sentence” due to Hamel’s elderly age noting even a 15-year sentence will put his client at the end of projected life expectancy as set by the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Technically a 180 month sentence equals 15 years, four days and four hours or 7,890,000 minutes.

Noting Hamel never forced children to pose for images, Kwiatkowski said his client knows the harm he has caused an offers “no excuses.”

Letters were written to the judge on Hamel’s behalf, Kwiatkowski noted, pointing out one is from Father Jim Williams. However, while these types of letters are often available in federal documents a check by Upper Peninsula Breaking News shows the Rev. Williams letter has apparently been restricted in this case.

Hamel started sex offender counseling after his the state and FBI raid.

Kwiatkowski noted the irony that Hamel would be in prison for 15 years in prison while on the same day serial child molester and disgraced former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert began serving a 15-month sentence for financial crimes connected to molestation scandal involving young boys.

Hastert molested boys and made payoffs as hush money to cover up the crimes but could not be charged due to the Statute of Limitations. The 74-year-old Hastert used a wheelchair to wheel himself into a federal medical prison – an easy way to serve his sentence.
On April 21, a federal grand jury sitting in Marquette returned a six-count, seven-page felony indictment outlining his child porn activities.

The grand jury indicted Hamel on five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of possession of child pornography,

Hamel admitted buying child porn from overseas.

The FBI raided his home in Dec. 2012 after Hamel’s name appeared on the mailing list of an overseas child porn trafficking ring that distributed videos and more.

That’s when his secret photos and videos of student athletes were found by federal agents.

Related links and info:

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

http://www.missingkids.com/home

http://www.missingkids.com

http://www.missingkids.com/RSS

https://twitter.com/MissingKids

https://www.facebook.com/missingkids

https://www.youtube.com/user/missingkids

Dennis Hastert, perverted former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/speaker-house-dennis-hastert-report-prison/story?id=40026897

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-dennis-hastert-reports-to-prison-met-20160622-story.html

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/06/22/483075855/disgraced-former-house-speaker-dennis-hastert-heads-to-prison-today

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/22/politics/dennis-hastert-goes-to-prison/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/21/former-house-speaker-dennis-hastert-is-going-to-jail-this-week-heres-how-he-got-there/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Hastert

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2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (115)

2016 Mqt Fed Crt Sentencings Judge last day 6-22-16 by Greg Peterson (113)

Thomas Kevin Hamel

Filed: 04/21/2015

Mackinac County

2:2015-cr-00011

Thomas Hamil Plea Agreement

Sentencing Thomas Hamel 6-22-16

Thomas Hamel Indictment

http://www.homefacts.com/offender-detail/MI234937820160502/Thomas-Kevin-Hamel.html

Pleaded guilty

Count 1

Sexual exploitation of a minor and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor

Dismissed by Judge R. Allan Edgar under plea agreement:

Counts 2-5

Sexual exploitation of a minor and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor

Count 6

Possession of child pornography

——-

Federal Public Defender for Thomas Kevin Hamel

Elizabeth A. LaCosse

Federal Public Defender (Marquette)

925 W Washington, Ste. 104

Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 226-3050

(906) 273-0070

beth_lacosse@fd.org

Thomas Hamel defense attorney

Joseph P. Kwiatkowski

Patrick Kwiatkowski & Hesselink PLLC
11512 N Straits Hwy., Ste. 200
Cheboygan, MI 49721

Phone: (231) 627-7151

pklaw@pklawfirm.com

——-

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner (Marquette)

Citizens Bank Building, 2nd Fl.

1930 US 41 W

Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 226-2500

Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel S. Fauson of Grand Rapids, MI

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel S. Fauson

U.S. Attorney (Grand Rapids)

The Law Bldg.

330 Ionia Ave., NW

P.O. Box 208

Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0208

(616) 456-2404

joel.fauson@usdoj.gov

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2016_0429_BKelsey

https://www.fbi.gov/detroit/press-releases/2013/former-grand-rapids-area-financial-adviser-sentenced-to-54-months-in-prison-for-wire-fraud

https://www.fbi.gov/detroit/press-releases/2015/leader-of-the-black-p-stone-nation-gang-kenton-maurice-taylor-convicted-on-heroin-charges-by-federal-jury

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2015/02/mail_carrier_quits_dumps_mail.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/02/prosecutors_seeking_stiffer_pr.html

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-fauson-a3015895?trk=seokp-title_posts_secondary_cluster_res_author_name

http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/12a0178p-06.pdf

Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat

U.S. Attorney (Marquette)

Citizens Bank Building, 2nd Fl.

1930 US 41 W

Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 226-2500

http://www.justice.gov/usao/miw/news/2012/2012_0525_VProtasoff.html

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/07/12/attorney-actor-john-stamos-fling-year-old-student/

Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee

U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan

She is native American and and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

http://www.rosettelaw.com/attorney-bio-bobee.html

http://www.justice.gov/dea/divisions/det/2013/det061913.shtml

http://www.leadershipdirectories.com/profiles/Hannah-Bobee-Assistant-US-Attorney-Marquette-%28MI%29-Office-.htm

LaSalle High School St. Ignace Area Schools

http://stignace.eup.k12.mi.us/Domain/135

http://stignace.eup.k12.mi.us/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lasalle-High-School/733018816774702

http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/lasalle-saints-(st-ignace,mi)/football/home.htm

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http://www.miwd.uscourts.gov/content/judge-r-allan-edgar

Federal Judge R. Allan Edgar

U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar

U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan

P.O. Box 698
Marquette MI 49855

Office Phone: (906) 226-2084
Case Manager: (906) 226-2084