2006
- December 21, 2006
Sheriff Mike Raines, Chaplain Jim Ferrier and Walmart Representative Pat Mauk- December 19, 2006
- SECOND ANNUAL “HANDS UP! TO HELP OUT” A GREAT SUCCESS!
Photo (Left to Right): Eaton County Sheriff Mike Raines, Sgt. James West- (Carl’s in Dimondale), Deputies Bruce Yelvington (Wal-Mart in Charlotte) and
- Brian Thomas (Kroger in Delta Twp.) at the SIREN/Eaton Shelter Food Pantry
- October 12, 2006
- EATON COUNTY MOUNTED DEPUTIES ATTEND EQUINE COMPETITION AND RIDE TO GROUND ZERO
Special deputies Pete and Melissa Ocello of Charlotte and Karen and Gary Hathon of Mulliken attended a Mounted Police Competition in Morristown, NJ on September 23, 2006.
There were 124 riders from New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Canada, Texas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware, Washington D.C., Virginia and Michigan who competed at the Seaton Hacknet Stables.
On Friday before the competition, all 124 officers and mounts assembled along the Hudson River and rode through the streets of New York City from upper Manhattan to Ground Zero.
The sounds of the horses hoofs striking the concrete and cobblestone streets captured the attention of everyone within earshot. Office workers waved from their widows several stories high and construction crews stopped working to witness the excitement.- Once at ground Zero, officers saw a huge gaping hole where the World Trade Center once stood. Pictures of loved ones killed in the terrorist attack surround the subway station. It was an emotional time for everyone when officers were called to attention to salute those who had lost their lives.
On Saturday, Pete Ocello represented Eaton County in the Uniform Class which required a spotless appearance in both rider and mount.
Melissa Ocello and her horse BJ competed in the Equitation Class placing 10th in the Nationals.
The Mounted Unit would like to thank Wal-Mart, State Representative Rick Jones and Grand Ledge attorney Bill Davis for sponsoring them in the competition. 
L to R: Melissa Ocello, Pete Ocello, Karen Hathon, Gary Hathon of the Eaton County Mounted Division riding the streets of New York City.- Enrollment in the program is free and voluntary. For more information or to enroll, call: (800) 575-5500. Enrollment brochures are available at the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office.
- September 18, 2006
- Eaton County Sheriff Mike Raines Announces:
- Risky Teen Driving will be STOPPED by Deputies
- Charlotte, MI – Eaton County Sheriff Mike Raines will be implementing an innovative program aimed at reducing risky teen driving. The program – Sheriffs Telling Our Parents & Promoting Educated Drivers (STOPPED) – aims to increase parental involvement in order to reduce traffic crash injuries and deaths among teenagers and young adults.
- “This creative partnership will save lives and we’re excited to do our part,” said Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who is making STOPPED program information available to customers in several branch offices. “It gives parents a new tool to immediately address risky driving behavior by their teens. But, just as important, it also lets our children know that we care. The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and AAA Michigan deserve our thanks for working with families to prevent needless tragedies.”
- STOPPED will be funded by a generous grant from AAA of Michigan and was brought to the state last year by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. The program is being expanded to include 17 new counties in addition to the original seven counties from the pilot program that was sponsored by the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).
- “AAA Michigan is very pleased to have the opportunity to support an initiative such as the STOPPED program. AAA has a long history of traffic safety and any program aimed at reducing risk and raising awareness for our teen drivers is a step in the right direction to protecting this ‘at risk’ group," said Jack Peet, Manager of Community Safety Services for AAA Michigan.
- In 2005, drivers in our target age group of 16-21 comprised 9.3% of the licensed drivers in Michigan, but were responsible for 16.3% of the crashes in our state. “Inexperience, risk-taking behavior, and immaturity are all factors that increase the crash risk for young drivers,” commented Michael Prince, OHSP Division Director.
- “There is nothing more important to a parent than the protection of their children; sheriffs and all of law enforcement understand this and we are here to help you in any way we can,” said MSA Executive Director Terrence L. Jungel at the launch of the pilot program in March of 2005.
- Sheriff Raines said, “As a parent of two teenagers and working in law enforcement for over 30 years, I believe this program will provide a great service to parents during a time when their children are becoming young adults with grownup responsibilities, like driving a vehicle”.
- STOPPED provides a window decal for every vehicle that will be driven by a person under 21 years of age. The decal provides a constant visual reminder for young people to act responsibly while they are on the road and out of sight of their parents.
- Vehicles are registered in a centralized database, maintained by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. If a registered vehicle driven by a person under 21 years of age is stopped for any reason, law enforcement officers will complete a notification card. A letter will then be sent home to the young person’s parents indicating where they were, why they were stopped, how many people were in the car, and whether a citation was issued.
- Enrollment in the program is free and voluntary. For more information or to enroll, call: (800) 575-5500. Enrollment brochures are available at the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office.
- September 9, 2006
- Suspects Arrested
- Eaton County Sheriff Deputies arrested two Potterville residents for RECEIVING & CONCEALING STOLEN PROPERTY and RESISTING AN OFFICER. On 9-8-6, deputies received information that a car stolen out of Meridian Twp. was going to be in Potterville. Deputies set up in the area to wait for the suspects to return with the stolen car.
One of the suspects returned with the car and was immediately arrested. It was later learned, a second suspect was hiding in the downtown area of Potterville. Deputies went downtown and located the suspect. The suspect who fled, after a lengthy foot chase, was arrested by Eaton County Sheriff Deputies. The Potterville-Benton Twp. Fire Dept. also provided assistance in locating the suspect.
Both suspects are being held at the Eaton County Sheriff's Office. Names/photos are being withheld until after arraignments.
Sheriff Mike Raines. - August 28, 2006
- Hunters Safety Classes Offered
- Eaton County Announces the Fall 2006, Hunter Safety Class Schedule.
- Click Here for Details.
Wal-Mart Gives to Eaton County’s Jail Ministry Program
Wal-Mart of Charlotte has donated $500 to the Forgotten Man Ministries Program. The money will be used for the Forgotten Man Ministries Christmas program for the inmates at the Jail and other ministry programs throughout the year. This important program at the Eaton County Jail, led by Chaplain Jim Ferrier, consists of volunteers, clergy and laypersons who dedicate their time and attention to serving others as Bible teachers, worship service leaders, inmate aftercare providers, and mentors.
“Chaplain Jim Ferrier, his wife Rhea, and the many volunteers have been an important part of our jail support staff services for many years,” said Sheriff Mike Raines. “When they’re able, through their works, to have a positive impact on others, to help steer someone down the right path, and help us to reduce recidivism in our jail, that’s a great benefit to the individual and our community.”
Sheriff Raines and Chaplain Ferrier, along with the Forgotten Man Ministries, thank Wal-Mart for their continued community service and support.
“Mission Accomplished! Thanks, once again, to the generosity of participating citizens and local retailers throughout Eaton County, who put their “Hands Up to Help Out,” making the holidays a little brighter for families in need,” said Sheriff Mike Raines. “Christmas is a time for giving, and a chance for us to further serve others throughout our local communities. There are many needs, and I’d like to encourage others to give wherever and whenever possible.”
Sheriff’s Officers and Eaton Rapids Police Department Chief Paul Maliewski (at the Felpausch in Eaton Rapids) joined efforts to fill more than five sheriff’s vehicles and police cars with hundreds of pounds of food for local area food banks. SIREN/Eaton Shelter, Inc., one of the recipients of these food items, promotes the elimination of domestic violence and homelessness by providing temporary housing, support, advocacy, education, and information to the community.
The address for those who would like to make additional donations to SIREN/Eaton Shelter, Inc., is P.O. Box 369, Charlotte, Michigan 48813 (web site: http://www.sireneatonshelter.org/ ).
Eaton County Sheriff Mike Raines announces the addition of a Motorcycle Unit to the Delta Township Patrol.
Last month, two black and gold Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycles hit the streets of Delta Township to help deal with the increased traffic congestion and related concerns associated with this fast-growing community.
The Motorcycle Unit is concentrating on enforcing traffic laws in neighborhoods, school zones, and the Saginaw Highway corridor near the Lansing Mall with the goal of reducing traffic accidents.
Sheriff Raines says the motorcycles are a versatile and cost effective tool for traffic enforcement citing the ever-increasing number of police departments nation wide choosing to utilize motorcycles in their fleets.
In April, three deputies completed Motor Officer School at Michigan State University. Deputy Kevin Smock, Deputy Doug Sharp and Deputy Bruce Yelvington are assigned to the Motorcycle Unit.
Recently, I attended the Educator's Workshop at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the Field Artillery training
entrance reflected the Oklahoma bombing site with empty chairs; large
ones for adults, small ones for the children, stood as reminders of the
innocent lives lost on that tragic day. These effigies serve as a
reminder to all that the defense of our Homeland, here and abroad,
requires support for our military and first responders, especially, if
we hope to win the war on foreign and domestic terrorism...a war we
cannot afford to lose.
As part of their primary responsibility for land-based military
operations, training day and night, Soldiers at Fort Sill train and
prepare with a three-pronged approach. Considered one of the best
training posts in the U.S. Army, it was a real privilege meeting these
fine young men and women. Hearing from them, first-hand, about their sense of purpose,
We saw K-9 demonstrations, a battalion reception station, graduation
ceremony, a Field Artillery ceremonial half-section demonstration with a
highly polished French 75 cannon and soldiers on horseback, a deployment
impressive display of camaraderie, skills, professionalism, teamwork and
discipline were outstanding.
While some were from smaller towns like ours, others were from urban
areas like Detroit, parts of California, and elsewhere. Many joined
after high school for the opportunities the U.S. Army offers. Several
Soldiers told about their previous involvement in gangs, with a
lifestyle cut short from violence, or with no hope at all for a decent
future. They spoke about ways in which the U.S. Army not only helped
them to turn their life around, but also provided them with a sense of
self-worth, respect, and a more promising future. Finally, they had
educational, career, and training opportunities they never experienced.
For our men and women in the military, as with our law enforcement
officers, firefighters, EMS', and other first responders, they're
willing to place themselves in harm's way for a purpose larger than
ones' self. With a strong sense of commitment, duty, and courage,
Learning about their efforts to defend our nation abroad, so we can
continue to do our part in your hometown, was important for me as a
As a Sheriff, I can honestly say, it's an honor to have them on our team and to support
And, I'd like to offer a special thanks to Mr. George Noirot, and the
Great Lakes Army Recruiting Battalion, and the men and women in our
April 4, 2006 UPDATE
Prosecutors Office and the Investigators from the Michigan State
Police as they continue to investigate this shooting.
Of course we are disappointed anytime the conduct of any of our
members is called into question. However, we will continue to
support and cooperate with the investigation into the events of March
20.
While we take this matter very seriously, we are careful not to draw
conclusions based on today's events alone. We have full faith that the
investigation will uncover the truth, and it will be resolved in a manner
consistent with the best interest of the Eaton County community.
Our mission remains, to protect and serve all of the citizens of Eaton
County and we will not let these events distract us from that mission.
On Sunday March 12 at 11: 00 a.m., Eaton County Sheriff's deputies responded to 1895 Gidner Rd.,Charlotte after receiving a call from the 17 year old female victim that she had been stabbed.
The victim had multiple stab wounds and was transported to an area hospital where she is expected to recover.
Deputies have obtained an arrest warrant for attempted murder for the victim's brother identified as Nathan Lee Kretzschmer w/m, approximately 5'8" tall, 185 pounds, brown hair and blue eyes, d.o.b. 11-9-1986.
Kretzschmer was last seen driving a 1994 Honda Accord, 4 door, light blue in color with a Michigan registration plate XQW949.
Kretzschmer is a student at Kettering University in Flint and has relatives in Huron County.
If anyone has any information regarding Kretzschmer's whereabouts, please contact the Eaton County Sheriff's Office at (517) 543-3512.
The suspect, Nathan Lee Kretzschmer, 19, of Charlotte, turned himself in to the Eaton County Sheriff's Office last evening.
Mr. Kretzschmer was arraigned before Judge Reinecke this afternoon and charged with Assault with Intent to Murder. No bond was set. He is currently lodged at the Eaton County Jail. His preliminary exam is scheduled for March 24, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.
On Friday, March 3, 2006 at approximately 3:37 PM, Eaton County Sheriff's deputies responded to an armed robbery at the Allied Cash Advance on South Waverly. A black male entered the business, brandished a weapon and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect is described at 5'10" to 6' tall, wearing a yellow jacket.
Anyone with information is contact the Eaton County Sheriff Department Detective Bureau at 323-8480.
On 2/20/06, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff's Office responded to a fatal traffic accident on Royston Rd. south of M-50 (S. Clinton Trail) in Eaton Township. A 44-year-old trash retrieval employee while on foot was struck by a 19-year-old Charlotte area resident.
Eaton County Sheriff's Office Accident Team and Detective Bureau along with MSP Motor Carrier Division are investigating the accident. The accident is still under investigation.
Sgt. Mark Wriggelsworth
UPDATE:
February 21, 2006
Name of Victim: Eric James Ely, 44, of Lansing
According to Eaton County Sheriff Mike Raines, the suspect in yesterday's bank robbery at Comerica Bank in Delta Township was arraigned today in 56th District Court.
The suspect, Geoffrey Scott Goodman, age 27, of Lansing was arraigned on one count of Bank Robbery and one count of Fleeing and Eluding police. He is currently on parole for a robbery in Lansing in 2001.
Judge Harvey Hoffman set his bond at one million dollars. Goodman's Preliminary Exam is set for Friday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m.
At approximately 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, February14, 2006, Eaton County Dispatch received a call of an armed robbery at the Comerica Bank on West Saginaw. An Eaton County Sheriff's Deputy observed the suspect vehicle, a black Chevy Cavalier, eastbound Saginaw near Waverly. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle the suspect fled leading officers from Eaton County, Lansing Township and Lansing Police Department on a chase throughout the City of Lansing. The suspect was apprehended near Martin Luther King Blvd. and Grand River and taken into custody by officers from all three previously mentioned departments. The incident remains under investigation and the FBI is assisting the Eaton County detectives. The suspect is lodged at the Eaton County Jail. Arraignment is expected tomorrow.
Authorized: Undersheriff Fred McPhail
Armed robbery occurred Monday February 6, 2006 at approximately 11:30 pm at the Subway, 3908 W. Saginaw in Delta Township. The suspect was armed with a knife. He took an undisclosed amount of money and fled on foot. The suspect is described as a white male, 23-26 years old, wearing a black stocking cap, black pullover sweatshirt, dark pants, and gray gloves. He had what appeared to be a painted on mustache and beard. There were no injuries during the robbery.
Below are the photos from the Flagstar Bank Robbery at 5610 W Saginaw Hwy in Delta Twp. It occurred at approx. 1137 hrs this morning. The Suspect is described as being approx. 6'0-6'3" thin to medium build. The "beard/facial hair" " may not be real. The suspect was armed with a large kitchen type knife. No vehicles were seen in the area with the suspect.
If you have further questions you can contact Jessica Larken at the Eaton Co Sheriff's Office in Charlotte at 517-543-3512.
Any tips and leads please direct them to Detective Kevin Hearld at 517-323-8489 or Eaton Co Sheriff's Office main #at 517-543-3512.
Authority: Sgt. Rod Sadler
It appears that Garity was southbound on M-50 (Clinton Trail) in his 1998 Ford Ranger pickup when he lost control of his vehicle on icy roads and hit two trees. It was freezing rain at the time of the crash and police believe the weather contributed to the crash. There was no one else in the vehicle. Police were assisted at the scene by the Charlotte Fire Department.
Mr. Garity was not wearing his seatbelt at the time. There is no indication of alcohol.
The crash remains under investigation by the Eaton County Sheriff's Office.
Authority: Sgt. Rod Sadler
Authorized: Undersheriff McPhail
For further information regarding the actual incident, please contact the Charlotte Police Department.
On January 9, 2006, Jeremy Rockford Begley, a 23-year-old of Mason was arraigned in 56th District Court on one count of armed robbery. Bond was set at $230,000.00
January 5, 2006
- First to Serve Since 1837
Sheriff Mike Raines by one of the Eaton County Sheriff’s traditional “black and whites” proudly displaying the new emblem “First to serve since 1837.”
The new sheriff’s car, sports the traditional “black and white” colors of law enforcement vehicles nation-wide. One new feature is the emblem representing the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office and its proud history exceeding 167 years of being first to serve and protect the citizens of Eaton County.
“While many things have changed since the office of the Sheriff was first formed in 1837, our fine team of law enforcement officers remain committed to serving and protecting the citizens throughout our communities,” states Sheriff Mike Raines. “One of my many goals during my terms in office is to uphold our time-honored traditions and the proud heritage of the Sheriff’s Office. Together, we’re working hard to preserve and pass these on to others who also have the desire to dedicate their lives to serving and protecting, and this new vehicle is one of many steps in that direction.”
A lot has changed since 1841 when former Sheriff William Stoddard ran the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Courtroom in Charlotte with only $25.00 per year for rent. Still located in Charlotte, the Sheriff’s Office currently includes a 224-bed Jail, Medical Clinic, Kitchen, several Offices, a countywide road patrol and a Delta Township Sub-station serving over 108,000 citizens throughout Eaton County, including local area businesses.
Your Sheriff is the only top law enforcement leader elected by the people. Sheriffs are elected of the people, by the people and for the people. Sheriffs are extremely diversified in the scope of services they provide as the full-service law enforcement and public safety agency in each county. The Sheriff’s powers are derived from old English common law, the Michigan Constitution and are protected and enhanced by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. The Sheriff duties include jail operations; road patrol; criminal complaint services; crime scene investigations; civil process service; bond processing; detective and investigative services and a multitude of administrative duties. The Sheriff is not only the chief law enforcement official he is also the warden of the jail.
Eaton County Sheriff’s deputies have been responsible for solving thousands of crimes, taking thousands of criminals off our streets, saving countless lives, preventing crimes and protecting the innocent in every community in which they serve. While their duties are diverse and rich in tradition, the lives of some of Eaton County’s former sheriff’s reflect the same. For example, former Sheriff Elwin Smith, (Sheriff 1957-1972), currently holds the honorable title of “Eaton County’s Oldest Living Sheriff.” Former Sheriff Rick Jones, after three decades with the sheriff’s office, now serves as our State Representative. From Eaton County’s First Sheriff, Robert Wheaton, to the present Sheriff, Mike Raines, the proud tradition of quality law enforcement and public safety services to the citizens remains the Sheriff’s number one priority.
“As one of 83 Sheriff’s in this great State, it’s truly an honor to carry on this fine tradition,” states Sheriff Mike Raines. “With many more years ahead of us, I hope to continue to preserve the traditions of our office, while protecting your family and serving each of you to the best of our abilities with honor, pride and integrity. Our new car is only a small demonstration of our time-honored commitment to you.”
A technology initiative of the Information Systems Department.