Two Detroit Area Men Believed to Be Part of Crime Ring Face Numerous Theft Charges

Two men are facing a litany of charges in what Roseville police believe to be part of a large scale criminal theft ring, targeting cell phone stores, that is operating throughout southeastern Michigan. The men were arraigned earlier this week, and according to police are being charged with breaking and entering, assaulting a police officer, safe breaking, and possession of burglar tools. Both men entered not guilty pleas.

Detroit Area Man Faces Numerous Theft Charges

These charges arose out of an alleged break-in which took place around 7:30 in the morning on Sunday at the Radio Shack in the Eastgate Shopping Center. The store’s alarm company first alerted the police that a potential break-in was in progress.

Police were informed the suspects had fled the scene, and were travelling eastbound on I-94 in two separate vehicles. They eventually apprehended two of the suspects, who were travelling in a Volkswagen. A search of the vehicle revealed nearly 50 cell phones and a cash drawer from the Radio Shack.

Police believe that two additional suspects, who were able to escape, were involved in the break-in, and are additionally part of the alleged crime ring. Police expect additional charges to be filed against the men, as their other crimes throughout the Detroit area are uncovered.

Police believe that the four men involved in the break-in, and potentially more, are involved in a sort of “smash and grab” scheme. So far, they believe the group may be responsible for crimes in Canton, Detroit, Livonia, Troy and Warren, which have occurred over the past several months. A police spokesman added that the list is also growing in terms of other potentially related incidents.

According to Michigan’s statute, a person who breaks and enters into a tent, hotel, office, store, shop, warehouse, barn, granary, factory or other building, structure, boat, ship, or railroad car with “intent to commit a felony or a larceny therein” is guilty of a felony, and can face up to 10 years in prison. If the crime is committed with a firearm, the maximum sentence jumps up to 25 years in prison, and can potentially be coupled with a $5000 fine.

Whatever crime you are facing charges for or being accused of, an experienced criminal defense attorney is your best chance at having those charges reduced, or even dismissed altogether. A criminal defense attorney can also advise you regarding whether a plea bargain for a reduced crime could result in a greatly reduced sentence, literally saving years of your life.

At The Law Office of Steven L. Schwartz, we have more than 25 years of experience defending people accused of theft and various other crimes in Oakland County and the surrounding areas of Michigan. Let our dedicated attorneys help you avoid jail, fines and a criminal record. Call us today to schedule your free initial consultation. You can reach us by calling (248) 266-8720 or through our website.

More Articles

• Detroit Police Make Arrest in Connection With Triple Homicide, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published March 13, 2013.
• Former Michigan Supreme Court Judge Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published March 6, 2013.