Former Mich. police officer convicted of racketeering
5/17/2013MONROE - A former Michigan State Police lieutenant has been convicted of running a racketeering ring through the department for more than two years.
The Michigan Attorney General dismissed 23 other charges related to racketeering against Luke Davis, 50, in exchange for his no contest plea Monday to one count of conducting a criminal enterprise. Mr. Davis used to run the Office of Monroe Narcotics Investigation team, according to the Michigan Attorney General's office.
Mr. Davis' conviction will result in the revocation of his Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards certification, essentially ending any career in law enforcement, said Joy Yearout, spokesman for the Michigan Attorney General's Office.
Mr. Davis was suspended from the post after authorities conducted a raid of his home in December, 2008, the office said. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 8.
Criminal charges involving the same crime were also made against another former Michigan State Police lieutenant, Emanuel Riopelle, 44, of Canal Dr.; and Lawrence Dusseau, 44, of Monroe County.
Authorities allege that the men embezzled prescription drugs, jewelry and other items that were collected from searches through the police department between March, 2006, and December, 2008.
Monroe Circuit Court recorder Carol O'Dell said Mr. Dusseau will be sentenced on May 30. He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of title jumping to avoid the state use tax.
Mr. Riopelle's sentencing date is set for July 11. He previously pleaded no contest and was found guilty of one count of misconduct in office. the Michigan Attorney General's Office said.
Both Mr. Davis and Mr. Riopelle remain on unpaid suspension from the department, Ms. Yearout said.