2 men accused of forcing teen to drink alcohol

4/6/2005

ADRIAN - Two Clinton, Mich., men accused of forcing a Livonia, Mich., teenager to drink alcohol and threatening him were arraigned yesterday in Lenawee County District Court.

Lynford Beard, 46, was charged with felonious assault, while Easton Stockmeyer, 22, was charged with aiding and abetting an assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to police reports, Mr. Stockmeyer asked Joseph Chmielewski, 17, a friend of Mr. Stockmeyer's sister, to go fishing on Friday night. Instead, he took him to Mr. Beard's home, where they threatened the youth with a knife, a handgun, and a fake grenade for several hours and forced him to drink alcohol, police said. Mr. Chmielewski said he escaped after asking to use the bathroom.

Mr. Beard and Mr. Stockmeyer are free on $5,000 bonds.