Armed robbery at Wyoming cellphone store is one of several felonies facing teen
In addition to a cellphone store robbery, the 17-year-old is accused of stealing a vehicle linked to multiple business break-ins and a shooting that injured a child. Author: John Hogan Updated: 7:52 PM EDT March 15, 2021
WYOMING, Mich. A teen tied to a summer shooting and break-ins at numerous businesses across metro Grand Rapids is now charged with armed robbery for a heist last week at a Wyoming cellphone store.
The armed robbery charge against 17-year-old Lorontay R. McIntosh is the most serious offense in a young life peppered with crimes going back to when he was 14.
Coronavirus & Crime: Kent County sees 37% spike in criminal charges for 2020
The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office in 2020 filed more than 10,500 criminal charges, a spike that local officials say was influenced by the coronavirus pandemic. Author: John Hogan Updated: 6:39 PM EST March 10, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. A year that saw a record number of homicides in Grand Rapids also saw a dramatic increase in criminal charges filed by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, with the coronavirus pandemic playing a role.
“I think across the board, people have said that violent crime is definitely up,’’ Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said. “COVID is certainly a factor.’’
Accused rioters have their day in court; only two of 22 cases have been resolved
Twenty-two people have been charged with riot and related offenses for damage in downtown Grand Rapids May 30-31; only two of the defendants have been sentenced. Author: John Hogan Updated: 7:04 PM EST March 9, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. In the more than nine months since rioting heavily damaged businesses and public buildings in downtown Grand Rapids, felony cases against the accused participants are slowly working their way through court.
Two of the defendants had hearings on Tuesday.
Three others recently pleaded guilty and await sentencing, while two others have already been sentenced.
Eastpointe gets new assistant city manager
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EASTPOINTE The city of Eastpointe is welcoming a new assistant city manager, Mariah Walton.
Walton joined the city of Eastpointe’s staff in April of 2020 as an assistant to the city manager and was officially promoted to assistant city manager Feb. 8. She is taking over the position from Brian Fairbrother.
“I came from the Kent County Circuit Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan,” said Walton. “I finished my master’s at Grand Valley State University in public administration, and a position as assistant to the city manager for (human resources) and purchasing opened, so I was very excited to join the team.”
Killing, torturing pets is grim hallmark of domestic abuse amid pandemic
In two local cases, men were accused of beating their girlfriends and killing pets, which domestic abuse experts say is another form of control. Author: John Hogan Updated: 6:26 PM EST February 16, 2021
A Grand Rapids man has been sentenced to prison for killing a kitten during a violent June outburst, while a Kentwood man is in jail, accused in the December death of a puppy thrown against a wall.
But animals weren’t the only casualties. In both cases, girlfriends also were attacked.
It is a disturbing component of domestic assault cases in which beloved pets are targeted, local officials say.