Racketeering charges filed against two state troopers in Monroe

MONROE, Mich. (AP) -- Two Michigan State Police lieutenants were charged Wednesday with stealing property seized during drug operations and running a criminal enterprise from their narcotics investigation office in Monroe. Luke Davis, 48, and Emmanuel Riopelle, 42, were arraigned Wednesday in Monroe District Court on racketeering, embezzlement and misconduct in office charges. Lawrence Dusseau, 42, who prosecutors said was Davis' friend and helped in the scheme, was arraigned on racketeering, embezzlement and tax violations. A complaint from a suspect led state police in December 2008 to Davis' home, where investigators found jewelry, 30 designer purses, 22 cell phones, computers, televisions, motorcycles, a golf cart, Vicodin, Oxycotin and steroids, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a statement. Prosecutors allege that property and money were embezzled from suspects between March 2006 and December 2008. "Pursuing charges against members of your own department for this type of criminal activity is an embarrassment, but there is no doubt it's the right thing to do," State Police Director Kriste Kibbey Etue said Wednesday in a statement. "The MSP does not tolerate criminal behavior, especially within its ranks." Davis, who commanded the Office of Monroe Narcotics Investigations, and Riopelle have been suspended without pay. Property seized in investigations like those conducted by the Monroe unit is sold at public auction, put to official use or destroyed, according to state police policy. But beginning in March 2006, some property seized through the unit's operations was kept for personal use or given away. Dusseau is accused of falsifying receipts to show some of the items were bought at auction. That property later was sold, prosecutors said. Flat-screen televisions, furniture and even cars were embezzled, according to Schuette's office. Davis, Riopelle and Dusseau were arrested Tuesday night. Davis and Riopelle each were given bonds of $50,000. Dusseau's bond was set at $25,000. The Associated Press left a message Wednesday seeking comment from their attorney at the arraignment. Published: Fri, Feb 25, 2011