Detroit Cop Charged In Stickups Gets $1 Million Bond
TAYLOR (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit police officer who's served on the force for more than a decade has been accused of orchestrating a series of robberies in southeast Michigan.
Clifton Whatley, a 34-year-old Canton Township resident, was arraigned Thursday in 23rd District Court in Taylor on three counts of armed robbery, two counts of bank robbery, two counts of criminal enterprise, four counts of unlawful imprisonment, and felony firearm. A judge ordered Whatley to be jailed and set bond at $1 million.
Authorities say between May 2012 and March 2013, Whatley organized and orchestrated robberies throughout Wayne County, including in Taylor, Westland, Canton, Harper Woods and Melvindale.
"It is alleged that Clifton Whatley has robbed victims in five of our Wayne County communities," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. "We will vigorously present our case in court."
Further details of the crimes are expected to be revealed in court during a preliminary examination on April 8.
Interim Detroit Police Chief Chester Logan said in a statement that Whatley has been suspended and the department is cooperating with the Michigan State Police investigation.
"We are committed to ensuring that the members of the Detroit Police Department conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy of the public's trust," Logan said.
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