Ex-Detroit Homicide Detective Facing Multiple Charges
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A former high-ranking Detroit homicide detective faces charges that include conducting a criminal enterprise.
The Wayne County prosecutor's office says a Feb. 27 preliminary examination is scheduled for 60-year-old Bill Rice and 44-year-old Cheryl Sanford.
Both were arraigned earlier this week on more than two dozen criminal counts. Rice had been a lieutenant with the city's police department.
Police say from 2006 to 2011, Rice and Sanford provided false information and misrepresented their interests in Detroit and Taylor properties to obtain federal funds to qualify for mortgages. Police also say the pair acquired or maintained properties used to violate the Controlled Substances Act.
Rice is further alleged to have committed perjury while under oath in connection with a Federal Bankruptcy proceeding. Both have been charged with 16 counts, each felonies. It wasn't immediately clear if Rice or Sanford had legal representation.
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee released this statement Thursday night:
"If the allegations prove to be true regarding a former member of the Detroit Police Department (DPD), it is extremely disappointing. This is not reflective, however, of the many current and former members of DPD who serve and have formerly served this city with great integrity."
The case was investigated by the Office of Housing and Urban Development, Michigan State Police and Wayne County Sheriff's Office.
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