(CBS DETROIT) — The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is speaking out against a package of bills that could limit the court’s ability to keep those facing criminal charges in Michigan behind bars.
On Friday, Sheriff Michael Bouchard was joined by the widow of slain Deputy Brad Rackling to speak out against bills that would require judges to consider a suspect’s ability to pay when setting bond and would limit the court’s ability to limit the use of their criminal history in those statements.
Bouchard claims this could lead to more tragedies.
“It’s pushing more people out of jail. “If they really want to reform prison, they can do it with the pillars I just talked about: non-violent offenders for non-violent crimes with no history of violence,” he said.
Reckling was shot dead on June 22 in what Bouchard calls an ‘ambush’. The deputy and two other detectives were investigating the theft of a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox in Madison Heights when people in the vehicle got out and opened fire.
Raymone Raylee Debose, 18, of Clinton Township, is accused of murdering a peace officerreceiving and concealing stolen property, four counts of carrying a concealed weapon, three counts of firearms, carjacking and conducting a criminal enterprise.
Two other teens were charged with accessory after the fact to a felony, receiving and concealing stolen property, four counts of carrying a concealed weapon, three counts of firearms, carjacking and conducting a criminal enterprise.
Bouchard says Debose was released months before the incident after posting $10,000 bail for a previous crime. Bouchard criticized District Judge Kristin Hartig, who handled the previous case, claiming Hartig’s refusal to commit the case allowed Debose to walk free for months.
“It threw things into limbo and left him on the street. Obviously, decisions have consequences,” Bouchard said.
Supporters of the bills argue they will lead to a fairer criminal justice system in Michigan that does not punish defendants for being poor. However, the clock is ticking for these bills to pass, as they will likely hit a dead end once the session ends and Democrats lose their majority in the House of Representatives.
Jack Springgate
