Macomb Co. exec probe into 'tech issue' that halted news release on 2 Warren cops finds no glitches

The Macomb County executive said Monday a probe into why no announcement was published about charges against two Warren police officers last August found that a news release "was never put into the system."

County Executive Mark Hackel said he launched an investigation of the county's computer system after the Macomb County prosecutor said a technical issue prevented a release about the charges from publishing in August. Instead, the charges were announced six months after the arraignment for the two former officers accused of assaulting a truck driver outside of the city's jurisdiction.

Hackel said the county's Information Technology department found there were no glitches or technical issues with the IT systems that would have prevented a release from posting on the Prosecutor's Office website, where news of charges are announced.

County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said Monday in addition to the technical issue that prevented a release from publishing on the county's website that it was an error that a release was not distributed to the media.

A release from August "should have been put on the Web page at the time and emailed but was not," Lucido said. He said the county's Information Technology department was investigating the matter.

A release dated Aug. 18 was posted to the Prosecutor's Office website the week of Feb. 26, six months after charges were brought against the former officers, according to a report last week by WXYZ-TV (Channel 7). The report, citing a public records release, also said a $400,000 settlement with the victim was reached by the city.

Dammeon Player, 50, and Carlos Taylor, 28, the former officers, are accused of assaulting a man during a traffic stop on July 20 in neighboring Center Line, the Prosecutor's Office said.

Player was charged in August with felonious assault, a four-year felony, and willful failure to uphold the law while a public official, a one-year misdemeanor. Player also is accused of using unnecessary force during the victim's arrest.

Taylor also was charged in August with willful failure to uphold the law while a public official and assault and battery, a 93-day misdemeanor.

A judge set bond for both men at $5,000.

An attorney representing Player could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.

Reached by email, James Fifelski, Taylor’s defense attorney, said: "After reviewing all of the available evidence in this case, I feel confident that my client did not violate his duties under the law. At the time of the incident with Mr. Deka, Mr. Taylor was operating under the direction of Field Training Officer Dammeon Player and acted in accordance with proper police protocol under the circumstances. Mr. Taylor has an impeccable police record for service in the community. He maintains his innocence and we are currently working to resolve this case and clear Officer Taylor’s good name through the legal system."

Hackel said the county's IT departments is working to determine when the news release was composed, on which device and by whom it was prepared.

"We've already established the fact that (the news release) was never put into the system ... if it was, it comes out of (Lucido's) office — hundreds of releases and documents go out on a regular basis, and there's never been a glitch or a issue," Hackel told The News. "We know for a fact that this one was never put into the system."

Hackel said the county has "never run into this ever being an issue" and has not previously experienced technical glitches on its website.

"Whatever 'error' — and I use that term lightly — occurred had nothing to do with the IT system, it had everything to do with the Prosecutor's Office and/or his staff," Hackel said.

Attempts to reach Lucido on Monday night were unsuccessful.

Lucido said in an earlier statement about the charges that his office takes "corruption and transparency seriously," and touted his administration for having "brought charges against more police officers and more public officials than any prior Macomb County prosecutor in the same time period."

“Everyone who violates the law will be treated the same," he said. "Police officers are not above the law and will be held accountable like all other individuals."

Former Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer, recently ousted from his position, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

On Friday, Warren Mayor Lori Stone said she found out about the incident after receiving media inquiries about it.

"The case was resolved after the two Warren officers involved faced criminal charges and were fired from the Warren Police Department," she said in a statement. "This happened under the previous administration. The city's lawyers also agreed to a settlement with the victim that was authorized by the previous administration."

She said public safety is a top priority for the city. After the incident was identified as a case of misconduct, the investigation was turned over to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office, according to policy, she said.

"I appreciate the clear message that failure to live up to the highest standards of conduct is unacceptable and will be addressed swiftly and appropriately," the mayor said.

"As shocking as this incident was, I want the citizens of Warren to remember that this incident is an incredibly rare and isolated example of improper police conduct by the Warren Police Department. This administration will continue to take steps to ensure that the Warren Police Department, under its new leadership, stays at the forefront of recruiting and training so its employees uphold the highest expectations and integrity as they are doing their best work serving our great City," Stone said.