Saturday, February 18, 2012

Former Detroit Cop Clipped For Mortgage Fraud

A former top Detroit Police Department homicide lieutenant has been charged with running a criminal enterprise, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced Thursday.

Former homicide Lt. William R. Rice, 60, and Cheryl R. Sanford, 44, were arraigned Wednesday. Bond was set at $10,000.

According to the prosecutor’s Deed Fraud Unit, the suspects are alleged to have conducted a criminal enterprise from 2006 through last year, a charge that carries a maximum of 20 years in jail and $100,000, plus criminal forfeiture of proceeds.

“It is alleged that Rice and Sanford provided false information and misrepresented their interests in Detroit and Taylor properties to obtain federal funds to qualify for mortgages,” the Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.

They are also charged with acquiring or maintaining property used to violate the Controlled Substances Act.

Rice also is alleged to have committed perjury while under oath in connection with a federal bankruptcy proceeding. Both have been charged with 16 counts, each felonies.

Several counts also involved the delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance.

Police Chief Ralph Godbee Jr. issued a statement Thursday night, saying: “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.”

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