JURY ACQUITS FORMER MADISON HEIGHTS COP

A former Madison Heights police officer accused of stealing a gift
card during a drug raid was acquitted of larceny charges.

Richard Michael Craze, 36, of Macomb Township, had been a 12-year
member of the Madison Heights Police Department until the felony
charges led to him leaving the department earlier this year.

Craze could have faced up to five years in prison if convicted of
taking the $125 gift card during a drug raid of a Pontiac home on March 20.

According to Oakland County Sheriff's investigators and prosecutors,
Craze had used the Home Depot card to buy fertilizer and lawn
furniture, using his own credit card to supplement his third purchase.

Prosecutors also presented a videotaped statement with Craze
acknowledging use of the card.

Craze, who was represented by attorney Nancy Bates Rickel, said he
found the card by a garage.

According to court personnel, the jury had been deadlocked with two
jurors wanting to acquit and 10 wanting to convict.

The jury deliberated for more than two days, following the
two-and-a-half day trial in Oakland County Circuit Court. Just before
the close of court on Thursday afternoon, they returned the verdict
of not guilty.

Craze has been free on a personal bond.

Craze had worked within the sheriff's Narcotics Enforcement Team for
two years, a collection of officers from numerous departments who
work undercover drug details throughout the county.