By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — A police officer may be facing time in jail after being charged with multiple counts of misusing law enforcement information systems and falsifying vehicle documents.
According to 24th District Court and Wayne County Circuit Court records, Michael Calabrese, 42, was charged with 11 non-capital felonies including false certification of motor vehicle documents, using a computer to commit a crime, and several counts of unauthorized disclosure of data from the Law Enforcement Information Network.
Court records indicate that a warrant had been requested in September at Taylor’s 23rd District Court; a preliminary exam on Monday was held before 24th District Court Judge Richard Page, reportedly to provide a neutral setting.
Police Chief Mary Sclabassi said Calabrese — a 12-year department veteran — has been suspended pending the outcome of the criminal case. His pay was suspended following the arraignment of charges. The investigation was reportedly handled by the Michigan State Police; Sclabassi received a complaint regarding Calabrese and referred the matter to state investigators.
If convicted Calabrese could face up to 90 days in jail for a first misdemeanor offense, or up to four years in prison for felony convictions.
Last week’s preliminary exam was rescheduled for Nov. 6.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)