By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — In a jury trial scheduled to begin April 1 a 28-year-old Taylor man could face life in prison if convicted of any of the five armed robberies he’s accused of committing Downriver.
Additional charges may be filed as Michael Joseph Sagi was suspected of committing up to 15 armed robberies.
Sagi was taken into custody soon after the most recent robbery on Dec. 6 at Payless ShoeSource, 14337 Eureka Road. Southgate police had assistance from Taylor officers, who had also been looking for the driver of a burgundy minivan.
December’s district court arraignment for the Payless robbery was followed by a 23rd District Court appearance before Judge Geno Salomone on three armed robbery charges. Prosecutors said Sagi was responsible for November robberies at Subway, 11048 Allen Road; Speedway, 20011 Eureka; and Tim Hortons, 21388 Van Board Road.
Sagi was said to have used a black, semi-automatic handgun during those robberies as well as a Dec. 6 hold-up at a Subway in Riverview. Video surveillance images from that robbery matched the description of Sagi, who may have been responsible for up to 15 robberies.
Sagi stood mute when arraigned on each of the five charges, all of which will be tried next month before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Linda Parker. A final conference was held before Parker Feb. 28, with all charges confirmed.
Sagi previously had been convicted of felony firearms and had been released from prison in November 2012.
Sagi remained in custody on bonds totaling $2 million.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])