Michigan State NARCO Police Charged with Racketeering, Embezzlement, Forgery, and Evading Taxes

LANSING - Michigan State has filed criminal charges against two State Police Lieutenants of running a criminal enterprise out of the Michigan State Police Office of Monroe Narcotics Investigations (OMNI). Michigan State Police Lt. Luke Davis, 48, of Monroe; Lt. Emmanuel Riopelle, 42, of Grosse Ile; are accused of coordinating an extensive scheme to systematically embezzle property and money seized from suspects between March 2006 and December 2008.

The alleged embezzlement was uncovered by the Michigan State Police following a Nov. 28, 2008 complaint from a suspect alleging Davis stole property from his home. An Michigan State Police search of Davis' home on Dec. 4, 2008 revealed the stolen property, as well as vicodin, oxycotin, steroids, a wall covered with a large quantity of men's and women's jewelry, 30 designer purses, 22 cell phones, computers, televisions, motorcycles, and a golf cart, among other property.

Subsequent investigation revealed Davis allegedly developed a system of embezzling seized property from the OMNI unit he commanded. According to Michigan State Police policy, seized property is to be sold at public auction, put to official use, or destroyed. Embezzled items included flat-screen televisions, designer purses, furniture, cell phones, automobiles and electronics. The defendants were arrested by the Michigan State Police last night, and the following charges against them were filed with the 1st District Court in Monroe today:

Luke Davis - 24 Counts:

• One count of Conducting Criminal Enterprises (Racketeering), a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine;
• Thirteen counts of Embezzlement by a Public Official, a felony punishable by up to10 years in prison;
• Five counts of Misconduct in Office, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison;
• Three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison;
• One count of Use Tax violation, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison; and
• One count of Forgery, a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Emmanuel Riopelle - 11 Counts:

• One count of conducting Criminal Enterprises (Racketeering), a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine;
• Three counts of Embezzlement by a Public Official, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison;
• Four counts of Misconduct in Office, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison; and
• Three counts of Forgery, a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Upon issuance of the charges, Davis and Riopelle were placed on unpaid suspension. A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.