By Staff
ST. JOSEPH – Berrien County Prosecutor Arthur J. Cotter said Tuesday he is asking that the convictions of 15 more defendants be set aside.
"In my continuing review of state cases that have been affected as a result of the investigation into alleged misconduct by former Benton Harbor Police Officer Andrew Collins, I have concluded that the following additional cases can no longer be sustained as a result of false information contained in police reports, false information provided in affidavits to obtain search warrants and other credibility issues," Cotter said.
"As a result, I have asked the court to set aside the convictions, dismiss the charges and discharge the defendants from any remaining sentence."
In two files, Cotter said his office intends to stipulate to new trials.
Lontia Burrell was convicted of delivery of narcotics less than 50 grams, maintaining a drug house and one supplemental.
Jadarius S. Griffis was found guilty of delivery of marijuana, second offense, and maintaining a drug house, second offense.
"This investigation is ongoing and, as information comes to light on any additional cases where misconduct is found, I will take further appropriate action at that time," said Cotter, who on Dec. 24 asked that convictions be set aside for seven defendants.
The 15 defendants affected by this latest decision include:
Justin L. Williams, convicted of delivery of narcotics less than 50 grams, second offense.
Horatio R. White, delivery of narcotics less than 50 grams, second offense.
Billy D. Boyd, delivery of narcotics less than 50 grams.
Miyon F. Lee, delivery of narcotics less than 50 grams.
Quacy L. Roberts, possession of narcotics less than 25 grams and two supplementals.
Martel J. Washington, delivery of narcotics less than 50 grams (two counts) and maintaining a drug house.
Reginald Bland, delivery of marijuana, second offense.
Dominique D. Blackwell, delivery of narcotics less than 50 grams.
Marlon R. Sanders, delivery of narcotics less than 50 grams.
Sebastian Childs, maintaining a drug house.
Calvin D. Horn, marijuana possession.
Xavier D. Kelly, marijuana possession.
Kentrell T. Dunn, maintaining a drug house, second offense.
Adrian L. Turner, marijuana possession.