Trial date set in corruption case of former Romulus police chief, police officers

Former Romulus police chief St. Andre, his wife, several former officers face corruption charges including embezzlement

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Former Romulus Police chief Michael St. Andre and his wife Sandra along with two former Romulus detectives and 3 former police officers were in court Friday to learn that they're going to have to wait longer to go to trial.

READ: Wayne County prosecutors square off with attorneys in Romulus police corruption case

The former chief is charged with embezzling drug forfeiture money and using it to buy his wife a tanning salon.

The officers are charged with allegedly using thousands in the drug forfeiture money to  

buy sex and drugs at a strip club near the Romulus police department.

The group was originally charged in 2011. It is now may of 2013 - and family members of some of the officers were furious outside of court. Several family members say while they wait for trial some officers have lost their homes and lost their wives.

Mike Rataj is the attorney for former detective Richard Balzer. He says one reason for the wait is that the Michigan State Police continue to come up with new witnesses and new evidence  - making for a seemingly endless investigation.

The trial is expected to start in September.

WATCH: Ex-Romulus Police Chief, Wife, 5 Officers Appear In Court

Recap of charges against former Romulus police members:

St. Andre and detectives Richard Balzer, Richard Landry and Donald Hopkins face numerous charges, including conducting a criminal enterprise and embezzlement.

Detectives Jeremy Channells and Larry Droege are charged with misconduct in office and neglect of duty.

Sandra St. Andre faces acquiring and maintaining a criminal enterprise, conspiracy and tax charges.


About the Authors:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.