A Michigan state trooper, from the Groveland Township post, allegedly misused a statewide computer database.
Stephen Anderson was arraigned on July 22 in 52-2 District Court on charges of unauthorized disclosure of LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network).
Anderson was suspended from duty pending disposition of the criminal charges and MSP administrative proceedings.
A pretrial hearing is set for Aug.18 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Joseph Fabrizio. Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor Kelly Chard was assigned to the case.
Unauthorized disclosure of LEIN information is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of 93 days and /or a $500 fine. The charge is the result of an internal investigation conducted by the MSP.
A statement was released by the MSP following the arraignment: ‘The Michigan State Police have a long-standing tradition of demanding the highest possible standards of professional conduct from its enlisted and civilian members.?
‘To that end, all allegations of misconduct are aggressively investigated. Regardless of whether a criminal charge results in a conviction, employees can still be subject to administrative penalties resulting from violations of department policy. All policy violations are investigated thoroughly and acted upon in a manner consistent with current labor-relations law and bargaining unit agreements.?
Oakland County Sheriff Sgt. Pete Burkett, of the Brandon Substation, said LEIN is used to gain information during a police investigation and includes such data as Secretary of State driving information, Michigan Department of Corrections records, warrants and arrests.
Burkett explained that unlawful use of LEIN would be law enforcement personnel using the system for their own gain or giving information to another person.
‘It’s strictly for law enforcement’the information is otherwise private.?