Judge Oakley approves plea deal for Melvin Butzin of Sumpter Twp.

Melvin Butzin of Sumpter Township pled guilty to domestic violence-1st and the other charge was dismissed in a plea deal accepted by 34th District Court Judge Brian A. Oakley on Aug. 2.
In explaining the offense, Butzin stated he and his mother were in Belleville and he was driving. He said his mother grabbed the wheel and he grabbed her arm to keep them from crashing.
Judge Oakley said he couldn’t accept a guilty plea if there was a defensive reason to grab her arm.
The Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor said she believed Butzin was intoxicated. He could plead no contest because he couldn’t remember, she said. She went to get a police report and before she could leave the courtroom Sumpter Det. John Ashby presented a copy of the police report to Judge Oakley.
Judge Oakley read the report and accepted a no-contest plea and dismissal of the other charge.
Judge Oakley said it looked like a toxic situation where the elderly mother and Butzin live together and he is the caregiver. His sister Juanita Marker said this wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been drinking and he hasn’t had a drink since this happened.
Marker said she intends to help her brother with the caregiving and has found someone to take care of their mother for four hours a day a few days a week, to give him a break.
“I want to make sure nothing happens,” Judge Oakley said.
Det. Ashby agreed that there is no problem when he’s not drinking.
Judge Oakley told Butzin that he will be on probation for 12 months and if he drinks it is a violation of his probation and he will go to jail.
“I haven’t have a drink since this happened,” Butzin said.
“As long as you don’t drink, we’re best friends,” Judge Oakley said to Butzin. “It is an admirable, noble thing to take care of your mother.”
Judge Oakley said if there are no new charges, or problems with mom, in 12 months, the charge will be dropped. He said there will be random testing.
Judge Oakley levied no fines or court costs on Butzin.
“If you have a problem staying sober, call us,” Judge Oakley urged.