Court Watching: Bumper pleads guilty to domestic violence, but can’t stop talking

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
Terry Bumper accepted a plea agreement on Jan. 21 before 34th District Court Judge Brian A. Oakley and pled guilty to domestic violence, a misdemeanor. He told the judge he touched his girlfriend in an improper, defensive manner with his hand.
Bumper will come back to the judge for a sentence in the future after recommendations from the probation department.
Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Strace said she thought Judge Oakley should know that although Bumper has a no-contact order attached to his bond, just that morning in the court hallway he took pictures of the victim and her mother and was disrespectful to her, the prosecutor, in court.
“We have a history,” said Judge Oakley referring to Bumper who stood before him. “It’s not a good history, but I’m giving you a fresh start.” He reminded Bumper that there will be no phone calls, no Twitter, or other contact.
“We’re looking at a possible deferred sentence. Ignore her or experience my wrath,” Judge Oakley warned.
Bumper left the courtroom after telling the judge he was through with his girlfriend and would have no reason to contact her. Then, Prosecutor Strace returned to the courtroom, telling the judge that she was with the victim in the hallway just then and the defendant kept calling out things to her from a distance.
“He doesn’t get the idea,” she reported.
Court-appointed attorney Jeff Bowdich was directed by Judge Oakley to go get his client and bring him back to the courtroom.
Bumper again stood before the judge and Judge Oakley again told him of the no-contact rule and the consequences.
Prosecutor Strace said Bumper has been commenting over and over and as she walked to the door he kept talking to her.
“The victim is upset about the plea,” Bowdich explained to the judge.
“He was talking about me,” Prosecutor Strace told the judge.
Judge Oakley told Bumper that if he hears that Bumper violated the no-contact order he will set Bumper’s bond at $100,000 or 10% and he’ll end up in jail.
“Mr. Bumper is stepping back from the edge,” Bowdich told the judge in a positive manner.
After Bumper again left the courtroom, Judge Oakley heaved a sigh.
“He can’t shut up. He can’t do it,” Judge Oakley said.
David Michael Dorton
David Michael Dorton, Jr., 40, waived his preliminary exam on the charges of possession of narcotics less than 25 grams, delivery/manufacture of marijuana, and operating a vehicle while license suspended, revoked or denied on Jan. 11 in the city of Belleville.
Judge Oakley bound him over to circuit court for a Jan. 28 arraignment on the information. Court-appointed attorney David Lankford was his defense attorney. Officer in charge is Belleville Cpl. Kris Faull.
Bond of $50,000 or 10% was continued. Dorton was lodged in the Wayne County Jail.
Emmanuel Ananias Hannon
Emmanuel Ananias Hannon, 26, waived his upcoming Jan. 28 preliminary exam on charges of forgery and uttering and publishing and Judge Oakley bound him over to a Feb. 4 arraignment on the information at circuit court.
The alleged crimes took place on Dec. 4, 2013 in Van Buren Township.
Court-appointed attorney David Lankford told the judge that his client apologized to the victim and Judge Oakley told him, “Don’t do that.” Although it is good that he is sorry, the judge said, there is a no-contact order with his bond of $2,000/10%, which he posted.
VBT Det. Toney is in charge of the case.
Judge Oakley noted that Hannon is current on his payment plans for infractions in April 2011 and November 2013 and he is current.
Asia Perri Jones
Asia Perri Jones, 20, was before the judge for a probable cause hearing and review on three separate charges. One charge was for failing to display a license properly for which she was out on bond of $2,000 or 10%, which she posted. VBT Officer Mike Long was the officer in charge.
The other charges were for assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault) and domestic violence on Aug. 27 in Van Buren Township. The warrant for her arrest was signed Dec. 19 and she was out on $5,000 personal recognizance bond on these charges. VBT Officer Scott Griggs was the officer in charge.
Her preliminary exam at 34th District Court was to be held Jan. 28 and she will be defended by court-appointed attorney Lankford.
Anthony Wayne Fitzsimmons
Anthony Wayne Fitzsimmons, 35, waived his upcoming preliminary exam at a probable cause hearing before Judge Oakley. He was bound over to circuit court for an arraignment on the information on Feb. 4. His bond of $2,000/10%, which he posted, was continued.
Fitzsimmons is charged with operating while intoxicated-3rd and driving while license suspended, revoked or denied in Sumpter Township on Aug. 23. The recommendation for a warrant was signed Dec. 18.
He has retained a defense attorney. Sumpter Officer Joseph Balowski is the officer in charge.