Update, October 3, 2006- The latest antics of the Marshall Police Department. It gives a new meaning to the term "Marshall Law." If any citizen had engaged in similar conduct they could be charged with conspiracy to commit grand larceny. A police-officer failing to turn in recovered property/evidence such as a knife or IPOD, and converting it to their own would be fired and criminally charged. This is very similar but on a grandeur scale.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Carlin, Justinian Investigative Services
To: Chief Michael C. Olson, Marshall Police Department
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 8:28 AM
Subject: Re: 1993 Dodge Durango, Vehicle of Mary Denise Lands
Dear Chief Olson:
This correspondence was originally sent to the City Clerk under a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. It was denied and being re-submitted to you, your department, and the City Attorney.
I have previously submitted written communications to you regarding the release of the vehicle of Mary Denise Lands, which has now been stored in the open tow yard of Bud's Wrecker in Marshall. The vehicle has no wheels and the location of the four tires are unknown. It was unlocked and numerous individuals have been in and out of the vehicle in the periodically unsecured storage lot.
On behalf of the family I attempted to ascertain the status of the vehicle. You have informed individuals that the vehicle was no longer evidence and in the improper manner in which it is being presently stored that statement would appear to be correct. You have previously advised the family that it is evidence. Bud's Wrecker claims it is evidence, according to your position, and under the control of the Marshall Police Department. Depending on the listener, you alternate between statements the vehicle is evidence, or no longer considered evidence? The proper chain of evidence and the securing of that evidence clearly indicate that if the vehicle was once of evidentiary value, it has now been breached. Further, we cannot ascertain why the wheels were removed and where they are presently located? In a previous written response you further responded that the vehicle is not a concern of the family, or myself and it is a matter between the lien-holder and Bud's Wrecker.
We vehemently dispute that claim, and it is on record that Clifford Marshall, Mary's father, is the conservator of her estate, and we ask for the vehicle to be released, as according to Bud's Wrecker, it is in the control and possession of the Marshall Police Department.
I have spoken with the owner of the dealership where the vehicle was purchased and they report the lien is with Chase Bank. Sgt. Scott McDonald was provided all the documentation related to this vehicle.
It is nearing the 3rd winter that this vehicle has been stored outdoors and Mr. Marshall would like to have a statement and release so that he may be able to contact the lien-holder and resolve the issue. It makes no sense for this vehicle to be up on jacks in the rear of an open storage lot.
The Marshall Police Department has acted arbitrarily and callously for over two years in not working with the family to release this vehicle. You and your employees should have had more empathy for the family, especially in this particular matter. Clifford and Anita Marshall have very few items that belonged to their daughter. They would like to have this vehicle released and if they can manage it would like to give the vehicle to Mary's children and keep it in the family. If this issue had been addressed two years ago the family would have been able to work with the lien-holder and Bud's Wrecker to pay the costs for towing and storage. The Marshall Police Department should actually pay these fees and the family is asking for you to do so. A 1993 Dodge Durango with approximately 11,000 miles on it is today valued at approximately $13,000.00. If your agency had examined this issue properly two years ago it would have been one less piece of frustration for the family.
We understand that the files of the Mary Lands case are not subject to inspection or FOIA because the Marshall Police Department claims it is an open investigation. If the vehicle is not evidence we would like the tires to be returned and for the vehicle to be released. We also request that the contents of the glove compartment and vehicle documentation also be returned. The charges for towing and/or storage should be paid by the City of Marshall. The Marshall Police Department has absolutely no legal standing at this time and should not be involved in any civil issues related to this vehicle, Mary Lands' estate and Bud's Wrecker. Any other issues regarding the vehicle could then be resolved between Mr. Marshall, Mary's conservator, the lien-holder and Bud's Wrecker.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
344 Clayton Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017-5218
www.JustinianLaw.com www.BADD.org
269.441.7068 (Voice/Facsimile)
Email: JCarlin@JustinianLaw.com
16 comments:
They covered for him. They can't undo that now, so they will forever continue the charade of bungling incompetence. They are not what they seem. If you think anyone is dumb or brave enough to come forward then prayers will be answered and fears will be justified. Some crimes are never sloved. What most everyone thinks happened...did happen. Can anyone prove this? Yes, without a doubt. Now what? You can think, say and do whatever.. but it doesn't make anyone safe. We have to live this life too..
Comments:
Our families in Grand Rapids think the Marshall Police Dept. should be investigating Jim Carlin and what his motives really are in the Mary Marshall Lands' case. Our families would also like to know why Jim Carlin lied to us in every e-mail note that he sent, why he refused to give us copies of any correspondence he claimed to have sent out on our families' behalf, why he refused to give us a detailed invoice that would have proven what (if any) work he had actually done on our case, why he violated the ethical code that a licensed private investigator is supposed to follow, and the list goes on and on. Our families will find out why you did this to us, Jim Carlin.
I do have the ability to delete comments that are inappropriate for this site, however I have never done so.
I will respond to the above anonymous individual who I know to be (PJ per re for est of EHJ):
You are free to call Chief Olson, the unit in Lansing that handles my license, or anyone else you select. Your comments under an an anonymous mode on this site to make accusations are innappropriate, but will not be deleted. You neglected to state that I immediately returned your full refund when you so requested. It was only later that you complained about a failure to obtain reports and an invoice. Your case was very difficult and you have probably gone to more law enforcement agencies and media to obtain assistance than even the Marshall family. Your allegations cannot be shown as a violation of law. You have had problems with many attorneys and you even found fault with one that I recommended. This person was of the highest integrity and you even questioned his motives.
You obviously have an issue that should be addressed and I tried very hard to help you and your family. Unfortunately, like the Marshall's, it is not easy to obtain justice.
I can add that despite your allegations at least yout family can grieve for their loss and go to a cemetery. The Marshall family have no body to bury and their situation is much more frustrating.
I returned your refund and I am under no obligation to spend hours writing reports and justifying my efforts. They clearly were not appreciated and I am sorry that you continue to express your attitude in this way. You are not entitled to anything more than your full retainer that was returned.
Please seek an attorney and or make a complaint if you feel I did something wrong. I will then respond. Because of your previous emails I had to place blocks on your address. I welcome your complaint if it is from the proper agency and I will then answer it accordingly.
Some clients cannot be pleased. I do not work any harder for the Marshall family than I have for the many other cases I have sucessfully investigated over the last two years. I have not charged the Mary Lands family for my numerous hours of work and it has been pro-bono. I have no motive in their case other than to seek information on the person/s responsible for the disappearqnce and murder of their daughter. I think some people resent that I actually am not charging them for services that I might bill in similar investigations. I have done a considerable amount of pro-bono work for many others and all appreciate my efforts. Numerous individuals who know my work can attest to my integrity and work ethic. I don't need it disparaged by a former client who is not happy with me, their attorneys, or the system.
For most of my life I have tried to please everyone. That is something a person must accept that can't always occur. People like you can never be pleased.
If you have been following this case you should be able to see that Jim Carlin is doing more than anyone else for Mary and her family. If you have problems don't vent them on this site. This is Justice for Mary....
im ready to throw the biggest party that calhoun county has ever seen,when someone gets brave and rats our the CREEPER.
We all appreciate the enthusiasm and spirit but a party is the last thing that should be on anyone's mind.
Continue to talk about Mary's case, call and write letters to the police and the prosecutor. Contact the media and ask about the upcoming features on Mary's disappearance and murder. It will only be through the efforts of people in our community that the case will be solved. The police don't want to do their job, but they can be forced to do it by the public.
As I read all the things that have gone on in this case my heart goes out to the marshall family, at the risk of sounding strange has anyone contacted a PSYCHIC on her disappearance?
Has there been any big media like AMW, Dateline or big shows like that?
Please pass on my thoughts and prayers to the Marshall family.
Thank you for your kind comments to the family and your question on the use of "psychics"?
We have been in touch with several including some who were totally unreliable and trying to take advantage of the family.
However, we have utilized the services of two who provided some interesting connections and we will soon use another.
A credible police agency should never ignore information from any source even if they doubt its validity. Psychics are resource tools that must be interviewed for the possible value they can provide. Who am I to question something just because of a concensus that it cannot be true.
One psychic individual with whom I am acquainted probably found more information that I could verify than Chief Olson has found in the 3 years he claims he has been investigating the case.
As far as America's Most Wanted, and other national programs about Mary's case we continue to work for those endeavors. The Marshall Police Department clearly does not want any spotlight on Historic Marshall or Mary's case and they do not wish to cooperate in that course of action. However, we will never give up on that issue and later this week I plan to discuss it with another producer.
Even today, we receive new tips, continue to speak with new witnesses and re-interview people in the past who have given us information. The weather is starting to improve and we have more plans for the next few months.
Thank you for your support of the family. Please feel free to contact the media, political officials, law enforcement, and anyone who might be able to help solve this case. We need to bring Mary home and hold the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder accountable in a court of law.
I will e mail as many programs as I can. I also e mailed the Montel Williams show who often has Sylvia Brown (Psychic) And good luck we will continue to pray and send e mails to any show who could help draw attention on this case. Thank god for people like you who help and ask for nothing. If it were my child I would just be...Well there are no words..
Thoughts and Prayers
J
Thank you again. It is good people such as yourself who by spreading the word of this tragedy give great comfort to Cliff & Anita.
It only takes that one letter, and the links to our sites that could bring on a national uproar on behalf of Mary's case.
Please feel free to drop me an email and I would be glad to keep in touch wth you. Our contacts are confidential and names, email, addresses and telephone numbers are not given to the police or to anyone without your permission.
My best,
Jim
JCarlin@JustinianLaw.com
It seems that the Marshall Police, should let the FBI come in and help bring Mary Home to her family so they can have justice to the end of a long battle,,, they have gone with many holidays with out her , and i can only feel the pain that they have not being able to have her with the faimly,
it seems that CHris is able to spend time with his family and friends, well what about Mary?!
Looking at the pictures of Chris Pratt, he dont even have the look on his face, of her being gone or even missing, he looks as he has something to hide from all who are looking for Mary,,, come on Chris what do you have to say to us we all are waiting to hear what you have to say and it has been three years well it seems to be long enough,
Chris how can you celecbrate, a b-day, and knowing, that Marys is not able to celebrate one, you make me sick, how can you do this to a person who you where going to marry ,,,, where is she, tell us,
i have to agree with the one person stating to the other person this is a site for Mary not for personal problems, how can you bring your personal problem to this site shame on you ,,,, this site is all for Mary and for ppl to let JIm Carlin know how they feel or any information they may have on Mary's case,, all i can say is please keep your personal problems out and away from the Mary's sites
Thank you for the four most recent comments on the posts related to Mary's Dodge Durango and the position of the Marshall Police Department that the vehicle has been, and is being, held as evidence. We haven't talked much about that subject in awhile but it obviously is still an issue for people in our community.
From the look of the pictures I don't see how anyone could ever think this vehicle is evidence in any court of law especially since the vehicle was left open and unsecured in the yard of towing company in Marshall.
We have asked for clafification on this issue many times and Chief Olson, as recently as January 19, 2007, claims the vehicle is evidence.
I still stand by my comments from October 2006 that some shady deal was in the works. A large storage bill was run up and when the lien company came to recover the vehicle its costs would have been so high after 2 1/2 years of storage that in all probability the title to the vehicle would have been given to the wrecker company. I'm sure a 2003 Dodge Durango with 13,000 miles on it and in good condition would have made a tidy profit.
As with most of everything else in the Mary Lands case, the Marshall Police there is absolutely nothing wrong here.
If this is the manner that they have handled other evidence in Mary's case there is plenty wrong!
The Marshall police in Marshall Michigan and also in Battle Creek are paid for several things. If anyone drives in these areas they will notice that there are countless police on patrol looing for speeders. This isn't the usual amount of this type of policing that you would find in Anywhere USA. This is significantly more than anywhere else? This is because they are not only required to bring in over $200 grand a year in tickets for speeding but they will also get a bump for any amount beyond that. This area, especially Battle Creek has a higher crime rate than what is reported. In addition, these police have been paid off to not arrest drug dealers, submitters, supliers, etc. If you look into the news of these cities you will find several accounts of happening with drugs including shootings. These people, mostly men, are never arrested, or if they are, they are let go after only serving an average of three days in jail. THREE DAYS!!!! It is rumored, but not yet proven, that these officers are being paid off to keep the local drug racket in it's place.
If this is true, is it any wonder that the case of Mary Land Marshall, or any other crime in this area has been butchered???
I know that this district has been looked upon only slightly by higher authorities. I'm not sure why nothing has been done to stop these officers from harrassing the good citizens of Marshall and Battle Creek in handing out speeding tickets, most being marked at only five miles over the speed limit. Is that really worth our tax money? It is if that officer receives a kickback from it.
Is it any wonder that crime, especial crimes associated with drugs, are growing and yet the number of people being convicted of these crimes is low.
Will the killer of Mary Land Marshall ever be found? I doubt it. No one seems to care about the quality of life anymore. Take a look at South Bend. At one time this city was thriving. The home of Notre Dame. The home of several mass producing companies, offering solid jobs to thousands. Now it's a slum in 87% of the area, with an average of 56% in the surrounding areas. The loss that city has faced started with a fall in the police department years ago. Fewer and fewer people wanted to live in the area encouraging many to transfer to sister companies in other cities. Now it's a city that can only boast about Notre Dame. Nothing else. Crime, drug use, and the number of traffic violations increased, but for some reason, the number of convictions of drug user decreased. Was someone getting paid off there?
I think the best thing that anyone that lives in Marshall or Battle Creek can do is to take a little drive to South Bend, IN, have a look around in the residential areas, and then know that is what Battle Creek and Marshall will look like in 10-15 years. Not really a long time away.
Does anyone know what is going on with the Police department? Reward or not, I think for the sanctity of life they should come forward, even annonymously. Or should I by a nice home on Mansion Ave and turn it into a crack house?
Post a Comment