IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Todd Allen Stafford, of Door County, Wisconsin, is facing charges of felony criminal sexual misconduct in the first degree, and various other related assault felonies. The charges are warranting a denial of pre-trial release, according to Magistrate Michelle Polzien of the Dickinson County District Court in an arraignment hearing related to his arrest.
The hearing follows the recent arrest made by the Iron Mountain Police Department in regard to an ongoing investigation into the sexual assault of a minor in Dickinson County. Stafford is requesting assigned council in regard to the case. Polzien set a probable cause conference for August 3rd at 11:00 am CST, and a preliminary examination will begin on August 10th at 3:00 p.m CST.
Stafford, who attended the arraignment via zoom from the Dickinson county jail, claims to have family in the Dickinson County area locally, that he can reside with if he were allowed to be released on bond. Stafford claims to not be on bond or probation to any other court at this time.
Stafford requested to be able to travel freely between the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida. The assistant prosecuting attorney requested a denial of his release based on Stafford’s multiple addresses, and there being a great risk of Stafford fleeing if a release were granted. Additionally, the prosecuting attorney requested the denial based on the seriousness of the charges, and the potential threat to the public and children in the area.
“I do believe, with that information as well, there is a great chance of Mr. Stafford fleeing the state of Michigan if he were to be granted release on these charges. Basically, to sum it up these charges are very disturbing to say the least here, and the court has a duty to protect the public, which is first and foremost here today,” stated Polzien during the arraignment.
The complaint, according to the discussion during today’s arraignment hearing, is that Stafford solicited the minor victim over the internet to meet him, and engaged in multiple sexual penetrations with the victim. The prosecution cited the victim’s interview as evidence that the case meets the legal presumption for the denial of pre-trial release. The court ruled that there is a great risk of Stafford fleeing if a release were granted, and that Stafford’s guilt was evident based on the probable cause of the evidence presented in the case, in accordance with MCR 6.106 B1B.
Polzien stated for the record that Judge Julie LaCoste will return in one week, and Stafford’s counsel could file a motion for a bond review upon her return. A custody order was entered, and with the pre-trial release being denied, the court acknowledged Stafford’s right to a bond review within 90 days, which was set for the same day as the probable cause conference. Stafford waived the reading of the charges of the maximum penalty during his arraignment.
Bond conditions were set at this afternoon’s arraignment, even though Stafford was denied any pre-trial release. Those conditions would apply if he were granted bond at any point during the trial proceedings, effective immediately. If a bond is placed at any point during the trial proceedings, Stafford would be allowed to travel to and from the states of Michigan and Wisconsin, but Florida would not be permitted. Stafford would not be allowed to purchase, possess or consume any alcohol or non-prescribed substances. Marijuana would not be permitted. Stafford would not be permitted to enter onto the victim’s property or place of employment. The victim’s name is not being released due to the victim being a minor.
Also laid out during the discussion of bond conditions, Stafford is ordered to have no contact with the minor victim, third party or otherwise. Additionally, Stafford is ordered not to have any contact with any minor, and is also ordered not to purchase or possess any firearm or any other dangerous weapons. Stafford is ordered to be subject to random searches and drug screens. Stafford would also be subject to search of his possessions, property, or electronic devices without a warrant if there is a reasonable suspicion that he is in violation of any condition of bond. The court determined that the protective conditions ordered are necessary given the charges. Any violation of bond conditions could have the bond revoked or forfeited.
The bond conditions are simply discussed if there is a bond set at any point during the proceedings, and today’s arraignment ordered Stafford into custody with no release.
