Ypsilanti man arrested for possession of 5 kilograms of cocaine released on $3,000 bond
Lawrence Martin of Ypsilanti was arrested early Saturday morning in a parking lot outside a Detroit bar when police found 5 kilograms of cocaine in his car.
The following day, the 42-year-old walked free after posting a $3,000 bond, leaving Police Chief Warren Evans wondering if Martin will return to court on two drug offenses that could land him in prison for life.
"When you have people with that kind of weight ... who are charged with a life offense, it does not sound normal to me that one would be released on a $3,000 bond," Evans told reporters Thursday at a news conference.
"That guy's back in the street now. Five kilos found in his car and he's back out there. If I got out on bond for $3,000, you probably wouldn't see me at my next court appearance if I'm looking at life."
The stakes — and the police take — in the case also rose Wednesday. Stashed in a hidden compartment inside another car towed from the same lot was 14 more kilograms of cocaine, bringing the total haul to more than 40 pounds. Police also found more than $200,000 in cash.
The 14-kilogram stash has an estimated street value of $6 million. The 5 kilograms initially seized would fetch about $2 million.
"You can go look at the county jail now," Evans said. "It's full of nickel-and-dime crack violators. But here's someone in possession of major weight — that's going to be cut and distributed — who's out on bond."
Martin, of Ypsilanti, was arraigned last weekend in Detroit's 36th District Court on one count each of delivery and possession of a controlled substance of 1,000 grams or more. Each carries sentences of up to life in prison upon conviction.
A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf and a preliminary examination was set for Dec. 8. Bond was set at 10 percent of $30,000.
The Associated Press left messages Thursday afternoon seeking comment from Detroit attorney Todd Perkins, listed in court documents as Martin's lawyer.
Magistrate Steve Lockhart, who set Martin's bond, referred calls for comment to the court's Chief Judge Marylin Atkins. The AP left a message late Thursday afternoon with Atkins.
Both drug-related seizures are the latest this month by Detroit police and agents with a drug task force.
About $662,000 in cash was found Nov. 9 inside a duffel bag after police received a tip on narcotics activity at a Detroit motel. A Sherman, Texas, man was arrested in that case, which Evans said is likely not related to the others.
The drug seizures come as the police department continues to step up targeted enforcement in high-crime areas. Reducing neighborhood crime was among Mayor Dave Bing's campaign promises. He hired Evans away from his job as Wayne County sheriff in July to lead the police force.
Working with local, state and federal agencies, Detroit police also launched initiatives that use data to track areas hardest hit by violence and other crime.
Bing announced earlier this week that 100 more officers were being deployed to city streets, and that federal funds were being used to hire and train 50 recruits.
Comments
djm12652
Wed, Nov 25, 2009 : 12:29 p.m.
Awakened, the "alleged" trafficker was not caught in a violent crime? Are you kidding me? Unless all his coke clients are independently wealthy, where do you think the coke-heads get the money to buy? Home invasions, car jackings, muggings, armed robbery...whatever it takes. It is a violent business, period; or do you not realize the crimes involved? And why should anyone be surprised he was bonded out? It's Detoilet!
Awakened
Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 12:47 p.m.
The prisons are closing and the jails are overcrowded. He was not caught in a violnet crime so the bond was low. Things are just going to get worse in Michigan.
tracyann
Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 10:44 a.m.
While I think that his bail was set too low, I can't believe that he faces life in prison while there are those who have molested children and get maybe a year. And what the heck is loudgazelle talking about?
John Galt
Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 12:38 a.m.
5 Kilos? That's about 11 pounds of coke. Street value must be immense. And they let him out on $3000? He probably has that much for a Day's spending money. I guess crime pays....
Eric64
Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 12:06 a.m.
Yeah People real nice judical systyem we have in the county.The Judges should be proud.
LOGIC09
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 10:59 p.m.
ain't this something, but the law in washtenaw co. makes that guy Bruce Lee pay a $200,000.00 bond and wear a GPS device for returning fire at a known drug dealer.
Basic Bob
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 10:13 p.m.
The magistrate has to give him bail, and he can't just pull a number out of his butt. That's the law.
steele67
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 9:10 p.m.
Wow what is the justice system coming to. He's out of here.
st.julian
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:50 p.m.
Magistrate Steve Lockhart eivdenlty needs to be educated the dangers and affects of cocaine dealing. It appears that common sense and/or consideration of the well being of the community are not necessary to be a magistrate.
clara
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:42 p.m.
It does seem like a classic MM move but in 36th District Court it is just business as usual. To bad Detroit has to put up with Courts like that. 3rd Circuit is just about as bad, and our Court is close behind.
Wolverine3660
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:37 p.m.
I wonder what the Judge was thinking. A drug kingpin was let out on a $3000.00 bond? The Judge needs to be investigated.
scooter dog
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:11 p.m.
He, the judge must be related to melinda morris.
Eric64
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 7:38 p.m.
How in gods name can he even be released for god sake.