By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS - The village's contentious political climate has resulted in criminal charges.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor A. Fitz confirmed Monday that he has charged Walter Malone with four separate offenses,disturbing the peace at council meetings and making false statements on an election petition.
Fitz said the first three alleged misdemeanors, punishable by 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, go back to February and March 2005 and were part of a July 29 warning letter the prosecuting attorney wrote to Malone, 67, of 301 Lakeshore Drive, and three other individuals.
In it, Fitz stated, “My office has received a Michigan State Police report indicating your involvement in possible criminal activity on or about Feb. 14, 2005, (disturbing the peace incident) and March 27, 2005 (petition violations). These actions include the improper circulation/signing of election petitions and disturbing the peace at a public meeting.”
Malone is alleged to have made false statements on an election petition on Feb. 27 and on March 26, according to the prosecutor.
Fitz said election petitions indicate in bold lettering in two places to indicate who circulated the document. Fitz said Malone had others circulate petitions, then signed it “in clear violation of the warning on its face.”
Fitz said he authorized three warrants on Thursday for the Michigan State Police. Malone turned himself in at the Niles post and was released on $300 bond.
The latest charge, disturbing the peace at a village meeting Sept. 12, originated with the Cassopolis Police Department.
Malone last summer successfully sought the recall of Village President Julia Bell and council members William Curry and Maxine Snipes over their November 2004 decision not to establish an advisory subcommittee for oversight of Village Manager Art Sciorra.
Malone contended village citizens had no input into the village's “closed government.”
Voters removed all three officials from office in Aug. 2 balloting.