Following a months-long investigation by the Canton Township Police Department Special Operation Group, three suspects have been arraigned on multiple felony charges relating to the receipt and sale of stolen goods.
According to police, the investigation into a suspected fencing operation at the Valero Gas Station in Detroit began last fall. Police suspected employees at the business were knowingly purchasing stolen goods at significantly reduced prices to resell for profit. The investigation was carried out jointly between the Canton Police Department and multiple local retailers from the private sector including Walmart Global investigations, Sam’s Club, Meijer, Home Depot and others.
The investigation revealed that the gas station management along with employees, purchased large quantities of stolen energy drinks and other stolen items from individuals, commonly referred to as “boosters,” who targeted retail stores in Canton and across Metro Detroit.
On Jan. 22, the Canton Police Department Investigative Bureau executed two search warrants relating to the investigation: one at the Valero Gas Station at 6571 Linwood St. and one at a residential location in the City of Dearborn. These efforts led to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of thousands of dollars in suspected stolen goods, according to police reports.
Three men were arraigned in 36th District Court Jan. 24 on felony charges related to the operation.
Aziz Awadh, 40, of Dearborn faces charges of conducting criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony and/or $100,000 fine; using a computer to commit a crime, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; organized retail crime, a 5-year felony and/or $20,000 to $5,000 fine, police said.
Hamood Fatteh, 22, is charged with conducting criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony and/or $100,000 fine; using a computer to commit a crime, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; organized retail crime, a 5-year felony and/or $20,000 or fine $5,000 fine.
Safwan Awadh, 38, is charged with organized retail crime, a 5-year felony and/or $20,000 fine $5,000 fine.
The men were arraigned Jan. 24 in 36th District Court. Magistrate William Burton issued $10,000 personal bonds for each of the three men.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
On the record
Annual sale helps fund 88.1 student-run radio station
The show is set for 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Salem High School Cafeteria, and proceeds will benefit the nationally recognized student radio station operated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
Admission to the 88.1 the Park Record Show, during normal show hours, is $5. Collectors looking to get an early start to their shopping can gain early admission between 9 and 10 a.m. for $10.
Students at Canton, Plymouth and Salem High Schools will receive free admission with a student ID.
More than 650 people attended the show last year and the students expect to build on that success. Attendees will enjoy special giveaways and door prizes in addition to a wide variety of vendors. Much of the success of the show can be tied to the resurgence of interest in vinyl records, noted Bill Keith, station manager since 1991.
“We strive to make the record show an experience for music fans of all ages to enjoy. No matter how long you’ve been collecting vinyl, you can support your local radio station while finding the perfect item to add to your collection.” said Jonah Kibin, program director for 88.1 the Park.
All of the proceeds will benefit 88.1 The Park and will help the station continue to serve the community with unique programming and broadcast training for students.
The record show is one of the main fundraisers for the station each year.
Salem High School is located at 46181 Joy Road in Canton Michigan (corner of Joy and Canton Center). The Salem High School Cafeteria is located on the first floor, just inside the main entrance to the school.
88.1 The Park is owned and operated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. More information is available at www.881ThePark.com.
Romulus safety foundation receives $100,000 grant
There may soon be new police patrol cars on the streets of Romulus, thanks to a $100,000 donation to the Romulus Public Safety Foundation by Ashley Capital.
City officials said the contribution will lessen the burden of the budget general fund and help in the effort to rotate older police vehicles on a scheduled basis.
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the importance to the city.
“This generous gift from Ashley Capital is a testament to their commitment to our community. Having updated, reliable vehicles allows our officers to respond to emergencies reliably and efficiently, keeping Romulus safe. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and support.”
Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes also expressed his gratitude for the donation and the impact the funding would have on public safety efforts in the community.
“We deeply appreciate Ashley Capital’s dedication to supporting law enforcement and the fire service in Romulus,” Pfannes said. “These vehicles are critical tools for the police department and are essential to our ability to serve our residents effectively.”
Ashley Capital, one of the largest privately held real estate investment companies in the United States, has long been recognized for its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, according to a prepared statement from the foundation.
“Ashley Capital has been a proud corporate citizen in Romulus since 1994. We have continually expanded our operations in Romulus because it is well run city and a great place to do business. The Romulus Public Safety Foundation is yet another example of how Romulus endeavors to provide excellent services to its residents and businesses. The initiatives supported by the Foundation such as staying current with the latest technologies in law enforcement, firefighting and first response operations are all worthwhile. The health and wellness activities designed to support the physical and mental health of the city’s police officers, fire fighters and first responders make Romulus a great place to live and work, said Ashley Capital representative Susan Harvey.
The Romulus Public Safety Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the Romulus Police and Fire Departments through fundraising and public engagement efforts to enhance community safety.
City officials said the contribution will lessen the burden of the budget general fund and help in the effort to rotate older police vehicles on a scheduled basis.
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the importance to the city.
“This generous gift from Ashley Capital is a testament to their commitment to our community. Having updated, reliable vehicles allows our officers to respond to emergencies reliably and efficiently, keeping Romulus safe. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and support.”
Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes also expressed his gratitude for the donation and the impact the funding would have on public safety efforts in the community.
“We deeply appreciate Ashley Capital’s dedication to supporting law enforcement and the fire service in Romulus,” Pfannes said. “These vehicles are critical tools for the police department and are essential to our ability to serve our residents effectively.”
Ashley Capital, one of the largest privately held real estate investment companies in the United States, has long been recognized for its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, according to a prepared statement from the foundation.
“Ashley Capital has been a proud corporate citizen in Romulus since 1994. We have continually expanded our operations in Romulus because it is well run city and a great place to do business. The Romulus Public Safety Foundation is yet another example of how Romulus endeavors to provide excellent services to its residents and businesses. The initiatives supported by the Foundation such as staying current with the latest technologies in law enforcement, firefighting and first response operations are all worthwhile. The health and wellness activities designed to support the physical and mental health of the city’s police officers, fire fighters and first responders make Romulus a great place to live and work, said Ashley Capital representative Susan Harvey.
The Romulus Public Safety Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the Romulus Police and Fire Departments through fundraising and public engagement efforts to enhance community safety.
Canton Secretary of State office set to reopen soon
The Secretary of State office at 8565 N. Lilley Road in Canton Township is currently closed during a two-week remodeling project. The office will resume normal service at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 after the Presidents Day holiday closure that Monday.
The project includes reconstruction of the office counters, new carpet, repainting and data and electrical updates, according to a prepared statement.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s administration has doubled the number of services available online and now most transactions can be done from computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Available self-service stations provide instant registration, driver’s license and ID renewals, as well as some other transactions, and offer nine language options. The nearest self-service stations are located in the Kroger store at 44525 Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth and the Meijer store at 37201 Warren Road in Westland.
Residents who need to come into an office for Secretary of State services during the remodeling period can schedule a visit to the closest alternative office at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-767-6424.
The nearest offices are located at 6090 N. Wayne Road in Westland and 17176 Farmington Road in Livonia. Both offices are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Wednesdays, when the hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The project includes reconstruction of the office counters, new carpet, repainting and data and electrical updates, according to a prepared statement.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s administration has doubled the number of services available online and now most transactions can be done from computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Available self-service stations provide instant registration, driver’s license and ID renewals, as well as some other transactions, and offer nine language options. The nearest self-service stations are located in the Kroger store at 44525 Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth and the Meijer store at 37201 Warren Road in Westland.
Residents who need to come into an office for Secretary of State services during the remodeling period can schedule a visit to the closest alternative office at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-767-6424.
The nearest offices are located at 6090 N. Wayne Road in Westland and 17176 Farmington Road in Livonia. Both offices are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Wednesdays, when the hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hometown heroes
New businesses OK’d in Canton
A proposal from Top Canton, LLC development — which includes a Chik-fil-A, Portillo’s and Topgolf entertainment center — was unanimously approved by the Canton Planning Commission last month, following years of planning, site-plan adjustments and traffic studies.
The development will be divided into two phases: Construction on the first phase, which could begin as early as May, will include the building of the Chik-fil-A and Portillo’s restaurants, which will be located just north of Ford Road.
Construction of the Topgolf facility, which includes an outdoor driving-range facility enhanced with amenities, will be phase two of the project, with construction tentatively set for early-2026 according to developer Steve Robinson.
The development will be divided into two phases: Construction on the first phase, which could begin as early as May, will include the building of the Chik-fil-A and Portillo’s restaurants, which will be located just north of Ford Road.
Construction of the Topgolf facility, which includes an outdoor driving-range facility enhanced with amenities, will be phase two of the project, with construction tentatively set for early-2026 according to developer Steve Robinson.
Race is on
Candidate packets now available in Romulus
Candidate packets are now available for the 2025 Romulus election.This year, voters will see the 4-year terms of the mayor, clerk, treasurer and seven city council seats all the ballot. If necessary to limit the numbers of candidates, a primary election will be set for Tuesday, Aug. 5. Top vote getters from that balloting will move on to the general election set for Nov. 4.
City council meetings are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of every month in the council chambers at city hall.
Packets for potential candidates are available in the city clerk’s office located on the lower level of Romulus City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road. The deadline for filing for any term is 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22.
To be eligible for any office, candidates must be a registered voter in the city and have been a resident of Romulus for at least one year prior to filing for office. To complete the candidate packet, hopefuls will need to provide an affidavit of identity, a statement of candidacy and nominating petitions. The petitions must have a minimum of 100 signatures but cannot exceed 200 signatures of Romulus residents.
The packets can be obtained at the clerk’s office and general election information will be available.
More information is available at (734) 942-7540.
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