Daily Briefs

Man exonerated of rape after 35 years awarded $1.7 million 

DETROIT (AP) — A man exonerated of rape after 35 years in prison has been awarded $1.7 million in the first batch of cases covered by a new Michigan law that offers compensation to people who have been wrongly convicted.

Edward Carter sat quietly in the rear of the courtroom Wednesday and later declined to comment. He was released from prison in 2010 after fingerprints still on file from the sexual assault at Wayne State University pointed to another suspect.

His attorney, Sima Patel, says Carter “chooses to live life without bitterness.”

State law allows $50,000 a year for every year in prison. Someone must have a conviction overturned based on “new evidence.”

Another man, Marvin McHenry, was awarded $175,000. But two cases were dismissed by Court of Claims Judge Michael Talbot.


Man charged following vandalism at church 

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — Authorities say a 19-year-old man has been charged with arson after a church in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was vandalized and set on fire.

The Daily Press reports Thomas Andrew Harris of Gladstone was charged Tuesday in Delta County District Court and was jailed in lieu of $175,000 bond. He’s due back in court later this month. The court says Wednesday he doesn’t yet have a lawyer on record.

Harris also faces charges of breaking and entering, larceny and malicious destruction of property.

Police in Escanaba say they found the Harbor Lights Church of God filled with smoke on Monday night and walls of the church had been spray painted. Investigators say the fire was intentionally set in the church’s kitchen area. Authorities are working to determine if others were involved.


Detroit Mercy Law Golf Outing on for Sept. 29

Check in at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29 to spend the day golfing with friends at The Inn at St. John’s, 44045 Five Mile Rd. in Plymouth. All net proceeds will benefit Detroit Mercy School of Law’s Student Scholarship Fund. The event includes: 18 holes of golf with cart, driving range and bag services; buffet dinner; souvenir gift; two drink tickets for hospitality cart on course; contests for winning team, longest drive, closest to the pin; 50/50 raffle; and full use of locker room facilities. Lunch is available for purchase at the Pro Shop or Halfway House. 

In addition, Detroit Mercy Law and its Alumni Association will honor two distinguished alumnae during the dinner program. Hon. Denise Langford Morris (’82) will be honored with the Time and Talent Award, and Mikyia S. Aaron (’15) will receive the Rising Star Award. 

The cost is $75 for law students, $125 for non-students by Sept. 1, and $140 for non-students after Sept. 1. Register at www.law.udmercy. edu. 

Sponsorships for the golf outing are still available. For more information, contact Denise P. Hickey at (313) 596-0202 or Amy K. Smith at (313) 596-0207.

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