Ottawa Co. deputy pleads guilty to shooting charge in drug bust case

Thu, Jul 2, 2009

HOLLAND — Although Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Huizenga pleaded guilty to reckless discharge of a firearm Wednesday, Sheriff's Department officials say they haven't decided yet if he will keep his job.

Click to enlarge
Huizenga shot Derek Copp, 20, in the chest March during a West Michigan Enforcement Team drug raid at Copp's off-campus apartment near Grand Valley State University in March.

Huizenga, 37, was sentenced Wednesday to six months probation, a $400 fine and 80 hours of self-directed community service for the misdemeanor. He originally faced up to two years in prison for a high court misdemeanor charge of reckless discharge of a firearm. The lesser count has a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail.

Before setting the sentence, Ottawa County District Judge Bradley Knoll said he did not think Huizenga deserved jail time.

"I believe in your case that your remorse is genuine and was instant at that time," Knoll said. But the judge also noted there "needs to be a response to the community."

Knoll went on to say he believed Huizenga was an outstanding deputy and wished him success in his career.

"What's happened here is an unfortunate situation that could've been a lot worse than it was," Knoll said.

The March 11 shooting spurred multiple protests: first by Copp's supporters, who said Huizenga's actions were negligent; and later by Huizenga's supporters, who said the deputy was simply doing his job.

Copp pleaded guilty to a felony count of delivery or manufacturing marijuana in Ottawa County Circuit Court last week. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 10 and faces up to four years in prison.

In court Wednesday, Knoll said that enforcement was necessary to deal with a persisting drug culture on campuses like GVSU, but police must be held accountable when they "fall below the level of due care."

"You do bear some responsibility," Knoll told Huizenga. "It was your gun. It was your bullet that struck Mr. Copp."

Ottawa County Undersheriff Greg Steigenga said he was not sure what bearing Huizenga's plea and sentence would have on his future employment.

"I really can't speculate about the guilty plea at this point," Steigenga said. "The court's decision will come into play as far as our final decision, but we put that together with all the other information we've compiled internally."

The internal review should be complete in 10 to 14 days — and ends with a final hearing between Huizenga, the sheriff and undersheriff, Steigenga said.

Kalamazoo County Assistant Prosecutor Stuart Fenton said prosecutors were reassured by an outpouring of "tremendous community support" for Huizenga over the past months. He said the prosecutor's office received many letters detailing Huizenga's dedicated service, but none that criticized him.

Fenton said Huizenga has never faced any similar allegations, which was taken into consideration.

The victim was also made aware of the plea agreement, Fenton said.

"Derek Copp was on board and was totally in agreement with this plea."