GHDPS officer arraigned on domestic violence charge

Wed, Nov 4, 2009    to del.icio.us

HOLLAND — Two days after a former Grand Haven Department of Public Safety officer was sentenced for misconduct while on duty, another GHDPS officer was charged with a crime.

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Dana DeVries, 36, of Robinson Township, pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence in a video arraignment Wednesday afternoon in 58th District Court.

Judge Susan Jonas set bond at $1,000 personal recognizance and said the bond was low based on DeVries' long period of employment and no prior record.

The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. DeVries is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 10. According to court records, she has hired Grand Haven attorney James Piper to represent her.

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DeVries, a 13-year veteran of the department, was arrested late Tuesday night following an alleged assault on her husband, fellow police officer James Todd DeVries, at their home, according to court documents.

There was some alcohol involved, but the level was unknown, officials said. There were no significant injuries reported.

Because of her position as a law enforcement officer in Ottawa County, DeVries was transported and lodged in the Kent County Jail early Wednesday morning.

In a written statement, GHDPS Chief Dennis Edwards said, "an illegal act by a public safety officer reflects only the integrity of that individual and not that of the organization as a whole." Edwards added, "any illegal act by an officer will always be investigated promptly and thoroughly."

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department is conducting an investigation and disciplinary action could be taken in accordance with GHDPS police, which could result in suspension or dismissal from employment, Edwards said.

The chief said a meeting with DeVries was planned Wednesday afternoon, at which time officials could determine "what direction to go" as far as DeVries' employment with the city. Edwards was in a meeting this morning and was unavailable for further comment.

DeVries was honored as the Department of Public Safety's Officer of the Year in 2005. She received a unit commendation for her work with fellow officers following an Aug. 8, 2008, robbery on Harbor Drive at Howard Street.

The incident involving DeVries follows the case of former GHDPS Officer Tom Carey, who was sentenced Monday to a combination of jailtime, probation, community service and fined for misconduct for allegedly using his position as an officer to get oral sex from two women.