[MI] Co. Commissioner Vaughn denies dv assault & isn't charged yet

...A special prosecutor assigned to investigate domestic assault allegations against Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn said he likely won't reach a decision on possible charges until after the Fourth of July...

Previous entries:

• [MI] County Commissioner Vaughn can't lose his job if he chokes an ex.
• [MI] Police & alleged assault victim not told when judge releases County Commissioner Vaughn from jail

COMMISSIONER VAUGHN DENIES WRONGDOING IN DOMESTIC ASSAULT ACCUSATION
WZZM ONLINE
Tyler Lecceadone, Matt Campbell,
&Peter Ross
June 26, 2008
A Kent County Commissioner arrested for beating his girlfriend denies he did anything wrong. James Vaughn attended this morning's commission meeting. The alleged victim's family was there as well. Commissioner Vaughn has not yet been charged with any crime, but Grand Rapids Police arrested him on June 17th following a domestic dispute and fight at his home. Ida Cross claims Vaughn assaulted her, causing cuts and injuries. Today, her family demanded Vaughn apologize to them and resign from office. The commission's chairman plans to meet privately today with the family of Cross. Also today, the state attorney general's office appointed Ionia County prosecutor Ron Shafer to decide what, if any, charges should be brought against Vaughn. Vaughn told WZZM 13 today: "I didn't touch nobody. That's the thing - I didn't touch nobody. All I did was break up a fight." Jarvis Beene, Jr., a brother of the alleged victim, said "This guy shouldn't be representing our county." [Article here]

JAMES VAUGHN SAYS HE DOESN'T EXPECT TO FACE CHARGES FOR ALLEGED ASSAULT
The Grand Rapids Press
Ken Kolker
June 26, 2008
[Excerpts] A special prosecutor assigned to investigate domestic assault allegations against Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn said he likely won't reach a decision on possible charges until after the Fourth of July... Vaughn, 65, said he expects he will not face charges. His only mistake, he said, was allowing two women, including an ex-girlfriend, to continue what he called a "cat fight"...When told several of Cross' family members were asking him to resign, Vaughn laughed. Asked for a response, he said "that's it"... [Ida Cross's brother, Jarvis] Beene said Cross has stitches on an eye, an ear and her lip from the alleged 1 a.m. assault... The case has drawn scrutiny because of Vaughn's position and because police officers were concerned Grand Rapids Chief District Judge Benjamin H. Logan opted to use a "fast-track" procedure to release Vaughn from jail, an unusual step for someone charged with assault... [Full article here]

COMMISSIONER VAUGHN: 'I AIN'T BEEN CHARGED WITH NOTHING'
WOOD-TV, MI
Joe LaFurgey
June 26, 2008
[Excerpts] Kent County Commissioner James Vaughn had an answer when asked if he'd apologize to the family of the one-time girlfriend he's accused of beating up. "I didn't touch nobody! That's that's the thing. I didn't touch nobody!... I ain't been charged with nothing. You guys have made this look like, you convicted me or something. I ain't been charged with nothing... Do your jobs. Read the report... They'll let you read it. Read the police report!" 24 Hour News 8 tried, but police reports on active investigations aren't made public... "Due process?" asked Flora Johnson, the victim's sister. "I mean, the evidence is there. He is guilty!"... The assignment of this case is important. It could have gone to the Grand Rapids city attorneys office, and been prosecuted as a misdemeanor. That would mean a fine, or possibly jail time on a conviction. But now, since the case has gone to a county prosecutor, the charges likely would be a felony. Felonies can bring fines and prison time. Shaefer has made no decision on the matter. [Full article here]