|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
August 18, 2005Former school official facing six chargesSome crimes could carry a life sentenceByRecord-Eagle staff writer  Kirk, 70, of Charlevoix Township, was arraigned Tuesday in Charlevoix County district court on six charges - possession of a firearm by a felon, making a false statement on a concealed weapons permit application and three perjury counts. Kirk also was charged as a habitual offender-fourth offense, which could increase penalties for the weapons-related charges to 15 years in prison, or life in prison on the perjury charges, if he is convicted. Kirk's July 31 arrest created a stir in education and law enforcement circles when it was learned he for years hid his past by changing his name from Arthur Kirkeby. His past included multiple felony convictions downstate, including sex crimes with children. School district officials said they completed a state police background check on Kirk that turned up no criminal history. Kirk changed his name from Kirkeby in an Ingham County court in 1985, a fact apparently not shared with the state's criminal history database. Kirk's past as Kirkeby came to light as he applied for a concealed weapons permit and submitted to a required federal fingerprint background check. Prosecutor John Jarema said the added perjury counts involved Kirk's registration with the local sheriff's department of three handguns he purchased in recent years. "He got three pistol permits for which he certified that he had never been convicted of a felony," Jarema said. Kirk is represented by Harbor Springs attorney Jennifer Deegan. A preliminary examination is set for Sept. 13 in Charlevoix district court. Kirk is free on $10,000 bond that includes conditions that he not possess a weapon or be in contact with anyone under the age of 16. See Related Stories: Charlevoix officials want convicted felon loophole closed - August 11, 2005 Police, ISD spar over sex offender - August 5, 2005 Charlevoix AmeriCorps director arrested on firearms charges - August 2, 2005
|
|
