Duckling killer Dillon Pearce back in court after missing drug screening
Dillon Pearce was back in court Friday to be arraigned on a bench warrant after missing a drug screening earlier this month.
Pearce failed to show up for an Aug. 10 drug screening because he was attending a funeral in Saginaw, according to his public defender Stephen Adams. Officials in Judge Melinda Morris’ office said Pearce was arrested Thursday night.
Pearce reached a sentencing agreement with Judge Archie Brown earlier this month to serve 10 days in jail for intentionally running over and killing four ducklings with a Hummer in a local McDonald’s parking lot earlier this year. In addition to the 10 days in jail, Pearce was given 1 year of probation.
Adams told Morris that Pearce had passed all of his previous drug screenings but was unable to attend the Aug. 10 screening. Adams said Pearce was told he could take the drug test on Aug. 11 instead.
Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Burke said Pearce has not been fulfilling the terms of his agreement since he pleaded guilty to charges of killing or torturing an animal and using marijuana in late July.
“After his guilty plea, he quit complying in any manner,” Burke told Morris.
Pearce will be back in court at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 for a hearing related to Friday’s arraignment.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Grimey
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 8:45 a.m.
Just wonderin'... How many people commenting have had to deal with the court system themselves? On any side of the law, as a witness, a defendant or a victim, you'll quickly realize how messed up the system is. All kinds of flawed information comes out - no matter who you ask you'll get many different answers to the same question. From something as simple as a paid parking ticket not being registered in the system, a bench warrant is issued and you're arrested. As I've posted in response to other comments, I'm not defending Pearse's actions / inactions, but the system is as messed up as the criminals they deal with.
shadow wilson
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
To those that constantly question the newsworthiness of this and other stories or ask why this convicted felon gets his probation (alleged) violation probation publicized I have a suggestion..........get your own newspaper digital or otherwise then you can print/post whatever you wish.
Grimey
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 8:48 a.m.
To those that own newspapers; The public expects honest, fair and balanced reporting on valid issues. If you are unable to comply with these basic standards of proper Journalism, call yourself a "Tabloid", not a "newspaper".
Sallyxyz
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
"After his guilty plea, he quit complying in any manner," Burke told Morris. Are we surprised? Here is a "thug in training" driving a Hummer at age 19 (and how did he afford this vehicle?) who thinks it's funny to run over innocent animals. He is headed for much bigger crimes, thanks to the slap on the wrist (10 days in jail and 1 year probation) from A2's so-called justice system. John A2 is correct, this is a spoiled brat on his way to more thuggery. Why didn't the justice system take this opportunity to impose a heavier sentence, for example, 6 months in jail, a stiff fine, and 5 years probation, for example, and teach this brat a lesson. (Note to court: double check that funeral on Wed, Aug 10, in Saginaw.....who died and did this creep actually attend.)
Rusnak
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.
Send this punk to boot camp where he'll cry for his "mommy". Have to agree with one of the other comments too. All the others on probation print their names too.
Sallyxyz
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.
6 months in boot camp is a great idea, then 6 months in jail.
oldblueypsi
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
He committed the offense using a motor vehicle. Suspend his driver's license for a period of time. Maybe he'll learn how difficult it is to dodge inconsiderate drivers behind the wheel when he's on two legs himself. As for the Hummer, public impression seems to be that it was a clone of the military vehicle widely used in Iraq. But the earlier pictures seem to show that it was an H-3 model. An H-3 was an SUV body on a Chevrolet S-10/GMC Colorado (compact pickup truck) chassis. Hardly a luxury vehicle. Absent any other details than those in this article, one can surmise that: (1) he has been charged with a violation of probation; (2) the 8/31 hearing will consist of a presentation of facts by both sides so that the finder of fact (judge) can determine if a violation did or did not occur. That is a constitutional right guaranteed to the accused.
skigrl50
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.
Yes, but how many 20 year olds do you know that drive a Hummer or an H-3?
pbehjatnia
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 1:47 a.m.
why does he have a public defender? how can he drive a hummer and be considered indigent? travel to boston and be unable to afford legal counsel? how?
A2frank
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
He needs to have that silver spoon knocked out of his mouth and be shown that bad actions have real consequences. He is continuing to thumb his nose at all who are law abiding and decent and deserves to be shown how little a man he really is!
RJA
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.
One thing for sure, Dillon doesn't even have his own ducks in a row. His attorney sounds like a Quack-quack!
Sparty
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
It is noteworthy because he was given a break again -- he killed animals, he crapped on an official police vehicle, displayed contempt for police, utterly disregarded orders of the court, and expects his parents money to continue to buy his way out of the "legal difficulties". I think he belongs in jail, just as Michael Vick did. At least Vick learned his lesson behind bars and came out of it a better man.
Donald Martin
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
I find this to in no way be a surprise, and think it's only the tip of the iceberg with this guy. I do find it surprising that he now has a "public defender" instead of the high-priced celebrity lawyer he started out with -- wonder what happened there?
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
I don't find this story old, and I find it very newsworthy. If the above report is true and Dillon has been ignoring his release conditions he should have been remanded to custody without bond at least until these latest allegations are investigated. So far from what has been reported this adult (he is over 18 now) has a previous conviction for a very disrespectful incident against an Ann Arbor Police cruiser. Then there is a video of him "swearing to god" that he did not intentionally run over the ducks. A month or 2 later he went to court and "admitted" he did intentionally run over the ducks. He was released pending an upcoming sentence agreement and to follow conditions placed on him by a Judge until he is sentenced. There are now allegations that he is ignoring those conditions. If in fact he is found to be ignoring these conditions it is just cause for a judge to revoke his conditional freedom until this is investigated. If he is found to have been violating the conditions of his release the original plea agreement more then likely will be null and void and he will be at the mercy of the court at this point. I have serious questions as to why he was arrested and again released until the 31st of August therefore putting myself and the rest of the public in danger of being the victim of a further crime. He admitted he intentionally ran over the ducklings therefore bringing quite a bit of attention to himself. With all of the above if find this story very newsworthy and far from the need of a fork being stuck in it. On sentencing day I will stick a fork into it. Right now it appears from the above report that we have a person running around the area that thinks he is above the law. Releasing him "again" is beginnning to lead me to believe either he koows the right people or money is exchanging hands somewhere. Intentionally running over a live animal leads me to believe that another potentially dangerous person is again walking the
Sallyxyz
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.
You are correct. This makes me wonder if there is behind the scenes pressure from "someone" with money.....too many "breaks" for this thug in training. Keep this guy locked up for a while, and maybe he will realize there are consequences to his criminal actions. He has obviously not learned any lessons yet.
PLGreen
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
Any lame excuse is good enough for Miss Melinda...
Kirk Scott
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:34 p.m.
Glad to see the law is quacking down on these dangerous criminals!
Animal Lover
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
He was probably just attending the funeral of someone he ran over in his hummer. Did anyone really think he would stay out of trouble? The judge really needs to grow a pair and give him a real sentence. If this was the sentence he got with a public defender, he probably would have got off with no punishment if mommy and daddy hat gotten him an expensive attorney! Him getting a pubic defender is a disgrace!
Lovaduck
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4 p.m.
This guy seems to be simply a reprehensible jerk with no sense of responsibility. I wonder what kind of future citizen he will make? I really think some psychological counseling would be helpful in this case.
RoboLogic
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
What did someone say in a previous story on this about the.... "arrogance of privilege?"
nickcarraweigh
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
AAPD To Do List: 1) Roust marijuana dispensaries (Note to Officer Murphy: Remember to bring Little Bobby's Halloween mask), 2) Roust homeless man while he is asleep in vacant apartment at 2:30 AM (Note to Officer O'Riley: Remember to bring plenty of coffee and donuts, 3) Roust duckling murderer, 4) Call FBI and see how sexual assault/bank robbery investigations are going, 5) Write letters protesting police layoffs.
Grimey
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 8:32 a.m.
@tdw - are any AAPD officers involved in LAWNET? You seem to know a lot about what's going on inside the police departments in the area. Are you in the Law and Order field?
tdw
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
If you want to take shots at AAPD get your facts straight.LAWNET raided the dispensaries.The homeless guy was in Ypsi not Ann Arbor ( therefore AAPD had nothing to do with it ) And due to budget cuts AAPD could not renew their lease on their crystal balls making it hard to find the sex offender
marlean leach
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
This little rich kid is laughing his butt off at the courts and I predict he'll soon be living in Windsor(?) like he was intending to do. If the courts don't get a handle on this little boy, he's going to be laughing all the way to Canada. Why make laws if you don't enforce them? I don't care if it's murder,rape or robbery, the law is the law no matter who you are we need to enforce the laws in this country or else we're going to you know where in a hand basket. As for the aa news??? They often go to print without any facts, just a teaser headline.
Townie
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.
Assist him to move out of our country, please... Any place that will take him; just so he leaves the US.
Basic Bob
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
Canada doesn't usually let convicted criminals into their country. And as much as they love hockey, they are also fond of aquatic birds such as the Common Loon and the Canada Goose.
Ron Granger
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Did he drive the hummer to saginaw? How does one get a taxpayer funded attorney when they own such an expensive vehicle?
chucklk
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.
Did they lift this article from "The Onion"?
Tom Joad
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
Revoke his probation and send him to jail. You comply, you submit, or you sit in a jail cell.
Sallyxyz
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.
Absolutely! What is up with all these breaks this kid is getting???
Kai Petainen
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
he ducked the drug test.
rayjay
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
This kid is very lucky if he has Melinda "the criminals best friend" Morris hearing his case now.
KeepingItReal
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
I find it hard to believe this young man was picked up for missing a drug screen especially if he was given clearance to attend a funeral and his probation officer knew he would miss the schedule appointment. There's got to be other factors involved otherwise its unfair to constantly portrayed this young man as an evil person.
Basic Bob
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
He would not be arrested for a probation violation if he had permission from his P.O. It is not "evil" to fail to show up for a court-ordered drug screening, but it does allow a judge to issue a warrant for his arrest. I wonder if he dropped dirty when he was arrested, that would likely get him some time in jail or a treatment facility.
Urban Sombrero
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
"After his guilty plea, he quit complying in any manner," Burke told Morris. Examples? I agree with the posted above me. If he's passed all his drug tests, then, how is he not complying? Are there other things he's been up to? If so, why weren't they part of this article? I'd like to know a bit more about his so-called lack of compliance. Also, is it at all possible to ass the court or a probation officer for an extension to the drug test, in cases like this where the person wants to go to a funeral? Did he just not go through the proper channels? I'm wondering why he's been arrested again if he did, in fact, take the test on the 11th, instead of the 10th? (Did he fail that test?) Not that I agree with what this kid did in the first place. Not at all! I just feel there are a few holes here that need to be filled in. (And, I'm nosy.)
Gramma
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.
When you're on probation, you don't get to choose when you take your drug tests. I know the State has a website where you can look up the terms of probation/parole for anyone on state probation/parole. Does the county have anything like that?
DBH
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.
..... That's a shame.
Urban Sombrero
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
@DBH, Yes. Yes, we do. And, I haven't applied, lol. More suggested, which has fallen on deaf ears.
DBH
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
Urban Sombrero, we need an EDIT button, don't we?!?! These reporters need to develop sources to contact for further information, such as answers to the questions you (and others) pose. BTW, how's the application for advice columnist coming?
Urban Sombrero
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
And, ASK the court. Man, I'm on a typo roll today.
Urban Sombrero
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
*poster* above me. I need to start proof-reading. Sorry!
lynel
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
"After his guilty plea, he quit complying in any manner," Burke told Morris. Adams told Morris that Pearce had passed all of his previous drug screenings Which of these two statements is correct??
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
Pre sentencing After sentencing Two different periods of time.
johnnya2
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:28 p.m.
They are not mutually exclusive. He could be showing up on the wrong day, not checking in, but still have passed the ones he actually took. The lawyer can say he is not lying when he says Pearce passed all previous drug screening, BUT he was supposed to have gone 5 times and has only made it to two of them.
Mr. Ed
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
A year in Jail could have a big impact.
Grimey
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 8:24 a.m.
you think paying $20,000+ in taxpayer money is worth this tool learning a lesson? Meh. Yes, this kid is a giant jerk, but not a hardened criminal...
snoopdog
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.
Have him pick up goose poop daily at all A2 public parks for his failure to meet his terms of probation. Miss a day and then he goes back in the slammer. Good Day
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 7:31 p.m.
He should be sentenced to picking up road kill. Nobody else is. Give out his cell number so we can call him for pick up.
Z-man
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Yeah, this kids a regular Kwame Kilpatrick! Some 19-year old kid did something really dumb and now gets to carry around a felony record the rest of his life. Enough already...let's more on.
DBH
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.
Kind of like deliberately running over/killing some ducklings, eh Mr. Ed?
Mr. Ed
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.
That would be cruel and unusual.
pseudo
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.
Did you expect compliance from the guy who intentionally crapped on a police car?
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 7:30 p.m.
Just because a case is dropped does not mean it did not occur.
Basic Bob
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.
...allegedly. That case was dropped for some reason which is not in the public record.
Jan Loveland
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
Pathetic.
InsideTheHall
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:03 p.m.
This is not a news worthy story. The slide of A2.com continues.
Ron Granger
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.
Then why read it? And especially comment. The neat thing about the web is coverage doesn't take column space or paper. Some people think he got a break. Some people think he was treated harshly. Either way, his compliance is news. Saginaw is a 75 minute drive from Ann Arbor. Plenty of time to attend a funeral and a drug test.
John A2
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:59 a.m.
He's too busy to be free I see. He's making a mockery of the laws even now that he's had a huge break by the judge. Stick him in the hole. Does the word "Spoiled Brat" come to mind? It does for me.
Grimey
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 8:17 a.m.
Oh, and atwodotcom, this is an unbalanced non-story. If you'd report on all the convicted murderers and rapists out on parol that missed a drug test (nevermind all the other violations) your crime page would quadruple. What, are you going to report if this tool fails a drug test? Nobody cares! What a joke.
Grimey
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 8:10 a.m.
Dang... 115 "Likes"..? This many people agree to "Stick him in a hole" for missing a drug test?? Should all "Spoiled Brats" be locked up for that?? Does anyone have a clue about how many people miss drug tests? Do they realize that things happen in life that are unavoidable? Have any of the people that "liked" this comment missed an important obligation even once in their lives? Not a fan of what this kids crime was or him missing his drug test but wow! Going a bit far aren't we people??
rs
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.
>>"After his guilty plea, he quit complying in any manner," I wish they would give some examples of this. He had a funeral out of town and offered to take the test a day later then scheduled. That doesn't quit sound like somebody that is not complying in any manner.
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
Where do you get he offered to take in a day later? The story says he was told he could take it Aug 11. Joe Burke states he hasn't fulfilled any of his obligations since sentencing. That sound sounds like somebody who is not complying.
johnnya2
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
Yeah, and Bernie Madoff was sentenced to 87 years, so why not let him start serving it next year, because this year is INCONVENIENT. The probation system is not set up for the CONVICTS convenience. How long does a funeral take? A 2 hour drive to Saginaw, so sorry, there are how many other hours in the work day this could have been done. Of course, he could have been in jail and attending the funeral would not be an option.
JPLewis
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
He offered to take the test a day later??? Come on, that's not how probation works. I guess you think he should be on "probation lite"?
JPLewis
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
"Adams said Pearce was told he could take the drug test on Aug. 11 instead." hmmm, told by who? Unlikely.
Grimey
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 7:58 a.m.
Perhaps it's unlikely, but I can't count how many times someone at the courthouse has steered me wrong. Example; I followed what's published on the Court's website and had relatives call on how to be excused from a scheduled hearing when I was in the hospital with a broken skull, and the judge nailed me to the wall for not appearing the first time when I showed up for the new hearing - my sentence was twice as bad than if I just would have paid the ticket. The court system is just as messed up as the criminals they deal with. Callous thieves, the lot of them.
johnnya2
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.
Well likely by mommy and daddy, who let this brat do whatever the hell he wants. Listen up you little punk, your funeral is not my problem. You should have thought of that BEFORE you ran over the ducklings and took the deal. A funeral is not an emergency. Unless you are hospitalized or physically unable to go to your test, GO. Otherwise we can just have you spend your probation year in jail, and then all funerals will be off the table.
JPLewis
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
"Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Burke said Pearce has not been fulfilling the terms of his agreement since he pleaded guilty to charges of killing or torturing an animal and using marijuana in late July. "After his guilty plea, he quit complying in any manner," Burke told Morris." This is the reveling part of the story. Also, the rich kid has a public defender...sigh.
jrigglem
Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
I noticed that too. Wonder if this parents are sick of paying his legal fees. Especially since he had Nacht when this whole mess began.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.
"Pearce failed to show up for an Aug. 10 drug screening..... attending a funeral.... according to his public defender Stephen Adams.....was told he could take the drug test on Aug. 11 instead." So he did or didn't show up on August 11 a day later?
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
Who cares? Everyone who is concerned about criminals running amok, thumbing their nose at the system. This one missed a requirement on Aug 10 and instead of trying to make up for it ASAP, he ignored his obligation and had to be arrested 15 days later to end up in court. And Joe Burke is quoted as reporting he has not fulfilled any of his obligations since sentencing. He obviously is not serious in upholding his part, so jail him. He blew it.
Z-man
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.
Who cares?
Cash
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
Good question, Craig. Incomplete story.
huh7891
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.
This is newsworthy? What about all the others on probation that have at one time or another missed their probation appt. Let's print their names too. I don't agree with what he did, but the whole sorry is old...stick a fork in it...it's done!
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 7:18 p.m.
It is newsworthy because the offense scores high on the dastardly scale. Less dastardly offenses are less newsworthy. Sentences are designed to teach the offender what is required to show he deserves his freedom rather than time in the cooler.
rcastentman
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
This won't be the last time you see the name Dillon Pearce in the news. It seems he has a tough time dealing with authority.
DBH
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 12:15 p.m.
Although this story may not be newsworthy, clearly it is of public interest as evidenced by the hundreds of comments it has garnered on AnnArbor.com, in addition to the national and international attention it had attracted. AnnArbor.com is giving the public (at least a portion of the public) what it wants.
JPLewis
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:55 a.m.
I don't agree. The kid is a proven menace to our community. Folks want his to be properly punished, not skate away.
Cash
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:49 a.m.
Exactly. Gotta love the headline too. No sensationalism there. It's tiresome.
A2comments
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 10:36 a.m.
Not hard to see where this is headed...
Moms Kitchen
Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 10:04 a.m.
typo in your headline - I think you mean "duckling"