March 8, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Prosecutor Tim Rutkowski, 989.269.9255
On Monday, March 6, 2023, Christopher Demara, a 40-year-old man from Kinde, pled no contest to Armed Robbery, Felony Firearm and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault).
The charges arose when on May 4, 2022, the Harbor Drug store in Harbor Beach reported that shortly before closing, a man came into the pharmacy department in Harbor Drug and asked if his prescription was ready. He provided an alias for the prescription, and when no prescription was located, he brandished a handgun and ordered all of the employees into the back of the business demanding that he be given methadone. The robber obtained methadone from the pharmacy and left. The Harbor Beach Police Department responded to Harbor Drug and after an investigation that included reviewing surveillance video and obtaining statements from the witnesses, they were able to determine that Christopher Demara committed the robbery. Later that night, pursuant to a search warrant, police did a search of the defendant’s home where they arrested him and found evidence consistent with him committing the crime including: the handgun used, the coat he was seen wearing, and the medication that was stolen.
On May 5, 2022, Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski charged Demara with Armed Robbery, Felonious Assault, and Felony Firearm. The Armed Robbery charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The Felonious Assault charge has a possible sentence of up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000. The Felony Firearm charge has a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must be served before the Armed Robbery sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. before the Hon. Gerald M. Prill.
Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski noted that:
“This type of behavior will not be permitted here. My office will continue to hold those who participate in such activities accountable.”
Prosecutor Rutkowski thanks Chief Todd Bucholtz and the entire Harbor Beach Police Department for their quick and thorough response in this case. It allowed for a speedy arrest of the defendant protecting the public and ultimately obtaining his conviction for this dangerous crime.
