Suspects In Downriver Poker Room Robbery Each Charged With 25 Counts Of Felonious Assault
TAYLOR (WWJ) - Authorities say three men who stormed into a Downriver poker room with guns blazing and robbed a charity tournament have officially been charged for their roles in the terrifying crime.
Thirty-year-old Nickolas Frederick, of Dearborn Heights, is expected to be arraigned Thursday on three counts of armed robbery, 25 counts of felonious assault, and one count of felony firearm.
Two other suspects in the case, 29-year-old Daniel Frederick and 26-year-old Michael Pennington, were arraigned Wednesday.
Pennington, of Flat Rock, is charged with three counts of armed robbery and 25 counts of felonious assault. Bond was set at $50,000. Daniel Frederick, of Dearborn Heights, is charged with three counts of armed robbery, 25 counts of felonious assault, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of felony firearm. Bond was set at $600,000.
Investigators say the Fredericks and Pennington went into Momo's Poker Room, on Telegraph Road in Taylor, last Friday, and announced a holdup. The incident happened just after 12 a.m. during a charity poker event.
Police say the masked suspects entered the room with guns drawn and ordered everyone inside to lay face-down on the floor. The robbers made off with upwards of $1,000, according to police.
"Obviously, many of the people were traumatized," said Police Chief Mary Sclabassi. "This was a traumatizing event."
Police say the suspects were at the location playing cards prior to the robbery.
No shots were fired and no one was injured.
Pennington and Daniel Frederick are due back in court on April 18 for a probable cause conference, with a preliminary examination scheduled for April 25. Further court dates for Nickolas Frederick will be scheduled at the arraignment.
Police have not yet disclosed the nature of relationship between Nickolas and Daniel Frederick.