City of Wayland police officer Mark Riemersma is being recognized for a second time in playing a major role to resolve a criminal case, the latest involving an on-line sexual predator.
Outgoing Police Chief Steven Harper, in his last City Council meeting Monday night, announced that Riemersma will receive an award from an FBI task force for helping catch an on-line predator who was alleged to have tricked a 12-year old local boy into sending him nude photographs over the Internet. The 49-year-old predator, who identified himself as a prince living in California, was located in Philadelphia and has been arrested. Authorities indicated he had lured other juveniles into his web of deceit.
The suspect could get a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Harper beamed, “Our guys do a good job. Mark did this investigation on his own. We don’t have detectives (in the city department). I’m really proud of him.”
Incoming Chief Mark Mark Garnsey, who was sworn in Monday as Harper’s successor, obviously was delighted as well, saying, “Hearing stuff like this, it’s good to know you have competent people.”
Riemersma two years ago was cited in a national public safety publication for his relentless research role in apprehending a suspect in retail fraud. By using data and an index system for Allegan and Kent counties, he was able to identify a suspect on seven counts. The man afterward was incarcerated.
Garnsey, meanwhile, has taken the unusual step in inviting members of the community to stop in to meet and greet him at Salvino’s Restaurant on West Superior at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 8. He promises free pizza.
In other business Monday at their meeting, council members:
• Granted a request for a variance at 622 S. Locust St., with City Manager Joshua Eggleston explaining that the current limit of 250 square feet for the building is too restrictive.
• Appointed Andrew Tobolic to a seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals and reappointed Ryan Martin and Gary Ragan to three-year terms on the Planning Commission. There still is one vacancy on the ZBA that needs to be filled.
• Approved a request from the Wayland Brewing Co. for a temporary outdoor license to accommodate the Wayland High School Class of 1999’s 20-year reunion later this summer.
COVER PHOTO: Mark Garnsey (left) is sworn in as new police chief for the City of Wayland by Mayor Tim Bala. He succeeds Steven Harper, who stepped down after serving six years.
