Police and court briefs

Painesville man facing multiple charges

A 26-year-old Painesville man accused of kidnapping and assault was arraigned Aug. 5 in Painesville Municipal Court, according to records.

Maurice A. Rice, of 125 Carmody Drive, is charged with two first-degree felony counts of kidnapping, following an Aug. 3 incident in Painesville Township.

He also faces a thirddegree felony of having weapons while under disability, two first-degree misdemeanors of aggravated menacing and a first-degree misdemeanor assault charge.

Rice’s maximum sentence could be 27 years in prison, if he’s convicted only of the felonies.

He is currently in jail

on a $200,000/10 percent cash or surety bond, court files show. His preliminary hearing has been set for Aug. 13.

Pair charged with assault, theft

Two men accused of felonious assault were arraigned Aug. 5 in Painesville Municipal Court, according to records.

Michael S. Joyce, 19, of Painesville, and 20-yearold David C. Stanley of Mentor, are being charged with second-degree felony charges of felonious assault and fourth-degree felony charge of theft of a motor vehicle.

The incident allegedly involving the two co-defendants occurred July 31 in Painesville.

If they’re convicted, the penalties carry a maximum prison sentence of 9 ½ years in prison.

Joyce and Stanley are being held on $250,000/10 percent cash or surety and $500,000/10 percent cash or surety bonds, respectively.

According to court files, they have preliminary hearings scheduled for Aug. 12.

Woman charged with felony theft

An East Cleveland woman accused of theft was arraigned Aug. 5 in Painesville Municipal Court, records show.

Aaliyah A. Witherspoon, 23, of 16007 Nelamere Road, is charged with one fourth-degree felony and one fifth-degree felony of theft from a disabled person.

The charges are related to September offenses that occurred in Madison Township.

Witherspoon allegedly stole a Discover credit card and a NorthWest Bank debit card from the victim, according to court files.

If she’s convicted, she could face a maximum of 2 ½ years behind bars.

Witherspoon is currently being held on a $1,500/10 percent cash or surety bond, records show. She has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 12.

Multiple agencies seek robbery suspect

Agencies are searching for a 33-year-old man following a string of robberies in Northeast Ohio.

Thomas (aka Rick or Rickie) Holliday is wanted by the Lakewood and Euclid police departments for aggravated robbery.

He is suspected of at least four robberies, according to a press release.

Holliday is also wanted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation.

His last known address is in the 23000 block of Nicholas Avenue in Euclid.

He is believed to be living on the west side of Cleveland, the release stated.

Holliday is described as being about 6 feet, 4 inches tall and around 375 pounds.

Those with information are asked to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or by texting WANTED and a tip to 847411.

“Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available,” the release stated.