A news release from the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office today reports actions the prosecutor has taken against the Potterville police chief to do with an earlier case against his wife.

 

The release reads:

“On April 30, 2019, the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office charged Potterville Police Chief Shane Bartlett, of Charlotte with the following:

 

"Count I:  Common Law Offense/Misconduct in Office:  a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or $10,000 fine.

Count II:  Lying to a Peace Officer-Violent Crime Investigation:  a felony with a maximum penalty of four years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

Count III:  False Report of a Felony:  a felony with a maximum penalty of four years in prison and/or $2,000 fine. (We allege that Shane Bartlett aided and abetted his wife in making the false allegation)

 

"The alleged offenses occurred in Eaton County.  The Barry County Prosecutor’s Office was appointed by the Attorney General to handle the case when Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd recused his office, due to a conflict.

 

"The charges stem from a lengthy investigation by the Michigan State Police (MSP) that began with a complaint by Kellie Bartlett against an Eaton County Deputy for sexual assault. 

As part of the investigation, Shane Bartlett, Kellie Bartlett’s husband, was interviewed by a detective. 

 

"The case was turned over to the Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt and in September, 2018 Kellie Bartlett was charged with Filing a False Report of a Felony and several other counts.  Her case is pending in circuit court.

 

"Suspicions about Shane Bartlett’s statement arose early in the case but it has taken several months to analyze his phone and work computer records.  Kellie and Shane Bartlett are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Shane Bartlett was arraigned today, Wednesday, in Charlotte District Court in Eaton County with his bond set at $10,000 personal recognizance."