Going for case dismissal or win
By Pam Fleming, Staff Writer
Northville attorney Mark Mandell is representing Sam Riddle on his charge of allegedly assaulting former girlfriend, Mary Waters, a former Detroit City Council member and state representative.
High-profile political consultant Riddle has been accused of pulling a gun on Waters after she walked in on him in bed with another woman in December.
Riddle's recent trial on corruption charges ended in a mistrial in February. In one case, he was accused of receiving and delivering bribes on behalf of former Detroit City Council member Monica Conyers to win her vote on a sludge remediation contract.
In a separate incident, Riddle was accused of spreading bribery money among Southfield city officials on behalf of a pawn shop owner who was seeking approval to relocate there. Waters was a co-defendant in that case.
"I have not discussed the federal case with him," Mandell said. "I am solely handling the state case against him."
Mandell said he believes Riddle will go to trial on the assault charges within the next two months.
KNOWN AS COACH MANDELL
Most people in Northville know attorney Mandell as Coach Mandell, the defensive coordinator for the junior varsity Mustang football team at Northville High School.
But, that main claim to fame may soon change with his new role as Riddle's attorney.
Riddle retained Mandell to be his attorney last Friday. Riddle allegedly committed a felonious assault against this then live-in girlfriend, Waters.
Mandell said based on Waters' comments, he believes that state will have a hard time proving an assault occurred.
"It is apparent based on Waters' comments that an assault never occurred in this case and that she doesn't want Sam prosecuted," Mandell said.
As a former prosecutor, Mandell has extensive trial experience.
"Sam did not hire me to reach a plea agreement," he said. "He hired me for a dismissal of the charges or to win his case at trial, and that's what I intend to do."
Riddle has already pleaded not guilty in the case.
Mandell said he has been a friendly acquaintance of Riddle in the past and assumes he hired him based on his reputation for getting things done.
Mandell is a partner at the Northville law firm of Fausone Bohn, LLP, specializing in criminal defense and family law. He is also a political consultant.
"I've done a lot of work for elected officials in the past and was a former prosecutor," he said. "But, this (serving as defense attorney for Riddle) is the biggest, most high-profile case I have had to date."
As it pertains to his role as the NHS football coach, Mandell said he is looking forward to a successful upcoming season.
To learn more about Mandell, visit www.michiganfraudlawyer.com or call (248) 380-9976.
