Criminal records follow two men to Martha's Vineyard courtroom
By Steve Myrick
Published: March 5, 2009
Law enforcement authorities took action last week against two men who moved to Martha's Vineyard recently, after serving prison terms for violent crimes.
Michael Perry, 41, was arrested on February 23 after Aquinnah police stopped him on State Road. According to the police report, a records check revealed that Mr. Perry's license was revoked for non-payment of child support.
At his arraignment February 24 in Edgartown District Court, Mr. Perry entered not guilty pleas to charges of operating under a suspended license, license not in possession, and speeding. Cape and Islands District attorney Laura Marshard requested he be held on $1,000 bail. She said he appeared to have open parole violations, had defaulted previously on 10 warrants, and failed to register as a sex offender.
Ms. Marchard told the court he has a criminal record that includes convictions for rape in Barnstable County, as well as larceny, and identity fraud. Ms. Marshard also questioned his ties to Martha's Vineyard, an issue often considered by judges when setting bail. Ms. Marshard said Mr. Perry listed a Vineyard Haven address, which is a private home where his girlfriend works as a care giver.
Attorney Rob Hoffman, representing Mr. Perry for the bail hearing, argued against increasing the bail beyond the $200 Mr. Perry posted after his arrest. He told the judge that Mr. Perry is now registered as a sex offender, as required, and was unaware that his license was suspended, but did acknowledge that he owes back child support. He said Mr. Perry moved to Martha's Vineyard in December, and the attorney offered his appearance in court as support that the bail should not be increased.
Associate Justice Cornelius J. Moriarty II set bail at $200. Mr. Perry is due back in court on April 29 for a pre-trial hearing on the traffic charges.
Also last week, in Dukes County Superior Court, William F. Campbell was charged with violation of the conditions of his parole, including failure to pay his parole supervision fee, and failure to abstain from alcohol. Mr. Campbell recently finished a 10-year state prison sentence. He pleaded guilty to six charges, including assault with intent to murder, home invasion, and armed robbery stemming from a 1999 incident in Barnstable County. He now lists his address as 1 Llewellyn Way in Edgartown.
The Barnstable County probation department could not offer any further information about Mr. Campbell, except to say he is not in good standing with the probation department. Probation records are not open to the public. Mr. Campbell's case was continued to April 6.
