Perfect! They need to leave Shelby Twp. We don't want or need their kind! Wake up people- do not give these drug dealers business!

Really? As parents it is our job to protect our children. These dealers were were selling to underage buyers and I take it your okay with this John? I understand life is about choices but there are times when the wrong choice is made, and this choice could ruin a person/ a family's life forever.

John, obviously you are not a parent. Otherwise, you would want to reduce the temptation of your son or daughter to take a chance and ruin their lives.

John, perhaps your insensitive comments on these blogs would be tempered if you had any idea what you were talking about. There are plenty of good, decent, well-educated parents who have done all the right things in bringing up their children only to have what Kim called that one bad choice...perhaps just one incident ...usually influenced at a very impressionistic age by people they trusted, only to have the "house of cards" come crashing down on them and their families, from this bad choice.

As a parent you can't be everywhere... all the time... to protect your kids and we all rely on the Community at large and the laws we all live by to also protect our kids. So when you get a local business, like the accused enterprise, that blatantly has operated for years at the fringe of our laws for the express purpose of high financial gain at the expense of everyone else, including our kids, then you can be rest assured a strong resolve will be mobilized.

That is the message of this blog; to keep the pressure on the indicted while they and their lawyers try to manipulate the same laws we so covet... trying to keep the indicted group on the streets for as long as possible to continue doing the only thing they know how to do.

Indeed if you feel selling drugs is ok... then perhaps you may prefer another locality where your opinion is more well accepted would be a more suitable place to live as most in this Community do not think this is acceptable behavior.

Yes!! Lets just start with the name calling, the false character claims (like you know me), and of course, hide behind our religious virtue while completely ignoring the points of the conversation. Its so much easier to justify our own hypocritical positions when we refuse to acknowledge the facts and points that were presented. Once again I find you laughable.

John I don't claim to be a perfect parent but I try my best to stay on top of my 5 kids.
My husband and I had notices a lot of teenagers hanging out at this gas station and thought it was weird. When we seen kids from the neighborhood or from our local schools up there we would ask what they were doing there and tell them to go home. Then when all of the truth came out about these people our suspicions were right on. Bottom line I want them gone! We don't need these people peer pressuring our kids into buying the poison they were selling. And that is exactly what they were doing. You tell me why they would invite my underage kids to their opening house at the smoke shop and when my kids came home to tell me of this invite I told them they had no business up there! These people are scum!

PS. Don't claim to be perfect just trying to parent with all of the challenges we are presented with.

Has anyone else heard about what exactly happened in the Dabish courtroom case last week?
The outcome seems clear which apparently is to push the next 'hearing' back to March 28th but the question I have is why... and what will be presented on that date?
I have heard two different delay reasons with the first being that the defense wanted more time for "discovery"... while the second (maybe a rumor) is that the defense was claiming the State of Michigan was actually at fault for not giving the "enterprise" enough time and specific direction as to how to destroy the newly outlawed drugs.
Anybody know any more details?

If the latter has any truth to it that would be like a Bootlegger in the roaring 20's tellling the Feds that the reason they were still selling booze is because no one told them how to get rid of the old booze after the 18th amendment became effective in January, 1920. Therefore, they were not violating the law by selling or warehousing booze after the law went into effect because the law itself didn't tell them exactly how to pour the illegal stuff out onto the ground. Pretty outrageous if any truth to this but it definitely would not surprise me to see some defense lawyer try to pull a rabbit like this out of the hat and get these indictments washed on a trivial technicality.

Wow - people amaze me.

It's been fun reading the post:
The delay is so the defense can read and sort through the 200+ pages of police reports. A preliminary hearing gives the defense a chance to defend against the charges. (To determine If any laws were actually broken). Justice moves slowly.
Note: I have a teenager, this subject does worry me but I do feel it is my responsibility to micro manage her activity until she is of legal age. She has no time to "hang out" at a gas station selling illegal drugs but if this activity did happen I would blame my teenager and myself to some degree but still want the store shut down.
I think writing to the judge is a good idea. make sure you put the case number on all correspondences so they will end up in the right folder.
I also think it is the right of "John", "Sarah" or any other citizen to criticize either side of this argument without being attacked.
Keep it on-subject and non-personal.

Again to keep this blog on message, there is no intent to promote or sanction mob justice here.and the only person continuing to bring this up is John. The original idea to garner public support was very simple and it begins and ends with the courts doing their job. Suggesting rallies at key trial dates and gaining support from Southeast Michigan broadcast media to cover the case is intended only to influence those prosecuting the case how important members of the local community feel about not buckling into a plea bargain. The hope would be that creating a high visibility case would prevent this from happening. Keep in mind it is clear that the Dabish enterprise plans to defend their indictment by throwing as much money as needed at the case. If we can counterbalance this with public opinion demanding maximize penalties, just maybe we balance the scales to get this through a full jury trial without pleas.

John... <WOW> You missed your calling as a fiction writer!
This blog is about freedom of opinion and speech where opinions from all are supposed to be respected. All you have done with every comment you have posted this evening is to slam everyone because their thoughts. their values. their opinions differ with your own. In paragraph 2 (above) targeting me, you have crossed a very clear line with respect to making false and libelous comments attempting to define my character in a blasphemous, derogatory manner. If you are not aware then perhaps you may want to read up on the subject as there are criminal statutes governing such conduct within the State of Michigan including libel mediated through electronic media.

The subject here is how our community can keep maximum visibility on this indictment as it moves forward -- NOT to indict the supporters of this effort . If you wish to participate, your constructive comments are as valid as all others. If you are only out to cut down every thought and badger contributors to massage your own ego, then please feel free to seek out another hobby.

Paragraph 1 indeed was a direct quote which I stand behind and if you are capable of reading it concisely, the quote you so carefully plagiarized said, "if they are found guilty after a quick trial" which anyone with even half a brain knows that means by definition due process and guilt beyond reasonable doubt!... So don't fabricate halftruths with your alleged claims!
And as far as capital punishment in this country I do stand by my "opinion on that subject 100%" -- again only after perpetrators of major crimes are found guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law. If you don't like my opinion- Too damn bad! There are a whole lot of good folks in this country that believe consequences need to radically change in this country if we are going to have any society at all in 50 years. The idea is to not go around killing people but to create a deterrant so those who commit violent crimes that really hurt society think twice in the first place. Otherwise we all pay for incarceration. Factoid: This country has 5% of the global population and 45% of incarcerated prisoners. Even you would have to see a disconnect with that picture. And guess what? If you don't, who cares?

Just a quick note. The comments section is here to provide a forum for everyone to share his or her two cents on an issue, and the more voices the better. That being said, please refrain from personal attacks. Everyone has an opinion. It's a fact of life. If you disagree with said opinion, argue the logic behind it and leave whatever personal knowledge you have, or think you have, of the commenter alone. Thanks in advance for taking the high road from here on out.

Thanks Jenny and I totally agree this blog needs to stay on its intended message.
It is a shame some people simply have other agendas.

My kids were not hanging out there just getting gas. I too micro manage my kids but I m sure they have been places they weren't suppose to be. No Kid is perfect. Some like to think they are but their job is to challenge we the parents .

In My opinion anyone who feels the need to defend this family, clearly has not had a loved one affected by what they have done. I have personally had run in's with them,and met countless families that have also been affected. They have NO remorse and feel entitled to do whatever they want.
There were many other businesses selling this crap as well, who may or may not have known what these drugs were, however when the spotlight was turned on they pulled it off the shelves. The Dabish clan laughed at all of us and not only continued to sell it (and yes I know this to be FACT) they also sold many other ILLEGAL drugs to kids. I am the first say say YES my kid made a clear BAD choice. However this family was selling drugs, ILLEGAL drugs through the front of their "ligitament" businesses. These people are NOT victims, they knew exactly what they were doing Almost all of them have a lengthy criminal past (which is public information) . They say that they are not going away..... Well we are not either, we will stand up to them and their lawyers and Demand Swift Justice. They are nothing more than a black mark on this community , and we Will take our community back!

Does anyone realize just how easy it is for your kids to get drugs online? Have you googled "K2" or "Spice" or "Bath Salts"? Your kids will just have the drugs Fed-X'd to a buddy's house using an alias. Cheaper and easier than driving to a shady gas station.

"That's not my shipment of drugs, Officer. My name is not Abe Lincoln. Yes, this is my address. But I didn't order this giant shipment of drugs for all my friends."

Yes.. We know Exactly how easy it is to get this garbage, however that does NOT lessen the fact this family knowingly and willingly sold a multitude of drugs to kids for no other reason than pure GREED . They are known convicted felons who believe they are above the law!

Since you can't control the supply of drugs, why not control your kids spending power? When my kid is old enough he will learn how to balance and maintain a budget. I intend to see receipts for everything he purchases. My son will not get money from me until he shows me receipts.

I didn't have enough money to buy Taco Bell in high school, how are kids getting drug money?

Please ... Here you go with the... "not my kid"... "they will never" Please until you walk a mile in my shoes you have No right to judge! I hope your child never does anything wrong , never gets in any trouble and never makes any bad choices...! And further more I hope there are not local business around to sell them drugs!
Sounds like you have it all planned out ! Best of luck to you!

Wow once again. Gotta love the parents that say how they will control their kid and it won't happen to them. As you said these kids are smart when it comes to finding things. As you demand your receipt don't be surprised when one isn't given when your kid sell an iPod or video game. Here's another takes back the bottle returns. Do they get money for Xmas or birthdays? You better get a tracking chip in your kid now or better yet just lock them in the house until they are 40. It's a different world - yep I just said that. I cringe saying this as my parents said it to me but guess what - they knew what they were talking about. Romney 2012 I truly hope nothing ever happens to your kids but if it does, don't beat yourself up with where did I go wrong. We all are trying to do our best.

Perfectly said Kim Moore !!!!! Perfectly said!

Just wait until you deal with the Cool Parents because they are out there. They Will lie and cover for your kid and you are trusting them as you are thinking they are the adult. So many challenges we face as parents. All I try to do is stay 5 steps ahead of them.

I just re-read all the posts here and once again find it amusing how personal agendas and character attacks keep popping up trying to mute the real message again and again.

The original message is simple: How can the Community keep high visibility on this indictment as it develops and show the prosecution that the Community is not supportive of any plea as they move the case forward -- nothing more than that-period!

There have been intimations from calling this mob justice to peddling influence to character attacks for even bringing up such an idea. If this indictment goes through a full jury trial and the defendants were found innocent then I'm sure everyone will accept that decision, even if they have personally been burned by the 'enterprise'.

However, if our prosection opts for a plea bargain to simply get admission of guilt for a lessor penalty... essentially taking the easier pathway which often happens... then I (for one) take issue with that strategy and simply hope that voice of objection is heard upfront

ok John... How about if we use this forum to take a vote. When I say the community is behind this I am assuming a very large majoriy (Obviously not everyone). Your opinion, which I do accept as being a valid point of view, is assuming this is totally incorrect. Fine, lets see who is right with the question being as follows:
"Are you in favor (or against) this indictment going through to a full jury trial, with the prosecution making every attempt possible to not accept a plea bargain"?

Perhaps we can re-channel our energies to at least see which opinion garners the most support-Since my vote does count (like yours) lets just say we are starting out at one vote for and one vote against-- Fair enough?

John , are you on something? My Lord. These people have been selling all sorts of things to the teenagers / young adults in our community. I hope they don't accept a plea deal myself. I'm not being swayed by anyone except my own conclusion on this situation. They are dealers and just want to make $$$$ with no regards to any human life. If they were on the corner selling crack I would feel the same way. I won't give them my business ever!! I can say that knock on wood none of my kids have been caught up in this poison and I'm very thankful but my heart breaks for the parents that are dealing with this and are trying to get their kids on the right path.

WOW... I guess I hit a nerve and John doesn't like a democracy where people vote and share ideas <LOL> Instead he and his perverted mind are hellbent on going down a very slippery slope of character assassination with trumped up, inaccurate facts figuring if he assinates my character, his agenda will prevail.
Keep gliding John, I wouldn't expect you to do "or say" anything else but we are keeping a scorecard

As posted by the hate monger John -- "Sarah Franklin demands public hangings and is attempting to peddling influence and hate using a public forum. Sarah Franklin now believes that the law and its penalties are a matter of a vote".

John, that is indeed quite a libelous statement when you read it word-for-word against any "opinion" i have ever published.
"The possibility of plea bargaining to opt out of a full trial process" is the only point... say that again, only point being addressed in this entire blog.
No one, other than John in his delusional world of fabricated facts, has ever said or intimated that the law or the verdict should have a vote. Yet part of the First Amendment, which provides all of us freedom of petition, clearly gives us the right to express opinions about the legal process. This is most definitely NOT intimating what John calls 'extreme prejudice' ... and is clearly a right we can all exercise without fear of penalty.

Furthermore there are seven legal case precedents since 1940 where the United States Supreme Court upheld the rights of citizens to petition.
Perhaps the most relevant case is ...United States v. Grace (1983) ...where petitioning on the Court steps was the issue at hand.

In this case, Congress tried to isolate the U.S. Supreme Court from demonstations or lobbying on the court steps. But the high court held that the acts of distributing leaflets and/or carrying picket signs on the public sidewalk around the building were protected by the First Amendment.
This what the hate mongers are arguing against. Perhaps they should simply re-channel their energies on the same days of demonstration to convey their own point of view as they clearly have that right.

The bottom line is that the community protested these businesses due to their selling of K2/Spice. This business has operated within our community for many years, happily taking our cash & making a decent profit.

One of the brothers was incredibly indignant and unsympathetic toward the community that had supported & shopped at their business.

Then going to a Council meeting & promising to discontinue selling these items. They didn't. They were deceptive and continued to make this garbage available for purchase within OUR community. Had they truly/ honestly meant to discontinue sales they would have asked the Authorities where or how their stock could be disposed of. Instead of supposedly waiting to be told. Our Township has a drug disposal event annually. Their stock could have been surrendered to police to be disposed of or proper arrangement could have been made to utilize the annual & free event. They chose to keep it in storage. Seriously? Businessmen who've run this business for years all of a sudden don't know what to do?

A young girl I know was featured on the news. She had called the police, informing them of the continued activity/sales of these illegal products.

Are you now labeling our constitutional rights and legal cases as ... 'drivel'?
Wow... I would love to see if the community at large sides with you on that brilliant point of view as well. Yep, every time your mouth opens, foot just goes in deeper.

This family had evidently given Authorities good reason to conduct their investigation. Investigations have to be approved & wouldn't be without credible information & evidence.
Expense, time, and manpower, and the legality issues are massive, these considerations are not taken lightly when approving an investigation.

In the end their evidently was enough proof to conduct the raid, arrest the individuals involved & have them charged with crimes.

I have to agree that community opinions are taken into consideration.

Of course their are many more greedy businesses out there that'll sell this junk. Sadly it can also be bought online. However, citizens in those communities & our country need to take a stand, speak up, and not turn a blind eye and accept the unacceptable.

Everyone is entitled to due process. However, far to many plea deals or reduced sentences are handed down. Some only receive the proverbial slap on the wrist. It's up to us as Citizens to let Officials know loud and clear that it's unacceptable. Put them on trial...let them be found guilty or not by a jury of their peers. This is our Country/communities/home, we elect these Officials....they work for us. Should they not take public opinion into consideration, they should expect to be fired at the next election.

I'll send & keep sending letters or emails with my concerns & opinions. It's my right to decide what I want or don't want to live with in my neighborhood. This is one activity/business I deem harmful and unnecessary to to quality of life in our neighborhood.

If Marina was still running the Patch, this thread would have been closed already. Two people endlessly going at each other is just a waste of bandwidth.

Touch'e Barbara... refreshing to have a dialogue where opinions are founded in facts and reality.
On another thought, the most appropriate place to forward the degrading and incriminating posts directed at you over the weekend is directly to Chief Roland Woelkers. If he doesn't have an email, consider sending to Rich Stathakis as this case is very important to him as well, as you probably know by his direct involvement last Spring. I am sure he would be more than happy to forward your captured comments from other related posts on to the Chief.

Sarah,
Thank you for your suggestion. I'm of the mindset that our County, Township/City Officials need to hear from concerned citizens.
Citizens need to be proactive in their communities. Keep ourselves informed and expect our elected/appointed Officials to do their jobs.

I've moved from areas where citizens became complacent & accepting of the negative changes. Crime rates rose and property values plummeted. What had once been wonderful neighborhoods became overrun by thugs, slumlords, and drugs. Homes seemed to disintegrate over night. Teachers spent more time dealing with troublesome students than they did teaching.
I've been here 15 years, my husband 20+. The demographics have changed the past 5 years. Many of our new neighbors longed to get away from the above mentioned they're proud to be part of a safe & well kept community. Others have moved in to get away from the crime....only to be like the people they left behind. That is unacceptable. Unless citizens voice disappointments, concern, and utilize the services their tax dollars pay for ~ more businesses/people will swoop in and add to the activity the Dabish family have been charged with.
If I wanted to live in that type of community, I'd go back to the cities of my younger years and stick my head in the sand while attempting to live safely among the danger.

John and Romney 2012 are the same person. The writing is the same. Probably a loyal customer and user to the Dabish drug dealers. Everyone forgot that the family was busted with much more than K2. Actually everyone think, what have they done for this community except create problems? They'll go bye-bye, it just takes a little time.

I think the above conversation has covered just about everything. We're going to close the comments at this time, but I assure you there will be other opportunities to comment on future stories as this issue moves forward. Should you wish to submit a letter to the editor, please stay within 300 words and email it to jenny.whalen@patch.com.