Crime & Safety

Man Arraigned in Treasure Trove Burglary

A 52-year-old man who turned himself into City of Grosse Pointe police has been arraigned on three charges stemming from one burglary and one attempted break-in.

The 52-year-old Detroit man who turned himself into police days after breaking into Treasure Trove in the Village and attempting to break into the Village Jewelry and Repair shop will appear in the City of Grosse Pointe court again next week.

James Carl Leichtweis was arraigned on three charges earlier this week: breaking and entering with intent and larceny of a building with an attached habitual offender count due to his criminal history.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison because of the habitual offender count, which lists convictions for assault with the intent to murder, felony firearm possession, felony escape of prison, assault with great bodily harm and three convictions of criminal sexual conduct.

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Leichtweis turned himself into Grosse Pointe Park police Jan. 15, City of Grosse Pointe Detective Christopher J. Lee said, noting it was five days after the Treasure Trove break-in.

The business, which is a resale shop specializing in antiques and other household items, was broken into about 4 a.m. Jan. 10. A hammer was used to break two jewelry cases and was left behind, Lee said.

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Leichtweis confessed to the Treasure Trove burglary and to a second crime--the attempted break-in of Village Jewelry and Repair Shop, which is a few doors down from Treasure Trove in the Village, Lee and Director of Public Safety Stephen Poloni said. 

He did not gain entry into the business but did get into a rear hallway that leads to several business doors, Poloni said.

A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf this week at the arraignment and he will go before the judge next Thursday for a preliminary exam.

Detectives do not believe Leichtweis is connected to other burglaries that have happened in the area, Poloni said. The description of the suspects is not similar and the methods used to committ the crimes were different, he said.


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