Aileen Wingblad/MediaNews Group
file photo (Aileen Wingblad/MediaNews Group)
The fourth man accused of robbing and murdering the owner of a Pontiac marijuana business in January has been extradited from Ohio and is now in custody in the Oakland County Jail with his three co-defendants.
Oakland County Jail
Christopher Matacia booking photo
Christopher Matacia, 34, was booked into the jail Tuesday night, as stated on the inmate roster. For the past several weeks he was locked up in a Cincinnati-area jail, fighting extradition on felony murder and armed robbery charges in connection with the Jan. 13 death of Sam Simko.
Simko, 66, of Commerce Township, was gunned down at his cannabis grow facility in the 1000 block of University Drive. Approximately 50 pounds of marijuana was stolen, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
Co-defendants Scott Aloysius Brown, 28, William Gregory Creasy, 24, and Deonte Damonte Prophett, 32, face the same charges. Prophett, who detectives believe fired the fatal gunshots, is also charged with using a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
All four men are from Ohio, the sheriff’s office said.
Brown, Creasy and Prophett are scheduled for a preliminary exam on May 30 in 50th District Court. The exam — where evidence will be presented for Judge Ronda Walker to determine if the case should move forward — is expected to take more than one day. Day two, if needed, is to be determined
While Matacia’s next court date is pending, it’s anticipated his case will be included in the preliminary exam.
Oakland County Jail
Scott Brown booking photoWilliam Creasy booking photoOakland County Jail
Deonte Prophett booking photo
As previously reported, the sheriff’s office said Creasy allegedly arranged a meeting with Simko at the grow operation with the intention of robbing him and the business. Simko’s business partner found Simko had been shot and called 911. Simko was pronounced dead at the scene.
At a court hearing Tuesday in Pontiac, assistant prosecutor Darcey Jacobs said she anticipates up to 10 witnesses will testify at the preliminary exam.
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