Assignment Manager WOOD-TV 8 in Grand Rapids. Former TV & newspaper reporter/editor, EMT, master woodland manager, master gardener, columnist and radio guy.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by John Hogan
Man who tossed cocaine while fleeing police gets prison Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A suspected drug dealer who fled from a vehicle after it was hobbled by police spike strips, tossing cocaine as he ran, is heading to prison for the bust. A Kent County judge this week sentenced Corey James Carter to six to 40 years in prison for delivery/manufacture of more than 1,000 grams of cocaine.
Woman enters plea in post-dinner murder Original
Editor’s note: The video above aired April 27, 2026. ALLEGAN, Mich. (WOOD) — An Allegan County woman has pleaded no contest to the shooting death of her boyfriend, who was found dead inside a home near Duck Lake after the couple had returned from dinner. Jennifer Moore, 44, entered the plea earlier this week to a count of second-degree murder in the death of Joseph Wayne Worley. She will return to Allegan County Circuit Court for sentencing in mid-November.
Man found guilty of 2023 double murder in Grand Rapids Original
Editor’s note: The related video above aired Tuesday. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Rejecting an argument that police arrested the wrong person, a Kent County jury on Friday convicted 21-year-old Casey Harmon Jr. in a double murder that happened nearly three years ago on Grand Rapids’ southeast side. Jurors began deliberations Friday morning and reached a decision shortly after noon. Harmon was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and two weapons charges.
Killer Jeffrey Willis loses bid for new trials Original
MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — A Muskegon County judge has denied a bid by convicted killer Jeffrey Willis for new trials in the 2014 shooting death of a jogger and the 2013 murder of a gas station worker, whose body has never been found. Rebekah Bletsch was gunned down along a rural road north of Muskegon in June 2014. Jessica Heeringa disappeared in April 2013 from her job at a Norton Shores gas station. An undated courtesy photo of Rebekah Bletsch. An undated courtesy photo of Jessica Heeringa.
Jury picked as man stands trial for double murder in Grand Rapids Original
Editor’s note: The video report above aired Oct. 27, 2024. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Nearly three years after two people were gunned down in a Burton Heights neighborhood, a jury trial for the accused killer got underway Monday. Casey Harmon, 21, is charged with two counts of murder and weapons offenses for the Nov. 6, 2023, double murder. Casey Harmon Jr. in a Grand Rapids courtroom for a probable cause conference on Oct. 29, 2024. A jury was seated Monday in Kent County Circuit Court.
‘Menace’ carfentanil dealer has long criminal history, feds say Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Wyoming man headed to federal prison on a drug conviction has a criminal history that illustrates he is an individual “who cannot and will not be easily deterred,” federal prosecutors say. “Ramico Earvin peddles poison,” federal prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. Earvin, 44, who popped up on Wyoming police’s radar following a nonfatal shooting, was sentenced this week to more than 11 years in prison for trafficking in fentanyl and carfentanil.
‘Menace’ carfentanil dealer has long criminal history, feds say
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Wyoming man headed to federal prison on a drug conviction has a criminal history that illustrates he is an individual "who cannot and will not be easily deterred," federal prosecutors say. Earvin, 44, who popped up on Wyoming police's radar following a nonfatal shooting, was sentenced this week to more than 11 years in prison for trafficking in fentanyl and carfentanil.
Hospital nurse charged after baby suffers broken bones Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A now-former nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has been charged with child abuse after a 4-month-old girl in his care was found with multiple broken bones and bruising. The injuries were noticed by the infant’s mother during an early morning visit in April, records show. Tests and a full skeletal survey found multiple fractures, including broken leg bones and multiple bruises, court records show.
Grand Rapids celebrates the life of baseball icon, Bob Sullivan Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Crowds gathered on the west side of Grand Rapids Saturday to celebrate the life of local icon, Bob Sullivan. Sullivan was 96 when he died earlier this year in February after decades of serving the community of West Michigan as a businessman, philanthropist, coach and athlete. An undated photo of Bob Sullivan. (Courtesy Paul Soltysiak) Sullivan Field in Grand Rapids. (Nov.
Kilo-level drug seizures soar in Kent County Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The recent seizure of 11 pounds of cocaine by a Kent County drug unit is part of a growing trend that sees larger quantities of drugs coming into the area, leading to more work for a special unit of the prosecutor’s office. One of those arrested in the August cocaine seizure by the Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team is facing a charge of delivery/manufacture of 1,000 or more grams.
Kilo-level drug seizures soar in Kent County
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The recent seizure of 11 pounds of cocaine by a Kent County drug unit is part of a growing trend that sees larger quantities of drugs coming into the area, leading to more work for a special unit of the prosecutor’s office. One of those arrested in the August cocaine seizure by the Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team is facing a charge of delivery/manufacture of 1,000 or more grams.
Semi driver gets prison for deadly I-96 construction zone crash
Editor’s note: The video report above aired on March 13, 2026. IONIA, Mich. (WOOD) — A semi-truck driver is headed to prison for a crash in a I-96 construction zone near Portland last summer that killed a woman and her unborn child. An Ionia County judge on Tuesday sentenced Mohamed Kamara to 3.5 to 15 years in prison for moving violation causing death in a work zone. Kamara, 24, also received a lesser term for negligent operation of a motor vehicle causing miscarriage or stillbirth.
Semi driver gets prison for deadly I-96 construction zone crash
Editor's note: The video report above aired on March 13, 2026. IONIA, Mich. (WOOD) — A semi-truck driver is headed to prison for a crash in a I-96 construction zone near Portland last summer that killed a woman and her unborn child. An Ionia County judge on Tuesday sentenced Mohamed Kamara to 3.5 to 15 years in prison for moving violation causing death in a work zone. Kamara, 24, also received a lesser term for negligent operation of a motor vehicle causing miscarriage or stillbirth.
Son in arson case faces upgraded charge after dad dies Original
The video in the player above aired on July 10, 2026. CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A man accused of setting fire to his father’s house near Caledonia in late June is now facing a murder charge after his father died. Tom Chehowski III, 54, had been charged with assault with intent to murder and first-degree arson in the June 28 fire. The charge was amended to open murder after the 77-year-old victim died, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said.
Neat signature on prescription triggers alert to fraud case
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — When an Illinois woman went to four Walgreens in metro Grand Rapids to get painkillers, red flags popped up — including a prescription slip written neatly, “which is a rare occurrence,” according to police reports. The woman, identified as 24-year-old Destiny M. Quinn, was arrested by Kent County sheriff’s deputies following a traffic stop outside of Rockford.
Daycare worker accused of abuse could face more charges, authorities say Original
Editor’s note: The video report above aired Sept. 3, 2026. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids man already facing nine felony charges related to child pornography could see additional charges as the criminal investigation continues. Austin Michael Hapner, 20, was arraigned Thursday in Grand Rapids on the nine counts, including three of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, a 25-year felony.
Deadly Facebook Marketplace meetup brings gunman prison Original
ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A Facebook Marketplace meetup last summer in Alpine Township that resulted in a deadly shooting has the 19-year-old gunman headed to prison. A judge this week sentenced Santiago Christopher Barajas to three to 15 years in prison for manslaughter. He will also serve a mandatory two-year term for a felony firearms conviction. A separate case charging him with carrying a concealed weapon was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Neat signature on prescription triggers alert to fraud case
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — When an Illinois woman went to four Walgreens in metro Grand Rapids to get painkillers, red flags popped up — including a prescription slip written neatly, “which is a rare occurrence,” according to police reports. The woman, identified as 24-year-old Destiny M. Quinn, was arrested by Kent County sheriff’s deputies following a traffic stop outside of Rockford.
Neat signature on prescription triggers alert to fraud case
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — When an Illinois woman went to four Walgreens in metro Grand Rapids to get painkillers, red flags popped up — including a prescription slip written neatly, "which is a rare occurrence," according to police reports. The woman, identified as 24-year-old Destiny M. Quinn, was arrested by Kent County sheriff's deputies following a traffic stop outside of Rockford.
Neat signature on prescription triggers alert to fraud case
Kyle Whittingham details huge improvement in Bryce Underwood from spring ball to Week 1 Michigan's head coach loves what he has seen from his starting quarterback, and now it is time to show it on the field. Michigan football is back this …
Targeting Flock cameras a disturbing trend, sheriff says Original
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The recent vandalism of a Flock camera in Ottawa County’s Holland Township is part of what law enforcement calls a disturbing trend targeting technology intended to help police. Kent County earlier this summer investigated several instances of vandalism to the automated license plate readers, including one on Post Drive NE in Plainfield Township that was targeted twice. Ottawa County this summer started seeing it as well.
Traffic islands along Plainfield Avenue NE cleaned up Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Seven landscape islands stretching along about a mile of Plainfield Avenue NE in Grand Rapids are getting makeovers, including one north of Ann Street that had been filled with trash and weeds. Crews in recent weeks removed trash and added mulch to the areas, which are called bioretention islands. They were constructed 14 years ago along Plainfield, roughly from Leonard Street to north of Ann Street.
Tears trigger alert to thwart $385,000 gold scam
CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. (WOOD) — When an elderly woman came into Josh VanderWerf’s coin store asking for $385,000 in gold, red flags popped up for the Cedar Springs businessman, who recalled a similar scenario unfolding at a nearby coin store. “She didn’t ask many questions and didn’t know what she wanted,” VanderWerf recalled of the mid-July visit to his shop, Cedar Springs Coins and Jewelry.
School security guard who targeted girl on Roblox gets prison Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A school security guard from New York will spend decades in prison for coercing an 11-year-old northern Michigan girl whom he met on Roblox to giving him explicit images, federal prosecutors say. Ryan Dookhan, 31, of Jamaica, New York, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a Friday release. A photo of Ryan Dookhan included in federal court records.
Tears trigger alert to thwart $385,000 gold scam
CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. (WOOD) — When an elderly woman came into Josh VanderWerf’s coin store asking for $385,000 in gold, red flags popped up for the Cedar Springs businessman, who recalled a similar scenario unfolding at a nearby coin store. “She didn’t ask many questions and didn’t know what she wanted,” VanderWerf recalled of the mid-July visit to his shop, Cedar Springs Coins and Jewelry.
Tears trigger alert to thwart $385,000 gold scam
CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. (WOOD) — When an elderly woman came into Josh VanderWerf's coin store asking for $385,000 in gold, red flags popped up for the Cedar Springs businessman, who recalled a similar scenario unfolding at a nearby coin store. "She didn't ask many questions and didn't know what she wanted," VanderWerf recalled of the mid-July visit to his shop, Cedar Springs Coins and Jewelry.
Man pleads guilty in deadly 2025 Alpine Township shooting
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A man who had previously been deported from the U.S. has pleaded guilty to a predawn shooting in Alpine Township last year that left a woman dead and two others injured. Gilberto Hernandez-Mendez admitted to killing his girlfriend’s mother and wounding two others in what police initially called a “domestic dispute” in February 2025. Now, he’s facing at least three decades behind bars as part of a sentencing agreement.
Man pleads guilty in deadly 2025 Alpine Township shooting
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A man who had previously been deported from the U.S. has pleaded guilty to a predawn shooting in Alpine Township last year that left a woman dead and two others injured. Gilberto Hernandez-Mendez admitted to killing his girlfriend's mother and wounding two others in what police initially called a "domestic dispute" in February 2025. Now, he's facing at least three decades behind bars as part of a sentencing agreement.
’22 a day’ crosses offer ‘stark reminder’ of suicide among veterans
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Saturday marked the final day of a project that placed white crosses along US-131 north of Grand Rapids to honor veterans who have died by suicide. A ceremony was held in a field off of the highway in Comstock Park as the project came to a close for the year. Each day for 30 days, 22 crosses had been placed in the field for a total of 660.
Trio charged in $3 million gold scam targeting elderly
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Three people tied to a gold scam that targeted elderly people, including a couple from Kent County who nearly lost $250,000, have been indicted on a federal fraud charge. The gold scam reaches all the way to India and targeted elderly people "in various states around the country," court records show. The federal indictment, unsealed this week, indicates the overall conspiracy resulted in the receipt or attempted receipt of more than $3 million and at least five victims.
Face punch preceded deadly shooting outside Grand Rapids topless bar: court records Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – After Niayn Franklin was punched in the face outside a Grand Rapids topless bar, he pulled out a handgun and fired one round into his assailant’s head, court records show. The deadly shooting was caught on video surveillance and was also heard by Grand Rapids police, who were at Dames N’ Games to monitor an unruly crowd, court records show. Franklin, who has prior weapons offenses, is now facing multiple charges that could put him in prison for life.
Scout leader’s secret camera ‘betrayal’ brings prison Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Muskegon County scout leader is heading to prison for sexually explicit videos he secretly recorded of girls attending pool parties at his home over the span of nine years. A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced 59-year-old Robert Alan Mark to nearly 17.5 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor. Six girls were identified in the videos; they ranged in age from 12 to 17.
Man nabbed after reward posted gets prison for sexual assaults Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A man quickly arrested after a $2,000 reward was offered for his capture has been sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison for two separate sexual assaults in Kent County. Local authorities in April offered the reward to find 23-year-old Fernando Vasquez-Pena; he was arrested within 24 hours. On Monday, he was sentenced to at least 15 years in prison, according to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.
Life term upended, man convicted in 1986 killing set for release Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Forty years after Jesus Francisco Gonzalez gunned down a rival outside a Grand Rapids bar, the now-59-year-old killer had his life sentence reduced this week to a term of years, ensuring his release. On July 6, 1986, Grand Rapids police officers found the body of Nathan Jaramillo in a parking lot outside a bar on South Division Avenue. Police say Gonzalez fought with Jaramillo, fired multiple shots and killed him. Gonzalez claimed self-defense.
Man with criminal history charged in Wyoming murder Original
Editor’s note: The video above aired on July 21, 2026. WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) — A 43-year-old man with prior convictions and a history of mental illness has been charged with open murder in the death of an elderly woman who was found outside her Wyoming home earlier this week. James William Jackson is accused of killing 82-year-old Peggy Jane Dreyer, who was found dead outside her home on Marcia Street west of Clyde Park Avenue SW. Jackson was found in the woman’s vehicle, court records show.
Colombian cocaine connection touches Grand Rapids, nets 33 pounds Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A meeting at a Starbucks in Bogota, Colombia led to a robust cocaine conspiracy that included Grand Rapids as a stopping point before the illicit contraband was supposed to head to Europe, court records show. Two men from Colombia were flown last week to Grand Rapids, where they face federal drug charges. Police seized 11 pounds of cocaine early in the probe and another 22 pounds at its conclusion.
Man in 81-pound cocaine bust gets ‘gift’ at sentencing Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Procedural missteps at the drug trial of a man charged in a record Grand Rapids cocaine bust has resulted in a sentence even the judge called “a tremendous gift” for the defendant. Timothy Gant, arrested in 2023 in a probe that netted 81 pounds of cocaine, had been facing up to life in prison. Instead, the four-time convicted felon will be getting out of jail before the snow falls.
White crosses along US-131 honor veterans who died by suicide Original
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Drivers along US-131 north of Grand Rapids will start seeing white wooden crosses multiply in a field near the LMCU Ballpark to honor veterans who died by suicide. The first 22 crosses went up at noon Friday. The number will continue to grow by 22 crosses at noon every day through early August. In all, 660 crosses will cover the open field. On average, 22 military veterans lose their lives each day to suicide, according to the Military Veteran Project.
White crosses along US-131 honor veterans who died by suicide
Fri, July 10, 2026 at 6:48 PM UTC PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Drivers along US-131 north of Grand Rapids will start seeing white wooden crosses multiply in a field near the LMCU Ballpark to honor veterans who died by suicide. The first 22 crosses went up at noon Friday. The number will continue to grow by 22 crosses at noon every day through early August. In all, 660 crosses will cover the open field.
‘Cowardly’ parking lot murder sends gunman to prison Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An altercation in a Grand Rapids motel parking lot that ended up with a man being shot in the back has the convicted gunman headed to prison for at least 26 years — the age of the victim. “This action on your part was cowardly, and it was senseless and it left a number of victims in its wake,” Kent County Circuit Court Judge Christina Mims told 33-year-old Devin D. Hayle. A jury last month convicted Hayle of second-degree murder for the June 7, 2025, shooting. Devin D.
‘Cowardly’ parking lot murder sends gunman to prison
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An altercation in a Grand Rapids motel parking lot that ended up with a man being shot in the back has the convicted gunman headed to prison for at least 26 years — the age of the victim. "This action on your part was cowardly, and it was senseless and it left a number of victims in its wake," Kent County Circuit Court Judge Christina Mims told 33-year-old Devin D. Hayle. A jury last month convicted Hayle of second-degree murder for the June 7, 2025, shooting.
Man pleads guilty to April assault outside Grand Rapids bar Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — One of two men prosecuted in an assault outside a Grand Rapids bar has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge. Jaziel Reyes Roman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of aggravated assault for the April 18 confrontation outside The Twisted Bull Saloon. The victim was hospitalized for several days with a brain bleed. He was kicked while unconscious on the ground, records show. Roman will be back in court for sentencing in mid-July. He faces up to a year in jail.
Man gets prison for deadly Grand Rapids stabbing Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A man convicted in a deadly knife attack in downtown Grand Rapids has been sentenced to decades in prison. During a sentencing hearing Thursday, Michael Anthony Rose, 61, was given a term of between 60 and 80 years for second-degree murder in the death of Lavonia Parham. Parham, 54, was attacked Nov. 6, 2024, in front of Senior Neighbors Center on S. Division Avenue in the city’s Heartside neighborhood. She was stabbed 25 times in front of horrified witnesses.
Man gets prison for deadly Grand Rapids stabbing
Mon, July 6, 2026 at 7:16 PM UTC Man gets prison for deadly Grand Rapids stabbing GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A man convicted in a deadly knife attack in downtown Grand Rapids has been sentenced to decades in prison. During a sentencing hearing Thursday, Michael Anthony Rose, 61, was given a term of between 60 and 80 years for second-degree murder in the death of Lavonia Parham. Sons vow to 'continue to share love' after mother's stabbing death Parham, 54, was attacked Nov.
Trio sentenced in $73,000 Meijer rewards theft Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The last of a trio nabbed in a scheme to steal customer reward points from a West Michigan retailer has been sentenced to probation and ordered to pay nearly $73,000 in restitution. Although the retailer is not named in charging documents, a sentencing memorandum identifies Meijer as the targeted company. A computer code devised by Matthew McCord, 43, allowed others to steal the equivalent of cash from the retail giant, court records show.
Police find 7.5 pounds of cocaine and four guns in raids Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Separate police investigations in Grand Rapids and Kentwood let to the confiscation of nearly 7.5 pounds of cocaine and several weapons that were in the wrong hands. The busts happened June 4. Cocaine was found on a Grand Rapids front porch and in a Kentwood bedroom. One of the defendants was arrested after fleeing in a vehicle and then on foot, court records show.
Video: Deputies nab suspect in attempted $700,000 gold coin scam Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Kent County Sheriff’s Office video shows deputies converging on a suspected scam courier accused of trying to make off with some $700,000 in gold coins from a West Michigan widow. The sting happened May 1 after an alert coin store owner realized something was wrong when the 79-year-old Ottawa County woman came into his shop looking to make a purchase.
Driver gets probation after 3-year-old left on Rockford bus Original
ROCKFORD, Mich. (WOOD) — A former driver for Rockford Public Schools has been placed on probation for a misdemeanor child abuse conviction after leaving a 3-year-old boy on a bus for more than an hour. The driver, 55, was charged with child abuse – leaving a child unattended in a vehicle for the November 2025 incident at the school district bus garage off Northland Drive NE. She pleaded no contest and in early June sentenced to three months of probation.
Police foil $250,000 gold scam targeting Ada pair Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Another reported gold fraud scam targeting the elderly was disrupted by Kent County deputies and now has two people from out of state facing multiple felony charges. In the latest case, a couple from Ada were told to cash out their savings and convert the funds into $250,000 in gold, court records show. The pair behind the reported scam represented themselves as federal agents, according to the records.
Jury finds man guilty of deadly Grand Rapids motel shooting
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A deadly shooting in a Grand Rapids motel parking lot that was caught on video now has the convicted gunman facing decades in prison. Kent County jurors on Friday found Devin D. Hayle, 33, guilty of second-degree murder for the June 7, 2025, shooting. The gun believed to have been used in the killing was found in a toilet tank, court records show.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with John
Contact John, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack