Man Tortures Former Business Partner Who Won't Invest: Police

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A 39-year-old southeast Michigan man allegedly tied his former business partner to a chair, beat him with his fists, and inflicted wounds with a hammer and nails for an indeterminate amount of time Friday in an attempt to extort $14,000 from him, police said.

Edward Palokaj, of Roseville, was arraigned Monday in 39th District Court on felony charges of extortion, torture and unlawful imprisonment, according to a news release from the Roseville Police Department. The torture charge is punishable by up to life in prison. Extortion is a 20-year felony, and unlawful imprisonment is a 15-year felony.

Palokaj’s bond was set at $250,000, and he remains in the Macomb County Jail pending his preliminary examination on Aug. 19.

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Palokaj reportedly wanted the money for a down payment to start a restaurant. When the victim, a 52-year-old Kentwood man, refused to invest in the venture, Palokaj “became incensed,” police said. Palokaj allegedly forced him into the basement of his home, where they had been meeting to discuss the proposed restaurant deal, and tied him up.

Palokaj allegedly hit the man several times in the head and body with his fists, then inflicted puncture wounds with the hammer and nails. After the defendant allegedly threatened the victim’s family, he called his boss in Southfield and asked for the $14,000, police said.

The victim’s employer could tell something was wrong and notified Southfield police, who were waiting when Palokaj and the victim arrived to pick up the money. Palokaj was taken into custody without incident, and the case was turned over to Roseville authorities.

The victim was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. He was treated and released.

The two men had a previous, intermittent business relationship, police said.

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Roseville Police Department photo