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Ex-Detroit Homicide Lieutenant Arraigned On Perjury Charges

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A former Detroit police homicide lieutenant has been arraigned on perjury charges stemming from testimony in a quadruple murder case that involved a 14-year-old gunman.

Bill Rice, 63, stood mute Wednesday in 36th District Court when he was charged with two counts of perjury in a capitol case. It's alleged that Rice gave false testimony in a 2009 evidentiary hearing as a defense alibi witness.

Davontae Sanford was 14-years-old when he was charged as an adult in the Sept. 17, 2007 homicides of four people that occurred in the 19700 block of Runyon Street in Detroit. Sanford pleaded guilty to four counts of second degree murder and one count of felony firearm, and was subsequently sentenced to 37 to 90 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Sanford's lawyer filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea and in May, 2009, and the Court of Appeals sent the case back to the lower court where Rice testified as a defense alibi witness.

Rice knew the boy because he was in a relationship with Sanford's aunt. Rice and the boy's aunt are currently facing charges in a separate criminal case.

Rice was released pending a May 13 preliminary examination. Defense lawyer Tiffany McEvans says she's awaiting police reports and other documents on the perjury charges before commenting.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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