Police: Roseville Man Tortured Victim With Hammer And Nails To Extort Money

ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - A Roseville man is facing multiple charges after police say he tied up and tortured another man who'd refused to loan him money for a down payment on a restaurant.

Roseville Police Chief James Berlin said 39-year-old Edward Palokaj wanted to borrow $14,000 from a 52-year-old Grand Rapids area man with whom he had an on-again-off-again business relationship.

The pair met at the suspect's home last Friday to discuss the money, Berlin said, and when the victim declined to make the loan, Palokaj became incensed.

"The suspect forced the victim to the basement of his home, bound him to a chair and then began to basically torture him to make him give up the money," Berlin said.

Palokaj then allegedly struck the victim several times about the head and body with his fists, used a hammer and nails to cause some minor puncture wounds to the victim and threatened to torture him in other ways. Police said Palokaj also said he would physically harm the victim's family if he didn't pay up.

"We don't know exactly how long he was bound and beaten and verbally and physically assaulted," said Berlin. "He finally gave in and said he'd give him the money."

Berlin said the victim then called his boss in Southfield and asked for money; and when the boss sensed something wasn't right he called police. Palokaj was arrested by Southfield police when he arrived with the victim to collect the cash.

He was arraigned in 39th District Court Monday afternoon on charges of torture, extortion and unlawful imprisonment.

Palokaj remains held at the Macomb County Jail on a $250,000, no 10 percent, bond and could face life in prison if convicted on the torture charge. He is due back in court for a preliminary exam on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

The victim was treated for his injuries at an area hospital and is expected to be OK. His name has not been released.