3 Charged With Murder, Robbery In Killing Of Oakland Co. Businessman: Police

PONTIAC, MI — Three Ohio men have been charged in connection with the Monday shooting death of an Oakland County businessman, according to prosecutors.

Sam Simko, 66, of Commerce Township, was found shot to death by his business partner at 8:17 p.m. Monday at his marijuana business in the 1000 block of University Drive in Pontiac, according to prosecutors.

William Creasy, 34, Scott Brown, 39, and Deonte Prophett, 32, were all charged with murder and armed robbery. Prophett faces additional charges of felony firearm possession and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The men face up to life in prison if convicted on either a murder or armed robbery charge.

"Sam Simko’s murder was a senseless tragedy," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "His family is entitled to justice and we are committed to ensuring the killers in this case are made to pay for their crimes."

Prosecutors believe Creasy set up a business meeting with Simko after the two had met at the Ann Arbor hash bash. Surveillance video from the business showed Creasy arriving at the business Monday evening and entering it alone, according to prosecutors.

Creasy was driving a white Buick Lacrosse, according to prosecutors.

While Creasy was inside the business, a black Ford Expedition that was parked across the street then pulled into the parking lot, according to prosecutors.

When Creasy was walking out of the business, Brown and Prophett got out of the Expedition and entered the building wearing masks and gloves, according to prosecutors.

Prophett was also holding a pistol, according to prosecutors.

Once inside, Prophett fired two rounds, killing Simko, according to prosecutors.

The men then zip-tied Simko's body and put a bag over his head, according to prosecutors.

There was not any cash inside the store at the time, but police said the three men took roughly 50 pounds of marijuana from the store.

Investigators tracked all three men to Cincinnati after learning the Buick Lacrosse was registered to Creasy in that city. They also learned that he had rented the Expedition in Cincinnati the day of the killing.

While executing search warrants at multiple locations in Ohio, officers also found three guns, including a .45 caliber handgun that officials believe was used to fatally shoot Simko, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said Creasy, Brown and Prophett are all convicted felons, and expect the three men to be extradited to Michigan in the coming days.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the quick arrests were the work of over 50 law enforcements officers from multiple agencies.

Police were still investigating the incident to determine if there is other involvement, Bouchard said.