Mazi Smith, Michigan defensive lineman, charged with carrying concealed weapon

Ann Arbor — Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith was charged with a felony after allegedly being found carrying a concealed weapon inside a vehicle in October.

Smith, a co-captain, has continued to practice and play with the Wolverines since the Oct. 7 incident, including at Indiana a day after the offense allegedly occurred. Despite the weapons charge, he will continue to be allowed to participate with the team, according to a statement from Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel.

Washtenaw County prosecutor Eli Savit defended the timeline of the charging decision to The Detroit News on Thursday, saying he believes there was no unusual delay from the time of the alleged offense to when charges were brought and cited the fact Smith was not taken to jail after the arrest. Savit said his office received the police report on Oct. 14 and approved the request for charges on Nov. 17.

"The timeline for charging on this case was unremarkable," Savit said. "The incident involving Mr. Smith occurred on Oct. 7. He was not arrested at the scene, and we received a police report on Oct. 14. We approved the request for charges on Nov. 17, and the warrant was 'sworn out' before a magistrate this week.

"This is an unremarkable timeline for cases that are submitted to us when a defendant is not in custody. If a defendant is in custody (arrested at the scene), we need to process cases faster, within 48 hours, and we have a separate queue set up to review in-custody cases. But when a defendant is not in custody, authorization of charges generally moves slower, and the timeline here was not remarkable."

Smith was formally charged Wednesday and arraigned Thursday, when bond was set at $5,000. He is scheduled for a probable cause hearing at 9 a.m. Dec. 8 in 15th District Court. He is represented by Ann Arbor attorney John Shea, who declined comment Thursday when reached by phone.

According to a release from the Ann Arbor Police Department, Smith was pulled over for speeding at 9:35 a.m. Oct. 7 by an Ann Arbor officer. Smith did not have a concealed pistol license with him at the time and also did not have his driver's license.

"Smith, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was found to be in possession of a handgun inside the vehicle without a valid CPL (concealed pistol license) and did not have his driver’s license at the time of the stop," according to the release. "Smith was arrested at the scene, processed at the police station, and released pending Washtenaw County Prosecutor review."

Manuel said in a statement that the university would let the judicial process play out while Smith is allowed to continue with the team.

"We are aware of the charge against Mazi from a traffic stop back in October," Manuel said Thursday. "Mazi was honest, forthcoming and cooperative from the very beginning and is a tremendous young man. He is not and never has been considered a threat to the university or community.

"Based on the information communicated to us, we will continue to allow the judicial process to play out. Mazi will continue to participate as a member of the team."

Smith on Tuesday was named first-team All-Big Ten. Michigan (12-0) is preparing to face Purdue in the Big Ten championship on Saturday in Indianapolis.

"I have respect for our judicial process and with that respect brings confidence that a fair and just resolution is forthcoming," Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said in a statement. "Mazi’s character and the trust that he has earned over the past four years will continue to be considered throughout the process."

According to Michigan’s penal code, the felony is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine up to $2,500.

Smith has appeared in all 12 games this season, registering 43 tackles, including 2.5 for loss.

achengelis@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @achengelis