Wednesday, January 15, 2025

PONTIAC, Mich. - Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged William Creasy and Scott Brown with Felony Murder and Armed Robbery and Deonte Prophett with Felony Murder, Armed Robbery, Felony Firearm Possession, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

The three men are alleged to have murdered Sam Simko, a 66-year-old Commerce Township resident and co-owner of a marijuana grow business in Pontiac, during an armed robbery on January 13, 2025.

The charges stem from allegations that Creasy arranged a business meeting with Simko at his business.  However, the meeting appears to have been a ruse to rob Simko and his business. Video footage at Simko’s business shows a person police identified as Creasy arrived at the business first and went into the building alone Monday evening. He was driving a white Buick Lacrosse.  A black Ford Expedition parked across the street pulled into the parking lot while Creasy was inside.  As Creasy was walking out of the building, it appears Brown and Prophett got out of the Expedition, with Prophett brandishing a pistol, and entered the building.  After a struggle, Prophett fired two rounds and killed Simko.

The investigation revealed that the Buick Lacrosse was registered to Creasy in Cincinnati, Ohio and that Creasy rented the Expedition in Cincinnati the day of the murder.

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

Creasy and Brown were arrested in Cincinnati on January 14, 2025. Prophett was arrested in Cincinnati on January 15, 2025. They are expected to be extradited to Michigan in the coming days.

Felony Murder carries a maximum sentence of life without parole. Armed Robbery carries a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. Felony firearm carries a mandatory two-year sentence, served consecutively. Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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CONTACT: OCPOmedia@oakgov.com