3 suspects charged in 'execution' of marijuana business owner in Pontiac

PONTIAC, Mich. (FOX 2) - An investigation involving multiple police agencies in two states led to the arrests and charges of three men in the killing of Pontiac businessman Sam Simko.

William Creasy and Scott Brown were charged with felony murder and armed robbery. A third suspect, Deonte Prophett, was charged with felony murder, armed robbery, felony firearm possession, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

What they're saying:

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

One of the men, Creasy, was let in by Simko and as he was leaving it's alleged he held the door open for Prophett who was armed, and Brown, who barged in wearing masks and gloves. 

Once inside, they fatally shot the victim, zip-tied him and put a bag over his head. There was not any cash inside the store at the time, but Bouchard says the three then stole about 50 pounds of marijuana.

"Masked and gloved individuals, as they burst into the business, they basically executed the owner," Bouchard said. "Obviously a cautionary tale to marijuana businesses because they are in the business of two things that are valuable to criminals, both cash - which this particular location didn't have, but often times they do like at a dispensary. So you have cash and drugs."

The suspects: Deonte Prophett, left, William Creasy and Scott Brown.

Simko was discovered by his business partner inside the store just after 8 p.m. Monday night, who called 911. 

Bouchard said that it is believed Simko originally met one of the suspects at the Ann Arbor Hash Bash. Creasy at some point arranged a meeting at the business. 

What we know:

Video footage at Simko’s business showed a Buick Lacrosse used in the crime, was registered to Creasy in Cincinnati, Ohio and that Creasy rented a Ford Expedition which was used in the murder, in Cincinnati the day of the murder, investigators said.

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.

A .45 caliber gun was recovered which investigators believe was used at the scene of the murder. 

Bouchard called the quick arrests great police work, adding that about 50 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies.

The operation included Detroit and Cincinnati ATF offices, the Sheriff's Office Pontiac substation, Cincinnati Crime and Gun Intelligence Center and Oakland County Sheriff Fugitive Apprehension Team. 

"This involved over 50 law enforcement personnel in a short time period," he said. "The investigation is ongoing to determine if there is other involvement."