Legal troubles continue for couple who ran adult care facility where raid turned up drugs, weapons

Russell Cockerham

A Sept. 5 preliminary exam is scheduled for a judge to determine if a case will proceed against a Highland couple charged with drug and weapons crimes following a raid at their adult care facility.

Russell Cockerham, 48, faces several counts of felony drug possession and intent to deliver, and six weapons charges, in connection with an Aug. 2 raid by the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team at 1288 Essay Lane, where he and several other family members lived. It was also where he and his wife, Angela, operated Carter Country Homes, Inc., providing foster care for a handful of elderly clients.

Angela Cockerham, 45, is charged with felony possession of cocaine. Both are out on bond and required to submit to regular drug and alcohol testing.

Carter Country Homes, Inc. obtained licensure in 1999.

Days ago, the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issued an order of summary suspension and notice of intent to revoke the group home’s license. Reasons listed include failing to protect residents, not reporting a change in the household and not appropriately maintain the premises.

Angela Cockerham

The violations are related to the recent criminal charges, as well as Angela Cockerham not informing LARA that her adult children were living in the home and for the Cockerhams not providing a physically safe environment for the foster care clients, according to LARA.

The resident clients reportedly told authorities that Russell Cockerham smoked marijuana and sold drugs out of the home.

Bob Wheaton, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said five clients were confirmed to be living at the facility. Adult Protective Services offered assistance to their guardians or family members regarding other living arrangements, he said.

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Legal troubles continue for couple who ran adult care facility where raid turned up drugs, weapons