© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Reserve Officer Resigned Amid Newspaper's Investigation

Police Lights
publicdomainpictures

A newspaper's investigation found that a leader of the Wayne County sheriff's reserve unit once served jail time in a sexual assault case and for years had been listed on Michigan's sex offender registry.

The Detroit Free Press reports that as a deputy chief of a civilian volunteer force, Mark Zarkin carried a gun and wore a badge and uniform.

He resigned Feb. 4 after being interviewed by the newspaper.

Zarkin said he has no other criminal history and the case shouldn't matter when it comes to his reserve officer post.

His attorney noted Zarkin no longer has a criminal record related to the alleged 1996 sexual assault.

Last fall, the newspaper documented how Michigan lags in its regulation of reserve officers. It has continued reporting on the issue.

WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.