Man accused of torturing ex-business partner over loan

Police say a 39-year-old Roseville man forced another man into his basement on Friday, bound him to a chair and tortured him with his fists, a hammer and nails in an attempt to extort $14,000.

Edward Palokaj was arraigned Monday on charges of extortion, torture and unlawful imprisonment with bond set at $250,000. Police say he had met with the alleged victim, a 52-year-old Kentwood man, at his home in hopes of getting the money for a down payment on a restaurant he wanted to buy, according to a news release from Roseville Police Department. The two had had a previous, intermittent business relationship.

"When the victim refused the loan, the suspect allegedly became incensed and forced the victim to (the) home's basement, where he was bound to a chair," according to the news release.

Police say Palokaj then hit him several times in the head and body with his fists and used a hammer and nails to make minor puncture wounds in the bound man. Palokaj is also alleged to have threatened to hurt the victim's family if he didn't give him the money. Eventually, the Kentwood man called his boss in Southfield and asked for the $14,000, according to police.

The employer could tell something was amiss and called Southfield police, who were waiting when the victim and suspect arrived. Palokaj was arrested and the case turned over to Roseville police because of what allegedly happened in the man's home, police said.

The Kentwood man suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from a local hospital, according to police.

Palokaj is set for an 8:15 a.m. Aug. 19 preliminary examination on charges of extortion (20-year felony), torture (life felony) and unlawful imprisonment (15-year felony) in 39th District Court.

Contact Robert Allen at rallen@freepress.com or @rallenMI.