Brianna Cabano and Dayne Sears (Detroit Police Department)
Two women in Michigan — one of whom is an officer with the Detroit Police Department — are accused of exchanging dozens of text messages showing that they planned and executed a home invasion in which they stole and destroyed tens of thousands of dollars in property as a means of “seeking revenge” on a man — himself a police officer — who was dating both of them simultaneously.
The text conversation allegedly happened last year between suspended officer Brianna Cabano, 29, and Colleen Compton, 30, both of whom are charged by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office with one count each of second-degree home invasion, second-degree conspiracy to commit home invasion, malicious destruction of property between $1,000 and $20,000, and larceny in a building.
Prosecutors on Wednesday presented the messages during the preliminary hearing for the two women, arguing the messages show that the duo broke into the home of then-suspended police officer Otis Funchess Jr. on April 11, 2023, the Macomb Daily reported. Funchess was reportedly suspended after allegedly pleading guilty to assaulting Cabano in 2021 and receiving a deferred sentence.
According to the report, DPD Detective Joanna Gudel testified about the contents of the alleged messages during the proceeding.
Gudel reportedly told the court that the messages began on April 8 and showed that the two women “were seeking revenge” against Funchess for sleeping with the two of them at the same time. Fuchess at the time of the alleged break-in was reportedly living with Compton but had recently engaged in sexual intercourse with Cabano.
“(Compton) stated that they would make entrance through the window, destroy the property and get back (Cabano’s) chain,” Gudel reportedly testified during the preliminary hearing. Other items they allegedly discussed taking included a PlayStation 5 gaming console, a television, a camera, and a laptop.
Compton also allegedly told Cabano that she had to remember “to buy two liters of Coke” so that it could be “poured on the bed,” Gudel reportedly told the court.
A third woman, 22-year-old Dayna Sears — also a suspended Detroit police officer — was reportedly mentioned as well. Cabano reportedly told Compton that they could use Sears’ truck to transport whatever was taken from Fuchess’ home, to not allow anyone to recognize their cars.
Sears was also arrested in connection with the alleged home invasion. She chose to waive her preliminary hearing after being charged with one count each of home invasion, malicious destruction of property, larceny in a building, and accessory after the fact to a felony, prosecutors said.
Funchess had previously provided sworn testimony stating that when he arrived home on April 11, the furniture in his living room was covered in a red juice, his laptop and hard drive had been soaked in bleach, the screen of his $800 television had been broken, and his bedroom mattress was covered in a red substance, the Macomb Daily reported. He was also allegedly missing about $6,200 in camera equipment and more than $1,000 in clothing.
In a particularly diabolical move, Funchess also reportedly testified that the thieves took a single shoe from the more than 20 pairs that he had in the home, essentially rendering them all useless.
Macomb County District Court Judge Kathleen Tocco this week will rule as to whether the charges against each woman will be bound over to the county’s circuit court for trial.
“As prosecutors, it is our duty to hold all individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their profession or position of authority,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a statement after the defendants were arraigned. “The crime of home invasion is a serious offense and the fact that the defendants in this case are police officers only amplifies the severity of their actions. We will pursue justice with the utmost integrity and impartiality, ensuring that the law is upheld and justice is served for the victims of this crime.”
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