Published: May 02, 2009 12:20 am      

Apparent homicide still being investigated

FRANKFORT -- Authorities continue to investigate the apparent homicide of a Frankfort woman.

Frankfort Police are probing the death of Valerie M. Smith after officers found her body in her home in an Elm Street mobile home park late Wednesday.

Investigators said Robert Lester Cheek, who lived with Smith, is a person of interest in her apparent slaying. Benzie County Prosecutor John B. Daugherty said he'll wait for the police to finish their investigation before considering charges.

"Once they put their package together, then we'll get a warrant request," Daugherty said. "We haven't gotten to that part yet."

Cheek is in the Manistee County jail awaiting assault charges. Police believe he assaulted a Bear Lake-area man Monday.

"The nice part about it is Cheek is in jail, and he's not going anywhere," Frankfort Police Chief Keith Redder said. "We can make sure all of our ducks are in a row."

Redder said his department continues interviews and awaits evidence processing.