The case against a Macomb Township felon accused of soliciting men online and blackmailing them into paying her thousands of dollars has advanced to Oakland County Circuit Court, while other cases are pending in two Oakland County district courts.
In 44th District Court on Friday, Marina Bazzi, 26, waived her right to a preliminary exam on felony charges of extortion and using a computer to commit a crime, and a misdemeanor charge of malicious use of telecommunications service, in connection with a case out of Berkley. Two of the alleged victims are Berkley residents.
Marina Bazzi (Oakland County Jail photo)
According to Berkley police, an investigation from April to October last year led to charges against Bazzi for allegedly using numerous adult websites to solicit illegal services and extort victims, demanding money through online payment platforms.
Arraignment in Oakland County Circuit Court is scheduled for March 17 before Judge Jacob Cunningham.
Bazzi also has cases in 52-4 District Court in Troy and 51st District Court in Waterford for charges of malicious use of telecommunications service, as well as a stalking charge in 52-4 District Court. Those crimes are misdemeanors.
She’s held in the Oakland County Jail.
Bazzi’s criminal history in Oakland County includes a conviction for felony malicious destruction of property in Waterford, which she pleaded no contest to and was sentenced in 2023 to a day in jail and two years probation.
The felony charges she currently faces could each land her in prison for up to 20 years.