By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: - Darrin Maurice Morgan, 45, of 415 S. James St., Ludington, was found guilty Nov. 10 of breaking and entering without owner’s permission. He was sentenced to 116 days in jail with credit for 16 days served; $535 in fines and costs; and 90 days discretionary jail for one year. - Melisa Kaye Myers, 28, of 182 E. Josh Dr.., Idlewild, was found guilty Nov. 10 of assault and battery. She was sentenced to 16 days in jail with credit for one day served (five consecutive weekends); 93 days discretionary jail for one year; no alcohol/drugs; must submit to random preliminary breath tests (PBTs); and $925 in fines and costs. - Elsie Jonelle Gerbers-Boyd, 38, of 2633 W. Chauvez Rd., Scottville, was found guilty Nov. 6 of hunting with no small game license and sentenced to $250 in fines and costs. - John Nelson, 20, of 2283 S. Riggle Rd., Scottville, was found guilty Nov. 6 of failure to wear blaze orange and sentenced to $185 in fines and costs. - David Darrell Duquette, 58, of 1859 W. Hansen Rd., Scottville, was found guilty […]
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79th District Court sentencings
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Ludington man bound to circuit court for CSC charges, home invasion.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — A 22-year-old Ludington man charged with criminal sexual conduct first degree, along with several other charges, will be arraigned in circuit court following a preliminary examination in 79th District Court this morning. Jon Lloyd Maccune, of 924 E. Tinkham Ave., Apt. 201, was arrested following an Aug. 25 incident at Pineway Apartments. He faces charges of CSC first degree, home invasion first degree, CSC third degree, domestic violence and habitual offender second offense. The 23-year-old alleged victim testified in front of Judge Pete Wadel. She said she and Maccune had been in a relationship for about three years. He had been in a jail in Mecosta County, she said, when she decided to end the relationship. To end the relationship, she traveled to Big Rapids and left a note on Maccune’s vehicle. When he got out, they texted back and forth, and even had consensual sex a few days after he got out of jail. On August 25, Maccune came to Pineway Apartments, the alleged victim said. He then took her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter out of the apartment. She was able to get the children back inside the apartment, locking the door. […]
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79th District Court sentencings and dismissals.
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: - Burton Dennis Kase, 68, of 7616 E. Anthony Rd., Branch, was found guilty Nov. 13 of driving transporting open intoxicants and was sentenced to $265 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). - Andrew Brian Azzopardi, 48, of 2702 Brunson Rd., Ludington, was found guilty Nov. 17 of disorderly person – drunk. He was sentenced to $285 in fines and costs; 90 days discretionary jail for one year; no alcohol/drugs; and must have substance abuse evaluation and follow recommendations. - Jerry Marvin Milligan, 55, of 5329 N. Bahr Rd., Irons, was found guilty Nov. 18 of allowing a person to drive in violation. He was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two day served; $335 in fines and costs; and 90 days discretionary jail for one year. Dismissals - Daniel Robert Quinn, 55, of 371 N. Stiles Rd., Ludington, one count of no permit on inland lakes and streams was dismissed Nov. 13. “Further prosecution at this time is unnecessary,” court records state. - Cameron Wayne Isom, 25, of 1760 Independence Lane, Scottville, one count […]
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79th District Court arraignments.
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court: Felonies - Aaron Daniel Mott, 30, of 7309 E. Sugar Grove Rd., Fountain, was arrested Nov. 15 by the Michigan State Police, Hart post (MSP-H) for a felony of interfering with an electronic communication device; second-offense domestic violence; and habitual offender, third offense. A preliminary exam is set for Nov. 26 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. - Miquan Malik Sanders, 18, of 802 N. Rowe St., Apt. 1, Ludington, was arrested Nov. 15 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a felony of larceny in a building. A preliminary exam is set for Nov. 26 at 11:15 a.m. $5,000/cash/surety/10% cash. Misdemeanors - Stephany Ann Miller, 25, of 2274 E. Scottwood Ave., Burton, Mich., was arrested Nov. 16 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) for a misdemeanor of driving while license suspended (DWLS). A pretrial is set for Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. - Autumn Lanne Jourden, 23, of 4243 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington, was arrested Nov. 13 by LPD for a misdemeanor of assault and battery. A pretrial is set for Dec. 1 at 10:15 a.m. Bail: […]
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Habitual offender sent to prison
LUDINGTON — A four-time habitual offender violated his probation on a second-degree child abuse conviction and ended up with a 3-15 year prison sentence. Ronnie Cuellar Zuniga, 47, of 708 St. Catherine, Ludington, received credit for 401 days served in jail and was also ordered to pay $548 in fines costs by 51st Circuit Court Judge Richard I. Cooper, Nov. 18. Zuniga was found guilty Aug. 22, 2012 in circuit court of second-degree child abuse and habitual offender, fourth conviction. He was found guilty in 79th District Court of third-degree retail fraud, Sept. 25, 2012. Zuniga was convicted in district court of probation violation and controlled substance possession, Oct. 9, 2012.
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79th District Court sentencings.
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: - Sean Russell Daugherty, 30, of 113 Courtland St., Hart, was found guilty Nov. 19 of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and failure to maintain security (no insurance). He was sentenced to nine days in jail with credit for two days served; $1,120 in fines and costs; driver’s license suspended one year/restricted 305 days; one year discretionary jail for two years; must have substance abuse evaluation and follow recommendations; no alcohol/drugs; and subject to random preliminary breath tests (PBTs) and drug tests. - Richard Lyle Wallager, 45, of 17137 Airport Rd., Wellston, was found guilty Nov. 20 of license not in possession while taking a wild animal and sentenced to $250 in fines and costs. - Travis John Gajewski, 22, of 7587 N. Quarterline Rd., Free Soil, was found guilty Nov. 20 of operating a snowmobile where prohibited and sentenced to $180 in fines and costs. - Rion Christopher White, 20, of 10165 W. 40th Ave., Branch, was found guilty Nov. 24 of allowing a person to drive in violation. He was sentenced to $335 in fines and costs and 90 days discretionary jail […]
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79th District Court arraignments.
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies - Joseph Lee Geiske, 54, of 1465 E. Mill Rd., Hart, was arrested July 4 by the US Forest Service for a felony of operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL), third offense; driving while license suspended (DWLS), second offense; operating without security; open intox; and habitual offender, second offense. A preliminary exam is set for Dec. 3 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $7,500/personal. - Zachary Grey Wallace, 27, of 311 S. Staffon St., Ludington, was arrested Nov. 20 by Michigan State Police, Hart post (MSP-H) for a felony of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and habitual offender, second offense.79th District Court - David Duane Bothwell, 38, of 717 N. Harrison St., Ludington, was arrested Nov. 24 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) for a felony of third-offense domestic violence. A pretrial is set for Dec. 3 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $7,500/10 percent. - James Vernon Kaye, 46, of 405 Foster, was arrested Nov. 23 by LPD for a felony of operating while intoxicated, third offense. A pretrial is set for Dec. 3 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $7,500/cash/surety/10 percent cash. Misdemeanors - Jessica […]
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51st Circuit Court sentencings.
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 51st Circuit Court: - – Tonya Denise Rogers, 51, of 616 E. Dowland St., Apt. 2, Ludington, was found guilty Sept. 16 of two counts of jail – furnishing contraband and habitual offender, third offense. She was sentenced Nov. 18 to a one-year jail sentence with credit for two days served for each count; counts are concurrent; case is concurrent to another case; two years probation; and $566 in fines and costs. One count of habitual offender, fourth offense, was dismissed. - Xaviera Clarice Stockwell, 35, of 507 Sixth St., Ludington, was found guilty Sept. 16 of two counts of jail prisoner in possession of contraband. She was sentenced Nov. 18 to a one-year jail sentence with credit for one day served for each count; serve five months up front; report to jail Dec. 4; inpatient treatment after 90 days in jail; minimum 45 days in inpatient treatment; two years probation; and $466 in fines and costs. One count of habitual offender, second offense, dismissed. - Michael Charles Maybanks, 33, of 2135 Continental St., Muskegon, was found guilty Sept. 16 of attempted first-degree retail fraud and habitual offender, […]
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Pentwater repeat offender faces jail time for failing to pay for football tickets
By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — A 54-year-old four-time habitual offender is looking at spending the next year in jail for failing to pay for tickets to the University of Michigan vs. Notre Dame football game last September. Roger Craig Beilfuss, of 215 S. Hancock, Pentwater, pleaded guilty in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Dec. 1, to a five-year felony of false pretenses – $1,000-$20,000. He is also convicted of habitual offender, fourth offense, with his lengthy criminal history. Currently lodged in the Oceana County Jail, Beilfuss was arrested, Oct. 14, by the Pentwater Police Department for his most recent crime. He agreed to a plea deal that includes a maximum jail sentence of one year and paying restitution totalling $2,400. With his habitual offender status, Beilfuss was looking at a potential life sentence, said 27th Circuit Court Judge Terrence R. Thomas. “I was basically looking to purchase some tickets to the Michigan/Notre Dame game back in September 6 of this year, and I ran into a jam,” Beilfuss told the judge. “You didn’t pay for it?” Thomas asked. “Yes,” Beilfuss testified. Beilfuss wasn’t the only one who “ran into a jam” Sept. 6. U of M suffered a huge […]
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Ludington man sentenced to jail for marijuana possession, parole violation
LUDINGTON — A Ludington man will serve 10 months in the Mason County Jail for possessing marijuana and violating the terms of his parole. He may also face prison time for violating parole. Daniel John Horowski, 31, of 916 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, was arrested Sept. 7 by Ludington Police Department in the parking lot behind the Alley Bar near South James Street. At the time of his arrest, Horowski told the police he was not on parole or probation. He also refused a portable breathalyzer test (PBT). He later allowed the PBT where he blew a .02 blood alcohol content. At the time of his arrest, Horowski concealed marijuana in his buttocks and smuggled it into the Mason County Jail. Horowski appeared in 51st Circuit Court today for his sentencing. Defense attorney David Glancy requested a lighter jail sentence, citing many states have legalized marijuana and many Michigan municipalities have made it a civil infraction. Though marijuana possession is typically a misdemeanor, Horowski was charged with a felony because of his repeat offender status. Judge Richard Cooper said because of Horowski’s criminal history and because he smuggled drugs into the jail, he would serve the 10 months in jail […]
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Coldwater man sentenced to jail for conduct with girls along PM River.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — A Coldwater man will serve jail time for sexually assaulting two girls along the Pere Marquette River over Labor Day weekend. William Joseph Stempien, 43, appeared in 51st Circuit Court this afternoon and was sentenced to one year in jail, serving eight months up front on the charges of criminal sexual conduct fourth degree and accosting children. On August 30 at 4:48 p.m. a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer on patrol on Cable Road near Custer Road was flagged down by two young females claiming they had been sexually assaulted. The conservation officer stayed with the victims until Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived. A second deputy located Stempien, based on information provided by the Conservation Officer, at the Scottville Riverside Park boat launch, where he was found in possession of hydrocodone pills and eventually arrested, according to Sheriff Kim Cole. The mother of one of the victims addressed the court. “Many lives were changed that day and most will never be the same,” she said. “(Stempien) acted on selfish and personal pleasure. Both my daughters loved the Stempien families. Bill’s brother and I were going to marry someday and that is no […]
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Baby Kate murder charge appeal to be heard in court Friday.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — The “Baby Kate” case will return to the Mason County Courthouse Friday afternoon when 51st Circuit Court Judge Richard Cooper will hear oral arguments about the Sept. 15 decision by 79th District Court Judge Peter Wadel to dismiss the open murder case against Sean Phillips. In Oct. 2013, Phillips, 25, formerly of Victory Township, was charged with open murder for the 2011 death of his 4-month-old daughter, Katherine “Baby Kate” Phillips. In 2012 he was sentenced 10 to 15 years in prison for unlawful imprisonment of the infant. A preliminary examination, to find the prosecution had probable cause to press charges, began in April, 2014. It was then recessed for evaluation of evidence and re-convened in July. On Sept. 15, Judge Wadel made the decision to dismiss the case. Wadel ruled there wasn’t proof that Baby Kate had been murdered, and therefore declined to bind Phillips over for trial in circuit court. In a written opinion, Wadel wrote that the prosecution had “failed to show the crime of open murder has been committed because the proofs failed to show death by criminal act of defendant.” Wadel noted testimony that Phillips had no history of […]
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Prosecutor must prove Judge Wadel made wrong decision in Baby Kate murder case.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — Arguments are being held right now in the 51st Circuit Court appeal case on the dismissed open murder charges against Sean Michael Phillips. In Oct. 2013, the Michigan attorney general’s office filed the charges against Phillips in relation to the June 29, 2012 disappearance of Phillips’ 4-month-old daughter, Katherine Phillips, also known as “Baby Kate.” Sean Phillips is currently serving in 10 to 15 year prison for a 2013 sentence of unlawful imprisonment of the infant. He is not present in the courtroom. In the state of Michigan, when a person is arraigned on a felony charge, the defendant is allowed a preliminary examination in district court, in which the prosecutor must show probable cause that there is enough evidence to bind the case to circuit court; felony cases are tried in circuit court. There has been a lot in the news lately about the grand jury in the case in Ferguson, Missouri, involving a police officer who killed a suspect. While the grand jury process is also a probable cause hearing, Michigan does not normally hold grand juries. Those decisions are decided by the district court. In September of this year, 79th District […]
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Phillips bound over to circuit court; Judge Cooper overturns Judge Wadel’s ruling.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — The open murder case against Sean Michael Phillips will be bound over to circuit court. Judge Richard Cooper, 51st Circuit Court Judge, ruled in favor of an appeal, overturning 79th District Court Judge Pete Wadel’s earlier decision not to bind the case over. Phillips is charged with the 2011 death of his 4-month-old daughter Katherine “Baby Kate” Phillips. See related story. “I reluctantly agree with the prosecutor that our current case law allows the prosecutor to go forward even though I don’t necessarily think it’s the solid way to go,” Cooper told the court. “I think Judge Wadel, in analyzing the situation, was keenly aware that this might be a penny wise and a pound foolish to take things that are there.” Cooper warned that there may not be enough evidence to convict a murder, which is most likely Judge Wadel’s concern. Cooper said he was reluctant to say that Judge Wadel’s decision was an abuse of discretion, which is how he had to rule. The case will most likely be one of the first criminal trials heard by in-coming judge Susan Sniegowski, who will take the circuit court bench on Jan. 1, 2015.
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51st Circuit Court sentencings.
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced Tuesday, Dec. 2, in 51st Circuit Court by Judge Richard I. Cooper: - Brent James Hansen, 47, of 71 S. Campbell Rd., Fountain, was found guilty Oct. 15 of operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL), third offense. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail with credit for two days served; serve four months upfront and fourth month may be served in treatment; balance to be served at the court’s discretion; 60 hours of community service; one year probation; and $1,098 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). One count of driving with a suspended license, second offense, was dismissed. - Daniel John Horowski, 31, of 916 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, was found guilty Oct. 8 of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, second offense. He was sentenced to 300 days in jail; $198 in fines and costs; driver’s license suspended 60 days/restricted 305 days; and sentence to run consecutive to any parole violation sanction. - William Joseph Stempien, 43, of 896 Cheyenne Dr., Coldwater, was found guilty Oct. 15 of criminal sexual conduct (CSC), fourth degree – victim between 13-16 and accosting children […]
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79th District Court sentencings
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: – Carl Martin Sali, 65, of 7792 N. 186th Ave., Walkerville, was found guilty Nov. 4 of operating while impaired. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for two days served; outpatient treatment; 93 days discretionary jail for two years; must attend Impact Weekend and follow recommendations after release from jail; no alcohol/drugs; subject to random preliminary breath tests (PBTs); must attend AA three times a week for two years; and $1,360 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). – Christine Marie Stafford, 51, of 2846 E. Madison Ave., Hart, was found guilty Dec. 2 of third-degree retail fraud. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for two days served; outpatient treatment; 93 days discretionary jail for two years; and $785 in fines and costs. – Dorian Jay Sheldon, 65, of 4383 E. Free Soil Rd., Free Soil, was found guilty Dec. 2 of operating while impaired and sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served; Alcohol Highway Safety Education (AHSE); $870 in fines and costs; 93 days discretionary […]
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Hart couple charged for felonious retail fraud, among arraignments.
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies - Melinda Ann VanDerZanden, 30, of 475 E. Lever Rd., Hart, was arrested Dec. 1 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a felony of first-degree retail fraud. A preliminary exam is set for Dec. 10 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $3,500/10 percent. - Randy Alan VanDerZanden, 45, of 475 E. Lever Rd., Hart, was arrested Dec. 1 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a felony of first-degree retail fraud. A preliminary exam is set for Dec. 10 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $3,500/10 percent. - Kenneth Alan Wilson, 29, of 2907 W. Conrad Rd., Ludington, was arrested Nov. 26 by MCSO for a felony of controlled substance, possession of marijuana on school property. A pretrial is set for Dec. 10 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent cash. - Allen Michael Mallison, 26, of 512 ½ E. Danaher St., Ludington, was arrested Dec. 1 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) for a felony of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer and second-offense domestic violence and habitual offender, second conviction. A pretrial is set for Dec. 10 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: […]
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Woman sentenced to 1 year in jail for gas station robbery.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — A 30-year-old Scottville woman who robbed the Scottville Admiral gas station in June, will spend up to a year in jail today. Jaralee Chaloux Sobers, of 412 Thornwhild Dr., Apt. 2, was sentenced by Judge Richard Cooper in 51st Circuit Court this afternoon for the June 17 robbery of the gas station located at the corner of State Street and Reinberg Ave. in Scottville. Sobers pleaded guilty to the crime in a plea agreement on Nov. 4. She must also pay restitution of $707. “This particular case, what defendant pleaded guilty of was, no other words, stupid,” said Sobers’ attorney, Doug Stevenson. Stevenson requested that Sobers, who has a cocaine addiction, be allowed rehabilitation time rather than just jail time. “I am not minimizing this at all, but I would like to remind the court that this, in my mind, is more of a larceny — which is still a serious offense,” Stevenson said. Sobers told the court that she has had time to reflect on her life since she has been in jail and requested rehabilitation help. “I do admit I have had a problem with alcohol and cocaine abuse for year,” Sobers […]
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Hart man sentenced to 6 years prison for Riverton Twp. break-in.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — A Hart man will spend the next 6 to 30 years in prison for larceny of a Riverton Township home. Daryl Eugene Essex, 32, of 5378 N. 88th Ave., Hart, was sentenced this afternoon in 51st Circuit Court. He was originally charged with four counts from the February, 2014 crime including safe breaking (punishable by up to life in prison), home invasion first degree (20 years maximum), fire arms larceny (5 years max) and felony firearms (2 years max). He also is a repeat offender, which would elevate the home invasion incarceration to a maximum of 30 years. While in court on Nov. 4, Essex said he broke into a home at 1713 Anthony Rd. in February. He and another person were driving around and noticed an unplowed driveway, he said, adding they took jewelry, some TVs and firearms. Essex is currently serving a two year sentence at the Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee County for home invasion and felony firearms convictions from Oceana County’s 27th Circuit Court (see related story here). Essex agreed to a sentencing agreement with Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola to plead guilty to an additional charge of home invasion […]
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Man who assaulted wedding guests sentenced to jail.
LUDINGTON — A 21-year-old Victory Township man will serve a one-year jail sentence for threatening wedding guests with a rifle. Codie Lee Fink, 21, of 1783 N. U.S. 31, was sentenced today in 51st Circuit Court on two charges of felonious assault charges and a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery. He was originally charged with five counts including two counts of felonious assault, two counts of felony firearms and one count of assault and battery. On Nov. 4, during a plea hearing, Fink told the court that he had too much to drink at a wedding reception at Farmview Resort on Sept. 21. He said he became irritated about “something that happened to me.” He later testified that he had been dancing on the dance floor and fell into a pregnant wedding guest. The woman had told police that Fink actually shoved her, thus the assault and battery charge. Fink denied he deliberately shoved the woman. This appeared to be a point of contention with Judge Richard Cooper. However, the prosecution allowed the disagreement. Fink was taken home, a few miles away, but then returned with a .22 semi automatic long gun. He then returned to the wedding reception […]
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