By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies – Michael Ryan Albaugh, 26, of 6694 E. Oak Ridge, Fountain, was arrested April 22 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a felony of second-degree home invasion and third offense habitual offender. Preliminary exam was April 29. Bail: $25,000/cash/surety. – Craig John Koekkoek, 60, of 775 E. US-10, Apt. B, Scottville, was arrested April 25 by MCSO for a felony of second-degree home invasion. Probable cause hearing: May 6 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $15,000/10 percent. – Travis Michael Shaull, 27, of 3763 E. Sugar Grove Rd., Custer, was arrested April 27 by the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs Enforcement Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for felonies of manufacturing methamphetamine and operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine. Probable cause hearing: May 6 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $50,000/cash/surety. Related story here – Lori Ann Holden, 36, of 915 E. Maple St., Apt. 2, Ludington, was arrested April 19 by MCSO for a felony of first-degree retail fraud. Probable cause hearing: May 6 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. – Tonya Ann Johnson, 33, of 504 Fifth St., Apt. 2, Ludington, was arrested April 19 […]
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79th District Court arraignments include home invasion, meth manufacturing, retail fraud
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51st Circuit Court sentencings include prisoner contraband, retail fraud, home invasion
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 51st Circuit Court: – Anthony Earl Green, 38, of 1098 Lancer Lane, Ludington, was found guilty March 3 of jail – prisoner in possession of contraband and fourth-offense habitual offender. He was sentenced April 21 to a minimum of one year and six months to a maximum of 15 years in a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison and $198 in fines and costs. Sentence is to be served consecutively to a parole violation case. One count of controlled substance, possession less than 25 grams, and one count of second-offense driving while license suspended (DWLS) were dismissed. Related story here – Jason Lee Carr, 30, of 1485 Betty Ave., Ludington, was found guilty Feb. 25 of first-degree retail fraud. He was sentenced April 21 to one year in jail with credit for 65 days served; serve five months up front with balance to be served at the court’s discretion; work release must meet Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) guidelines; 18 months probation; $1,216 in restitution; and $498 in fines and costs. Related story here – Alex Christian Jobbins-Ortiz, 19, of 602 S. Madison, Ludington, was found guilty […]
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Judge orders prisoner who sued city to pay balance of settlement to crime victims.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — Judge Susan Sniegowski ordered a Ludington man, who is serving multiple prison terms for crimes in Mason and Oceana counties and who won a $15,000 excessive force case against the City of Ludington, use part of his settlement to pay restitution. In Nov. 2014, the City of Ludington settled with Travis Malone for an incident that occurred in August 11. In July, 2013, Malone was sentenced 5 to 15 years in prison by 51st Circuit Court Judge Richard Cooper. On Oct. 17, 2012, Malone and Marshall Brault set a house on fire at the corner of Pere Marquette and William streets in the City of Ludington, stole a vehicle and then broke into the Wishing Well store near Pentwater. He was sentenced for arson and unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court. He had also been sentenced earlier in Oceana County’s 27th Circuit Court for his involvement in the Wishing Well breaking and entering. Part of Malone’s sentencing in the Mason County case involved paying restitution to the victims of his crimes. Dean and Dayna Franklin of Manistee, owned the house on Robert Street where Malone and Brault stole […]
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Inmate who assaulted deputy named.
LUDINGTON — Jon Lloyd Maccune, 23, of Ludington was arraigned Wednesday on the felony charges of assaulting a jail employee. Jon Lloyd Maccune appeared in front of Mason County Magistrate Patricia Baker in 79th District Court where another charge against the Ludington man was added. Maccune is currently awaiting trial on home invasion and first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charges. On Saturday, May 2 at 8:41 p.m., Maccune allegedly injured a 33-year-old Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputy during an altercation at the jail. According to Sheriff Kim Cole, the deputy, a three-year veteran, sustained a serious hand injury after Maccune refused to return to a cell. Maccune was arrested in late August 2014 and has been in jail since with a $75,000 cash/surety bail amount. An additional $7,500 cash/surety bail was added for the most recent charges. A probable cause hearing in district court has been scheduled for May 20 at 1:15 p.m.
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79th District Court sentencings
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: – Suzanne Louise Anderson, 55, of 308 N. Rowe St., Apt 1, Ludington, was found guilty April 28 of operating with a high blood alcohol content (BAC). She was sentenced to 33 days in jail with credit for 33 days served; outpatient treatment; $1,300 in fines and costs;180 days discretionary jail for for one year; must attend next session of Victims Impact Panel (VIP); no alcohol/drugs; subject to random preliminary breath tests (PBTs) and drug tests; and must attend AA three times per week. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). – Jason Alan Hancock, 44, of 4320 Weber Rd., Whitehall, was found guilty April 28 of second-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI). He was sentenced to 32 days in jail with credit for two days served; $1,530 in fines and costs; one year discretionary jail for two years; must complete Impact Weekend within four months and jail term will be suspended; must attend Substance Abuse Disorder Services (SUDS) at Community Mental Health (CMH); no alcohol/drugs; must attend AA three times per week for two years; and subject to random PBTs. Conviction reportable to […]
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79th District Court arraignments include sex crimes, meth lab offenses
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies – William Rhody Dwyer, 24, of 11365 Kistler Ave., Apt. 109, Allendale, was arrested April 29 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for two felony counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) – victim under 13/defendant over 17 and one felony count of second-degree CSC – victim under 13/defendant over 17. Preliminary exam was May 6. Bail: $25,000/cash/surety. – Graham Joseph Crawford, 33, of 206 N. Harrison St., Ludington, was arrested April 30 by the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs Enforcement Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for felonies of controlled substance – operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine; controlled substance – delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine; and fourth-offense habitual offender. Probable cause hearing: May 13 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $50,000/cash/surety. – Jon Lloyd Maccune, 23, no address listed, was arrested May 2 by MCSO for a felony of assault of a jail employee and second-offense habitual offender. Probable cause hearing: May 20 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $7,500/cash/surety. Related story here – David James Anderson, 62, of 446 Everett Dr., Lansing, was arrested May 1 by the Hart post of the Michigan State Police (MSP) for […]
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Hart man receives tether term for retail fraud
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 45-year-old Hart man who stole approximately $1,500 in merchandise from the Ludington Walmart with his wife last December will spend the next three months on an electronic monitoring device or tether. Randy Alan VanDerZanden and his wife Melinda Ann VanDerZanden, 31, were arrested, Dec. 1, by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. He pleaded guilty as charged last March, and his plea agreement included one discretionary year jail with 30 days up front and 60 days on a tether. Restitution, which is yet to be determined, is joint and several with the co-defendant. Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said the amount of merchandise stolen totaled approximately $1,500. Spaniola said at Tuesday’s sentencing in 51st Circuit Court that he had no objection to VanDerZanden serving all of his up-front jail time on a tether, allowing him to work. Judge Susan Sniegowski said VanDerZanden has no prior felony record, and sentencing guidelines for the offense are 0-6 months. In addition to 90 days electronic monitoring, VanDerZanden was ordered to one year probation and two days in jail with credit for two days served. Restitution is reserved as Walmart is still working up restitution figures. Melinda […]
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Strangulation case set for trial, may reach resolution
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The case against a 26-year-old Scottville man accused of felonies of assault by strangulation and interfering with electronic communications, along with a misdemeanor of domestic violence, is being scheduled for trial in 51st Circuit Court. Jason Matthew Kapala, who was arrested last March by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, is free after posting 10 percent of a $7,500 bond. Kapala appeared in court Tuesday, May 12, for a final conference hearing with his attorney Rodger Sweeting, who has recently taken on the case. Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said Kapala’s sentencing is elevated due to his fourth-conviction habitual offender status, which makes the strangulation charge punishable by up to life in prison. Spaniola was offering a plea agreement that included a one-year discretionary jail term with 90 days up front. Sweeting said that since he is new to the case Tuesday was his first appearance in Mason County regarding the matter. “This is my first chance to come up here, and we may be able to work something out,” Sweeting said regarding a plea agreement.
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Man who made a false bomb threat at Tendercare allowed release from jail for mental health treatment
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The 22-year-old Ludington man who was arrested last December after making a false bomb threat to Tendercare of Ludington was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, May 12. Dayvin Michael Flickinger was ordered to one year discretionary jail with eight months up front, and if he is accepted into inpatient treatment, Judge Susan Sniegowski said she will allow him to be released from jail into treatment “as soon as he can get in.” “The ability to get treatment in jail is very limited,” Sniegowski said. Flickinger received credit for 147 days already served in jail, and he will be placed on a tether for a minimum of 90 days upon his release. He was also ordered to two years probation and must complete substance abuse treatment. Sniegowski lifted the no contact order for the victim based on “repeated requests for several months” from the victim to lift it. However, he is to have no contact with victim’s place of employment. One of the conditions of his probation is to not engage in any assaultive behavior. Flickinger pleaded guilty last month to a four-year felony of false report or threat of a bomb or […]
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Man who strangled victim during assault pleads guilty
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 38-year-old Ludington man is looking at serving 10 months in jail after pleading guilty to assault by strangulation in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, May 12. Joseph Otto Chamness was arrested Dec. 11 by the Ludington Police Department for a 10-year felony of assault by strangulation and second-offense domestic violence. Chamness, who is currently lodged in the Mason County Jail on a $50,000/cash/surety bond, pleaded guilty during a final conference hearing. In exchange for his plea, the second count was dismissed. Chamness’ plea agreement calls for one year in jail with 10 months up front. He will also be ordered to pay restitution for the victim’s ambulance and hospital bills. “I put my hands on her person,” Chamness testified. Judge Susan Sniegowski asked, “Around her neck?” and he answered, “Yes.” Sentencing is set for June 23 at 1:30 p.m.
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Walhalla man sent to prison for numerous convictions
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 22-year-old Walhalla man who pleaded guilty to numerous charges in 51st Circuit Court last month was sentenced to prison Tuesday, May 12. Nicholas Brian Lauterwasser was arrested last December by the Michigan State Police for felonies of interfering with electronic communications; third-offense domestic violence; and third-offense habitual offender. In a separate file, Lauterwasser was arrested by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office for two felony counts of resisting/obstructing police and one count of third-offense habitual offender. In a plea deal last month, Lauterwasser pleaded guilty to all charges with the exception of the interfering with electronic communications count, which was dismissed. Lauterwasser, who is lodged in the Mason County Jail on a $25,000 cash/surety bond, also pleaded guilty to four counts of probation violation Tuesday. Judge Susan Sniegowski sentenced Lauterwasser to concurrent prison terms with the Michigan Department of Corrections, ranging from a minimum of 18 months to a maximum of four years to a minimum of 27 months to a maximum of 10 years. He received credit for 439 days served in jail. His probation was revoked. “He understands the consequences of his actions,” said his attorney Douglas Stevenson. “Mr. Lauterwasser has demonstrated his […]
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Trooper drunk driving case will be retried.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Spaniola announced today that his office would retry Michigan State Police Trooper Sammy Seymour for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Seymour was arrested on Jan. 17, 2015 by Ludington Police Department and charged with OWI and with open container. OWI is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 93 days in the county jail. Seymour was also suspended from his job at the Cadillac MSP post. Seymour turned down a plea offer from the prosecutor and chose to take his case to trial. After a two day trial in 79th District Court, a six person jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict Tuesday evening, leaving Judge Pete Wadel no choice but to declare a mistrial. Attorneys were not allowed to disclose Seymour’s profession during the trial. Judge Wadel sited that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which allows for equal protection under the law. Wadel also disallowed the disclosure of Seymour’s blood alcohol content. “The law applies equally to all persons, no matter what their occupation is,” Spaniola said. “We feel that a jury should decide his case based upon the facts and evidence of it. Trooper Seymour remains […]
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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: – Kristopher William-Phillip Green, 29, of 276 ½ 11th St., Manistee, was found guilty May 11 of driving while license suspended (DWLS). He was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served; $285 in fines and costs; and 93 days discretionary jail for one year. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). – Russell Allen Schultz, 53, of 4497 Bennington Rd., Durand, Mich., was found guilty May 7 of disorderly person – urinating in public. He was sentenced to 30 days discretionary jail for one year and $285 in fines and costs. – James Floyd Lewis, 44, of 5524 Guthrie, Baldwin, was found guilty May 11 of DWLS and sentenced to $225 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to SOS. – Darcy Lynn England, 53, of 5682 W. Johnson Rd., Ludington, was found guilty of improper plates – failure to transfer and sentenced to $175 in fines and costs. – Deven Benson Garcia, 19, of 2823 W. Hansen Rd., Ludington, was found guilty May 7 of minor in possession of alcohol (MIP) and sentenced to $335 in fines and […]
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79th District Court arraignments include child abuse, retail fraud
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies – Lee Hamilton Colby, 31, of 2300 N. 28th St., Fountain, was arrested May 7 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a felony of third-degree child abuse. Probable cause hearing: May 20 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $10,000/cash/surety. – Matthew Allen Bays, AKA Fetterhoff, 31, of 4157 Giles Rd., Muskegon, was arrested May 11 by the Michigan State Police (MSP) for felonies of first-degree retail fraud; conspiracy to commit first-degree retail fraud; and second-offense habitual offender. Probable cause hearing: May 20 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $10,000/cash/surety. – Kyle David Blanchard, 40, of 7164 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Pentwater, was arrested May 7 by the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs Enforcement Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for a felony of controlled substance, delivery/manufacture of marijuana. Probable cause hearing: May 20 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/personal. – Vincent Louis Grassa, 43, of 1817 W. Conrad Rd., Ludington, was arrested May 7 by SSCENT for a felony of controlled substance, delivery/manufacture of marijuana. Probable cause hearing: May 20 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. – Michael Lee Cerka, 36, of Ludington, was arrested May 9 […]
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51st Circuit Court sentencings include tether tampering, gun convictions
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 51st Circuit Court: – Sheila Ranae Henson, 33, of 203 S. Washington Ave., Apt. 4, Ludington, was found guilty March 4 of tampering with an electronic monitoring device and fourth-offense habitual offender. She was sentenced May 5 to two to 15 years in a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison with credit for 83 days served and $198 in fines and costs. In a separate file, Henson was also found guilty of probation violation stemming from a Feb. 4, 2014 conviction of larceny in a building and third-offense habitual offender. She was sentenced May 5 to one year and six months to eight years in an MDOC prison with credit for 448 days served. Sentences run concurrently and also with “any probation violation from Lake County,” her court file states. – Shalyn Dawn Raney, 27, of 605 S. Madison Ave., Ludington, was found guilty March 10 of receiving and concealing guns. She was sentenced May 5 to one year in jail with credit for 151 days served; serve six months up front with the balance to be served at the court’s discretion; two years probation; $1,000 restitution […]
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Trial of man accused of sexually assaulting former girlfriend begins.
By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — The trial of a 22-year-old Ludington man accused of sexually assaulting his former girlfriend began Wednesday morning with jury selection. Jon Lloyd Maccune of 924 E. Tinkham Ave., faces felony charges of CSC first degree, home invasion first degree, CSC third degree, along with a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence. He has also been charged as a habitual offender second offense. CSC first degree means that penetration was involved in the criminal act. It is a crime punishable by up to life in prison. It is a crime punishable by up to life in prison. Earlier this month Maccune was also charged with a felony charge of assaulting a jail employee. During a 79th District Court probable cause hearing on Nov. 19, 2014, 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 […]
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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 – Kenneth James Purple, 25, of 463 E. US-10, Scottville, was arrested May 18 by the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs Enforcement Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for felonies of operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine and delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine. Probable cause hearing: May 27 at 3 p.m. Bail: $50,000/cash/surety. Related story here – Ronald Duane Dice, 41, of 175 E. Millerton Rd., Scottville, was arrested May 13 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a felony of controlled substance, possession of analogues, and second-offense operating while intoxicated. Probable cause hearing: May 27 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. – Zachary Joseph Bussey, 18, of 4919 Victory Corners Rd., Ludington, was arrested May 12 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) for a felony of possession of marijuana on school property. Probable cause hearing: May 27 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $3,500/10 percent. Misdemeanors – Jamus Joseph Johnson, 36, of 1008 N. William St., Ludington, was arrested May 12 by LPD for a misdemeanor of aggravated domestic assault. Pretrial: June 1 at 1:30 p.m. Bail: $3,500/10 percent. – Jeremy Adam O’Brien, 29, of 2861 N. […]
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51st Circuit Court sentencings
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 51st Circuit Court: – Nicholas Brian Lauterwasser, 22, of 186 S. Walhalla Rd., Fountain, was found guilty April 7 of two counts of assaulting, resisting, obstructing a police officer and third-offense habitual offender. He was sentenced May 12 to two concurrent terms of two years and one month to four years in a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison with credit for 139 days served and $266 in fines and costs. In a separate file, he was found guilty April 7 of domestic violence and third-offense habitual offender. He was sentenced May 12 to two years and three months to 10 years in prison with credit for 139 days served and $198 in fines and costs. One count of interfering with an electronic communications device was dismissed. In another file, he was found guilty of probation violation May 12 and sentenced to one year and six months to four years in prison with credit for 438 days served. His probation, which was revoked, stems from a Sept. 20, 2011 conviction of assault – weapon. Prison terms are concurrent. Related story here – Albert Eugene Benjamin, 42, of […]
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79th District Court arraignments include 7 SSCENT arrests
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies – Kenneth Edward Field, 23, of 6735 Virnetta Dr., Ludington, was arrested May 20 by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for felonies of operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine and ephedrine/pseudoephedrine – purchase to make meth; and a misdemeanor of possession of marijuana. Probable cause hearing: June 3 at 6 p.m. Bail: $15,000/cash/surety. – Jacqueline Kay Towers, 63, of 3763 E. Sugar Grove Rd. Custer, was arrested May 20 by SSCENT for three felony counts of ephedrine/pseudoephedrine – purchase to make meth. Probable cause hearing: June 3 at 6 p.m. Bail: $15,000/10 percent. – Herbert Jason Golnick III, 34, of 1089 Lance Lane, Apt. 30, Ludington, was arrested May 21 by SSCENT for felonies of witness – bribing/intimidating and using computers to commit a crime. Bail $15,000/cash/surety. In a separate file, Golnick was arrested May 19 by SSCENT for a felony of controlled substance – delivery/manufacture of marijuana. Bail: $3,500/10 percent. Probable cause hearing (both files): June 3 at 1:15 p.m. – Dustin Allen Collene, 34, of 106 E. Melendy St., Ludington, was arrested by the Ludington […]
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CSC case heads to trial
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 34-year-old Scottville man who pleaded guilty in 51st Circuit Court last month to second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in a plea deal is now headed to trial. Judge Susan Sniegowski rejected the plea Tuesday, June 2, and Daniel John Cook’s case is set for trial June 24-26. Cook, who was arrested last December by the Hart post of the Michigan State Police, was initially facing a first-degree CSC charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a second-degree CSC charge. The two counts were dropped in exchange for his plea to an added second-degree CSC charge of sexual contact with a child. The plea deal required that he serve one year in jail up front; probation; no contact with the victim; and registering as a sex offender. “I touched (the victim) inappropriately without her permission,” Cook testified last month. “I touched her breasts inappropriately.” The victim was 11 years old at the time of sexual assault, he said.
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