By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — Michael Kim Brechtelsbauer, 57, of 5502 Circle Drive, Standish, Michigan, was found guilty Dec. 1 of third-offense operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL). He was sentenced Jan. 19 to serve three months up front of a 270-day jail sentence with credit for two days served; two years probation; $1,208 in fines and costs; 60 days of community service; and ORV immobilized for one year. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: – Mark Allen Fargo-Saporita, 46, of 6694 E. Oak Ridge, Sheridan Township, was found guilty Jan. 14 of body art facility – no license and sentenced to 90 days discretionary jail for one year; no contact with victim; and $525 in fines and costs. One count of body art facility – no license was dismissed. – Cara Antoinette Monton, 17, of 506 E. Danaher St., Ludington, was found guilty Jan. 27 of domestic violence and sentenced to 93 days in jail with credit for 93 days served; two years probation; must abide by circuit court requirements; no contact with the victim; no alcohol/drugs; $295 in fines and costs; must obtain high […]
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Recent court sentencings.
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79th District Court arraignments include strangulation, assaulting police.
By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies – Jarid Hunter Billings, 22, of 214 E. Melendy St., Apt. 4, Ludington, was arrested Jan. 28 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) for felonies of assault by strangulation, felonious assault and weapons – felony firearm and a misdemeanor of domestic violence. Probable cause hearing: Feb. 10 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $15,000/10 percent. – Paul Kuiper, 76, of 7385 E US 10, Walhalla, was arrested Jan. 29 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a felony of assault by strangulation and a misdemeanor of domestic violence. Probable cause hearing: Feb. 10 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $15,000/cash/surety. – Lee Daniel Rasmussen, 45, of 5813 Iris Rd., Pere Marquette Township, was arrested Jan. 31 by the Michigan State Police (MSP) for a felony of assaulting/obstructing/resisting police. Probable cause hearing: Feb. 10 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. Misdemeanors – Justin Andrew Nehm, 25, of 214 W. Ludington Ave., Apt. 1, Ludington; Feb. 1; LPD; domestic violence. Pretrial: March 7 at 10:30 a.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. – Derek Anthony Gomez, 24, of 1256 Montgomery Ave., Muskegon; Jan. 31; MCSO; third-degree retail […]
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51st Circuit Court sentencings include drug, gun convictions.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. The court news is sponsored by Emelander Law Firm, PC, serving Oceana, Mason and Newaygo counties. Office: 231.303.5005; Cell: 231.303.0905. www.emelanderlaw.com. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 51st Circuit Court: – Dustin Michael Jewett, 24, of 814 E. Filer St., Ludington, was found guilty of probation violation and sentenced March 22 to one year and four months to four years in prison, with credit for 167 days served, and $568 in fines, costs and restitution. His probation stems from a March 1, 2011 conviction of larceny in a building. In a separate file, he was found guilty of probation violation and sentenced March 22 to one year and nine months to 30 years in prison, with credit for 372 days served, and $548 in fines, costs and restitution. His probation stems from a May 1, 2012 conviction of delivery of a narcotic or cocaine less than 50 grams and second-offense habitual offender. Both terms run concurrently, and the court does not object to Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) or boot camp. – Steven Craig Holtrust, 59, of 707 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, was found guilty Feb. 2 of delivery/manufacture of marijuana and larceny in […]
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79th District Court sentencings, dismissals.
The court news is sponsored by Emelander Law Firm, PC, serving Oceana, Mason and Newaygo counties. Office: 231.303.5005; Cell: 231.303.0905. www.emelanderlaw.com By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: – Neal Barton Guss, 23, of 1077 Lancer Lane, Pere Marquette Township, was found guilty March 22 of operating a motor vehicle while impaired and sentenced to three days in jail with credit for three days served; $1,000 in fines and costs; 93 days discretionary jail for one year; must attend the next session of the Victims’ Impact Panel (VIP); no alcohol/drugs; must follow recommendations of the screening agency; and is subject to random preliminary breath tests (PBTs) and drug tests. He was also found guilty of driving while license suspended (DWLS) March 22 and sentenced to three days in jail with credit for three days served; $285 in fines and costs; 93 days discretionary jail for one year; must attend the next session of VIP; no alcohol/drugs; must follow recommendations of the screening agency; and is subject to PBTs and drug tests. Counts of failure to maintain security/no insurance; PBT refusal; and DWLS were dismissed. Convictions reportable to the Secretary of State […]
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Stalker sentenced to jail.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old Westmont, Illinois man was sentenced to serve seven months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term for an aggravated stalking conviction Tuesday, April 6, in 51st Circuit Court. Joban Loy Scott also faced a felony count of using a computer to commit a crime that was dismissed in a plea agreement. Scott testified previously that he stalked a female victim last December in the City of Ludington. His sentence also includes no contact with the victim and five years probation. Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said Scott engaged in “persistent conduct to contact the victim,” describing it as “extremely disturbing behavior.” Scott had no prior criminal record, Spaniola said. Scott’s attorney, David Glancy, said his client has been in counseling while lodged in jail. He received credit for 99 days served in jail. “I’ve had time to reflect while I’ve been in jail,” Scott said to Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, saying he “hit rock bottom while incarcerated — jail is not a fun place.” “I would like to be able to reenter into society and fix the mistakes I’ve made,” Scott said, adding that he was “trying to fix a […]
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Riverton woman sentenced to jail for stealing prescription drugs.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 50-year-old Riverton Township woman was sentenced to serve 45 days up front of a one-year discretionary jail term in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, April 5, for a felony conviction of larceny in a building after stealing the prescription drug, Norco, from a home in the 2900 block of Schwass Road in Riverton Township. Melissa Anne Brand-Ray, of 2569 W. Kinney Rd., Riverton Township, was arrested last December by the Hart post of the Michigan State Police for felonies of second-degree home invasion and larceny in a building. In exchange for her plea last February to count two, count one was dismissed. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski also ordered Brand-Ray to one year probation and that she continue her current outpatient counseling for substance abuse. Brand-Ray’s sentence is to run concurrently with a Clare County sentence, according to Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. “What is of concern in this particular case is Mrs. Brand-Ray committed a very similar offense in Clare County around the same time frame,” Spaniola said. She and her sister stole prescription drugs and a “substantial amount of money” from their mother’s home, the prosecutor said. He noted that Brand-Ray does not […]
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Car used as heroin ‘drug house.’
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 46-year-old Ludington woman pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 5, in 51st Circuit Court to conspiracy to commit maintaining a drug house, although the drug “house” was actually her car, a Ford Taurus. Tamara DeLynn Yeargan, of 602 E. Melendy St., was arrested last February by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for felonies of conspiracy – possession of heroin less than 25 grams and conspiracy to commit maintaining a drug house. In exchange for Yeargan’s plea to count 2, the first count was dismissed. The plea agreement calls for a one-year jail term with no prison time ordered. She is also designated as a second-offense habitual offender. Yeargan testified that from May of 2015 to February of this year, she and co-defendant Russell Masse used her car to drive to Muskegon several times per week to obtain heroin. A vehicle fits the description of a drug house in the statute, said her attorney Douglas Stevenson. Sentencing is set for May 3 at 2:45 p.m.
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Attempted false felony report leads to jail.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 38-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to serve five months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, April 5, for a conviction of attempted false report of a felony. Bradford Richard Lamb, of 415 S. James St., Apt. 1, was arrested last January by the Ludington Police Department in what Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola described as a “perplexing” incident. Lamb’s attorney, David Glancy, requested that Judge Susan Sniegowski put his client on a GPS tether as opposed to sending him to jail, because Lamb’s wife is currently hospitalized in intensive care with serious health problems. Lamb also asked if he sentence could be deferred until his wife is released from hospitalization. “It makes more sense to do your jail time now while she’s in treatment, and then you can be home while she’s recovering,” Sniegowski said. The judge also ordered two years probation. Lamb, who has no jail credit for time already served, was ordered to report to jail this Friday night, April 8, and work release is authorized if it meets the standards of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. Spaniola said Lamb has an extensive […]
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Inmate sentenced for invading home, fleeing police.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 19-year-old Ludington man currently incarcerated in prison for Oceana County convictions of home invasion and fleeing police was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, April 5, to serve nine months in jail concurrently for convictions of larceny in a building and possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Valentine Alejandro Segura, of 611 E. Dowland St., previously testified that he stole a large amount of marijuana from a garage and attempted to sell it. Segura won’t be sent back to jail after he is paroled, because the sentence runs concurrently to the prison sentence he is currently serving. He received credit for 136 days served in jail. One count of breaking and entering a building was dismissed in a plea agreement. Segura was sentenced by Oceana County’s 27th Circuit Court Judge Anthony A. Monton last January to concurrent terms of 18 months to four years and 18 months to five years in prison. The teen’s Oceana County convictions stem from a high-speed chase last September with the Pentwater Police Department that involved Segura jumping from his vehicle. “My client is young and is aware of the mistakes he made,” his attorney, Karri Russell, […]
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Safe breaking sentencing adjourned.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 19-year-old Ludington man who pleaded guilty last February in 51st Circuit Court to safe breaking and resisting a police officer asked Tuesday, April 5, to have his plea withdrawn, which resulted in Judge Susan K. Sniegowski adjourning his sentencing for one week. Trenton Joseph Espinola, of 222 E. Melendy St., also pleaded guilty last month to larceny in a building and possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Espinola faces two-and-a-half to 15 years in prison for the safe breaking and resisting police convictions as outlined in his plea agreement. In that case, he testified that on August 21 he went into a house; opened a safe; and stole $300 and a cremation urn. His attorney, David Glancy, said his client wanted to withdraw his plea from the safe breaking charge, stating Espinola didn’t understand he was pleading to 30 months to 15 years in prison at the time he entered the plea. Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola asked Sniegowski to to deny the defendant’s motion. After a brief in conference in chambers with both attorneys, the judge said, “I need a motion with legal authority” made by the defense and adjourned Espinola’s […]
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79th District Court sentencings.
The court news is sponsored by Emelander Law Firm, PC, serving Oceana, Mason and Newaygo counties. Office: 231.303.5005; Cell: 231.303.0905. www.emelanderlaw.com By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: – Jake Ryan Ring, 24, of 142 S. Wildwood Trail, Apt. 17, Amber Township, was found guilty March 29 of operating while intoxicated and sentenced to one day in jail with credit for one day served; outpatient treatment; $1,135 in fines and costs; 93 days discretionary jail for one year; must attend the next session of the Victims’ Impact Panel (VIP); no alcohol/drugs; and must submit to random preliminary breath tests (PBTs) and drug tests. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). One count of possession of marijuana was dismissed. – Michael Marteell Dunlap, 32, of 922 LaFayette Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, was found guilty March 29 of malicious destruction of a building and sentenced to 32 days in jail with credit for 32 days served; 93 days discretionary jail for one year; no contact with the victim; $953.04 in fines, costs and restitution; and no alcohol/drugs. One count of assault and battery was dismissed. – Sean Russell Daugherty, 31, of 624 […]
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Arraignments include meth lab operation, property destruction, assault.
The court news is sponsored by Emelander Law Firm, PC, serving Oceana, Mason and Newaygo counties. Office: 231.303.5005; Cell: 231.303.0905. www.emelanderlaw.com By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies – Jarred Mitchel Walkley, 26, of 603 E. Melendy St., #1, Ludington, was arrested April 3 by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for felonies of operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine; operating/maintaining a lab with hazardous waste; manufacturing methamphetamine; and possession of methamphetamine. Preliminary exam: April 20 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $50,000/cash/surety. In a separate file, he was arrested April 3 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) for a misdemeanor of receiving and concealing stolen property. Pretrial: April 13 at 3 p.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. – James Anthony Walkley, 27, of 603 E. Melendy St., #1, Ludington, was arrested April 3 by SSCENT for felonies of operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine; operating/maintaining a lab with hazardous waste; manufacturing methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine; and possession of marijuana. Preliminary exam: April 20 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $75,000/cash/surety. – Daniel Bernard Perski, 28, of 449 First St., Manistee, was arrested March 31 by the Hart post of the […]
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Sex case adjourned due to deportation possibility.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A final conference hearing in a criminal sexual conduct (CSC) case was adjourned in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, April 12, because the defendant has not yet consulted with an immigration attorney. Arturo Ruiz Lopez, 59, of 605 S. Washington Ave., Ludington, appeared in court with his attorney, Ryan Glandville, and a Spanish-English translator, Viola Sotomayor. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski asked Lopez if he is a US citizen, and he answered, “No.” Sniegowski then asked him if he has spoken with an immigration attorney, and he again answered, “No.” Sniegowski said the conference had to be adjourned, because Lopez needs to understand the possibility of deportation. The conference was adjourned to May 10 at 3:30 p.m. Lopez faces two counts of first-degree CSC, which are punishable by up to life in prison, and two counts of third-degree CSC, which have a 15-year maximum. He was arrested March 1 by Ludington Police Department in connection to the sexual assault of two Ludington children. Bail was set at $250,000 cash/surety for the first-degree CSC charges and $75,000 cash/surety for the third-degree CSC charges. He remains lodged in the Mason County Jail.
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Ludington man pleads to CSC.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 25-year-old Ludington man who pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 12, in 51st Circuit Court to one count of attempted third-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and delivery of marijuana to a minor faces one year in jail. Shon Michael Gascoigne, of 607 E. Melendy St., testified Tuesday that he attempted to commit digital sexual penetration with a girl between the age of 13-16 years. Gascoigne had also faced felonies of third-degree CSC and furnishing obscenity to a child, which were dismissed in a plea agreement. The agreement calls for Gascoigne serving one year in jail; registering as a sex offender; and a six-month driver’s license suspension with a restricted license after 30 days, said Mason Count Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. The prosecutor said he spoke extensively with the victim and her family, and they are satisfied with the plea agreement. Sentencing guidelines are 12-24 months guidelines, Spaniola said. Gasciogne was arrested Sept. 11, 2015 by the Ludington Police Department. “I had been drinking,” Gascoigne testified Tuesday. “I attempted to undo her pants, but she didn’t want to.” He also testified that he was smoking a marijuana pipe and gave the victim a draw off the pipe. […]
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Scottville man faces jail term for resisting arrest.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 27-year-old Scottville man is looking at serving five months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term after pleading guilty Tuesday, April 12, in 51st Circuit Court to two felony counts of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police. Donald Thomas Miller, of 203 S. Crowley St., was arrested on Atkinson Drive in the City of Ludington, Feb. 28, by two Mason County Sheriff’s deputies. “I jerked away from them while they were trying to place me in handcuffs,” Miller told Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. In exchange for his guilty plea to the felony counts, misdemeanor counts of second-offense operating while intoxicated and second-offense driving while license suspended were dismissed. Miller’s jail term will run concurrently to a five-month discretionary jail term for probation violation, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. Sentencing is set for May 17 at 2:15 p.m.
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Crime spree yields prison term.
By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — A 19-year-old Ludington man received concurrent prison terms Tuesday, April 12, in 51st Circuit Court for convictions of safe breaking; resisting a police officer; larceny in a building; and possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Trenton Joseph Espinola, of 222 E. Melendy St., was ordered by Judge Susan K. Sniegowski to serve two terms of one year and five months to four years in prison; one term of two-and-a-half years to 15 years in prison; and one term of 194 days in jail with credit for 194 days served. Espinola made a request last week to withdraw his plea, but his attorney David Glancy said Tuesday, “My client is withdrawing his request to withdraw his plea.” So, Sniegowski proceeded to sentencing. Espinola, who received credit for 201 days served in jail, is eligible for Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) or “boot camp,” Sniegowski said. Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said Espinola was on juvenile supervision at the time of his recent offenses, and the juvenile case was a home invasion involving a safe breaking, Spaniola said. “He is 19 years of age and has certainly amassed a criminal record,” the prosecutor said. “There are […]
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79th District Court sentencings, dismissals.
The court news is sponsored by Emelander Law Firm, PC, serving Oceana, Mason and Newaygo counties. Office: 231.303.5005; Cell: 231.303.0905. www.emelanderlaw.com By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: – Gregory Scott Malburg, 44, of 283 N. Jackpine Rd., Branch Township, was found guilty April 6 of window peeping and sentenced to $535 in fines and costs; outpatient treatment; 90 days discretionary jail for one year; and no contact with the victim. One count of prowling – disorderly was dismissed. – Kayla Ann-Marie Jowers, 23, of 1073 N. Dennis Rd., Amber Township, was found guilty April 5 of driving while license suspended (DWLS) and sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for five days served; jail term is concurrent with circuit court case; 93 days discretionary jail for two years; and $285 in fines and costs. Conviction is reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). – Aaron Michael Alley, 37, of 6960 Wever Rd., Branch Township, was found guilty April 5 of operating with a high blood alcohol content (BAC) and sentenced to five days in jail with credit for five days served; outpatient treatment; 180 days discretionary jail for two […]
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79th District Court arraignments include CSC, meth possession, sex offender violations.
The court news is sponsored by Emelander Law Firm, PC, serving Oceana, Mason and Newaygo counties. Office: 231.303.5005; Cell: 231.303.0905. www.emelanderlaw.com By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in 79th District Court: Felonies – Michael Frank Battice, 25, of 905 S. Madison Ave., Ludington, was arrested April 6 by the Ludington Police Department for a felony of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Preliminary exam: April 27 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $15,000/10 percent. – Bryan Jacob Carroll, 33, of 109 E. Foster St., Ludington, was arrested April 9 by LPD for a felony of interfering with an electronic communication device and a misdemeanor of domestic violence. Preliminary exam: April 27 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $7,500/cash/surety. – Mary Ann Faulkner, 47, of 3426 North Lake Dr., NE, Grand Rapids, was arrested April 8 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office for a felony of methamphetamine possession and a misdemeanor of driving while license suspended (DWLS). Preliminary exam: April 27 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. – Douglas Andrew Wilson, 54, of 237 Sixth Ave,. Apt. 102, Manistee, was arrested April 8 by MCSO for a felony of failure to register as a sex offender. Preliminary exam: April 27 at […]
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51st Circuit Court sentencings include stalking, larceny.
The court news is sponsored by Emelander Law Firm, PC, serving Oceana, Mason and Newaygo counties. Office: 231.303.5005; Cell: 231.303.0905. www.emelanderlaw.com. By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 51st Circuit Court: – Joban Loy Scott, 35, of 1118 Plaine Field Rd., Westmont, Illinois, was found guilty Feb. 16 of stalking and sentenced April 5 to serve seven months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term with credit for 99 days served; five years probation; no contact with victim; and $658 in fines and costs. One count of using a computer to commit a crime was dismissed. – Bradford Richard Lamb, 38, of 415 S. James St., Apt. 1, Ludington, was found guilty Feb. 16 of attempted false report a felony and sentenced April 5 to serve five months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term; two years probation; and $658 in fines and costs. Work release must meet Mason County Sheriff’s Office guidelines. One count of false report of a felony and fourth-offense habitual offender designation were dismissed. – Melissa Anne Brand-Ray, 50, of 2569 W. Kinney Rd., Riverton Township, was found guilty Feb. 9 of larceny in a building and sentenced […]
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White Cloud man sentenced to jail, probation in HIV case.
By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 44-year-old White Cloud man was sentenced to serve six months up front of a one-year discretionary jail sentence in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, April 19, for not disclosing he has HIV to his sex partner. Gerald Anthony Penn, of 777 Cole Creek Lane, pleaded “no contest” last month to one felony count of AIDS – sexual penetration with an uninformed partner. In exchange for his plea, a misdemeanor count of aggravated domestic violence was dismissed. The victim in the case addressed the court, stating he thought he was involved in what appeared to be a “healthy and lasting relationship. I fell in love,” he said. The victim stated that Penn attacked him the night of Jan. 19 in the City of Ludington, pouring lighter fluid on him and using a lighter. He asked Judge Susan K. Sniegowski to place Penn on probation for five years — instead of the recommended one-and-a-half years — in order to protect other potential victims. “He knew he had AIDS for five years,” he said. Sniegowski granted the victim’s request by ordering five years probation. Penn is also ordered to pay restitution to the victim for his medical expenses. […]
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