79th District Court dismissals, posted Nov. 8, 2017. #MasonCountyCourt. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following cases were recently dismissed in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Rebekah Lou Malburg, 31, of 1150 Brandy Lane, Lot 68B, Pere Marquette Township, had a charge of possession of synthetic marijuana dismissed on October 24 per a plea agreement. -Beatrice Hernandez, 51, of 6612 W. Linden Rd., Hamlin Township, had a charge of operating a vehicle without insurance dismissed on October 24 after pleading guilty to a separate charge of leaving the scene of an accident. -Dominic Daniel Forseman, 23, of 188 Lincoln St., Manistee, had a charge of operating a vehicle without insurance dismissed on October 24 after pleading guilty to a companion charge. -Sharilyn Taylor Munn, 23, of 330 Page St. NE, Grand Rapids, had a charge of breaking and entering dismissed on November 1 after her co-defendant accepted responsibility for the crime. -John Wayne Mulligan, 26, of 6117 ½ E. US 10, Branch Township, had a charge of operating a vehicle without insurance dismissed on November 3 after pleading guilty to a lesser charge. -Cody Morgan Denton, 22, of 2630 N. Sherman Rd., Hamlin Township, had charges of operating […]
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79th District Court dismissals, posted Nov. 8, 2017.
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Recent arraignments include obstructing police officer cases.
Recent arraignments include obstructing police officer cases. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Avel Molina Escamilla, 55, of 3654 Johnson Rd., Amber Township, was arrested November 4 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) on a felony charge of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police. Preliminary hearing: November 22 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. -Thomas Anthony Bogner, 27, of 8513 E. Hawley Rd., Logan Township, was arrested November 5 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) on felony charges of first-degree home invasion and two counts of resisting/obstruction a police officer. Preliminary hearing: November 22 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $25,000/10 percent. -Diana Marie Bennett, 59, of 505 Filer St., Ludington, was arrested September 1 by Michigan State Police (MSP) on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. Preliminary hearing: November 22 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $7,500 personal recognizance. Misdemeanors -Maliah Michelle Holmes, 20, of 410 Thornwild Dr., Apt. B4, Scottville; October 31; MCSO; assault & battery and possession of marijuana. Pretrial: November 27 at 9:45 a.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. -Cristi Lei Gillies, 45, of 419 E. State St., Scottville; November 3; MCSO; operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), transporting an […]
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Ludington woman who sold heroin to undercover officer sent to jail.
Ludington woman who sold heroin to undercover officer sent to jail. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 31-year-old Hamlin Township woman, who previously admitted selling heroin to an undercover officer, was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 14, to serve six months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term. Randi Marie Granger, of 1852 N. Lincoln Road., pleaded guilty last month to heroin delivery less than 50 grams and attempted use of a computer to commit a crime. Granger was arrested by personnel from Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Ludington Police Department in the 5900 block of Third Street in Pere Marquette Township following an investigation by the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT). Granger testified last month that she sold the drug to a SSCENT officer last June and that she used her cell phone in an attempt to text plans to make the deal. “The circumstances of this case are very troubling,” said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, citing “the delivery of heroin to a person you don’t even know. People are dying every day from using heroin.” In exchange for her plea, Granger was not charged for cocaine delivery in a separate […]
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Ludington woman sentenced to year in jail for felonious assault.
Ludington woman sentenced to year in jail for felonious assault. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 54-year-old Ludington woman was sentenced to one year in jail for a conviction of felonious assault in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 14. Robin Rae Bakies, of 709 E. Foster St., Apt. 1, was arrested last July by the Ludington Police Department on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic violence. The domestic violence charge was dismissed. Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola cited Bakies’ “long criminal history” that has a “common thread that consists of alcohol, drugs and violence.” Sentencing guidelines in the case are 12-24 months. “I apologize,” Bakies said to Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, who also ordered probation for two years. Bakies received credit for 115 days served in jail. This story is copyrighted © 2017, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
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Ludington woman faces jail for using counterfeit money.
Ludington woman faces jail for using counterfeit money. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Ludington woman, who pleaded guilty in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 14, to uttering and publishing a counterfeit bill, faces serving 90 days up front of a one-year discretionary jail term. Melissa Marie Collins, 32, of 1007 N. James St., was initially charged with two felony counts of counterfeiting, which were dismissed when she pleaded to the added lesser count. “I spent a fake $100 bill,” Collins testified. The crime occurred at the Northside Market in Pere Marquette Township last July. Sentencing is set for Jan. 23 at 2:45 p.m. This story and photographs are copyrighted © 2017, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
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Man sentenced to jail for switchblade, drug possession.
Man sentenced to jail for switchblade, drug possession. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 23-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to serve 104 days up front of a one-year discretionary jail term in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 14, for convictions of possession of a switchblade and possession with intent to deliver alprazolam. Ricardo Serna, whose address is listed as “homeless” in his court file, was initially facing a felony of blackmail, which was dismissed in a plea agreement. Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said Serna was “attempting to collect a debt from an associate at the Indian Summer plant” where Serna worked. He was found in possession of 150 pills in a duffle bag, as well as a switchblade knife. Serna’s attorney Ryan Glanville said it was not debt owed to his client. Rather, it was for an older accomplice, who was the “ring leader” in the crime. Serna has a carrying a concealed weapon conviction in Oceana County, and the prosecution has agreed that sentencing in that matter will run concurrently to his Mason County case, his attorney said. Serna received credit for 96 days served in jail. Following his release from jail, Serna will be placed […]
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Ludington man pleads guilty to stalking.
Ludington man pleads guilty to stalking. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 40-year-old Ludington man pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in 51st Circuit court to aggravated stalking and faces serving four months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term. Eric Keith Avery, of 1218 S. Madison St., Apt. 5, was arrested last August by the Ludington Police Department on charges of aggravated stalking and malicious use of a telecommunications device. The telecommunications charge was dismissed in a plea agreement. Avery admitted to Judge Susan K. Sniegowsk that he was served with a personal protection order last July, but continued to contact the victim multiple times nonetheless. “My mind was totally clouded,” he said. Avery admitted, when questioned by Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola, that he sent a text message to the victim with his “selfie” that showed him flipping his middle finger and telling her to “slit her wrists.” In addition to jail, Avery is also looking at serving a term of probation, as well as GPS monitoring for four months following release from jail. Avery will also undergo substance abuse and mental health evaluations, Spaniola said. Sentencing is set for Jan. 23 at 2:30 p.m. […]
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Custer Twp. man covered in blood faces felony for resisting police.
Man covered in blood faces felony for resisting police. #MasonCountyCrime. LUDINGTON — Roy Daniel Purple, 62, 463 E. US 10, Custer Township, was arraigned Tuesday in 79th District Court on two counts of felony charge of resisting/obstructing a police officer, which is punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a $2,000 fine. Purple was also charged with repeat offender, second offense, which could extend a prison sentence to 3.5 years maximum. Purple was arrested following a 911 call Monday afternoon from the Scottville EZ Mart, located at the intersection of US 10 and Bean Road in Custer Township, reporting a man behind the business was “covered in blood,” Sheriff Kim Cole said. “Deputies arrived and learned from witnesses this subject had wandered around the business and entered a car and sat in the back seat. He then left and reportedly went to a trailer next door. “Deputies found blood in the yard, steps and front door of the trailer (in the 400 block of US 10). Deputies knocked and made contact with the 62-year-old man (Purple) who reportedly rushed at the deputies screaming at them. He then fought with deputies in the yard. “Deputies eventually made contact with a […]
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Ludington man arraigned for Kalamazoo bicyclist’s death.
Ludington man arraigned for Kalamazoo bicyclist’s death. KALAMAZOO — Joshua Christian Najacht, 22, of Ludington was arraigned Thursday, Nov. 16, for the death of a Kalamazoo Township bicyclist. Najacht appeared in Kalamazoo County’s Eighth District Court where he was charged with a misdemeanor of moving violation causing death in the Aug. 7 crash that killed Jeremy David Smith, 20. He faces up to a year in jail and/or a fine of $2,000. According to the Portage Department of Public Safety, Smith was riding a bicycle north on Portage Road when he was struck by Najacht’s 2009 Chevrolet pickup truck. Witnesses and passing drivers stopped to render aid until firefighters arrived, but Smith died at the scene. Najacht entered a not guilty plea through his attorney, Cody Crane, at the arraignment. He is due back in court Nov. 29 for a pre-trial conference.
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2 days after heroin dealing sentencing, woman overdoses, arrested.
2 days after heroin dealing sentencing, woman overdoses, arrested. HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — A 31-year-old Hamlin Township woman who was sentenced to jail earlier this week for selling heroin overdosed on Thursday evening at her home. Deputies from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, along with medical personnel from Life EMS and Hamlin Twp. Fire Dept., were called to 1852 N. Lincoln Road at 8:28 p.m. for a report of a drug overdose. Following the administration of three doses of Narcan, Randi Granger was revived. Sheriff Kim Cole said a needle was found lying next to her when deputies arrived on scene. Following medical clearance, Granger was arrested for violating a bond condition. Michigan’s Good Samaritan law prevents drug possession charges against those that seek medical assistance for an overdose in certain circumstances. In the case of Granger, however, she had violated the terms of her recent sentencing. Granger was arrested in August by personnel from Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Ludington Police Department in the 5900 block of Third Street in Pere Marquette Township following an investigation by the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT). Granger testified in 51st Circuit Court in October that she sold the drug to a SSCENT officer […]
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79th District Court sentencings, posted Nov. 22, 2017.
79th District Court sentencings, posted Nov. 22, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Bryan Scott Fenner, 26, of 4555 Ordway Rd., Eden Township, pleaded guilty November 7 to second-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) and was sentenced to 32 days in jail with credit for two days served; one year discretionary jail for two years; must attend victim’s impact panel; must have substance abuse evaluation; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs and drug tests; and $1,620 in fines/costs. Conviction is reportable to Secretary of State (SOS). A charge of possession of marijuana was dismissed. -Erin Nicole Granlund, 19, no address listed, pleaded guilty November 7 to larceny over $200 but less than $1000 and was sentenced to 180 days in jail with credit for 150 days served; one year discretionary jail for one year; must have substance abuse evaluation; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs; and $545 in fines/costs. Charges of larceny in a building and lying to a peace officer were dismissed. -Brandon Paul Wheeler, Jr., 29, of 508 ½ E. Danaher St., Ludington, pleaded guilty November 7 to breaking and entering and was sentenced to […]
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79th District Court arraignments include felony drug charges.
79th District Court arraignments include felony drug charges. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Makayla Shanae Snyder, 17, of 510 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, was arrested August 17 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. Preliminary hearing: December 6 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. Misdemeanors -Michael Anthony Garcia, 47, of 508 E. Danaher St., Apt. 2, Ludington; November 20; Ludington Police Department (LPD); domestic violence. Pretrial: December 4 at 10 a.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. -Jacob Jason Kequom, 34, of 909 ½ Davis St., Manistee; July 4; MCSO; larceny less than $200 and malicious destruction of property. Pretrial: November 27 at 2:30 p.m. Bail: $2,500 personal recognizance. -Andrea Lee Krause, 42, of 5456 Pine Creek Rd., Manistee; July 4; MCSO; larceny less than $200 and malicious destruction of property. Pretrial: November 27 at 10:30 a.m. Bail: $2,500 personal recognizance. -Kelly Rae Robbins, 34, of 6670 E. US 10, Walhalla; November 2; MCSO; failure to maintain security (no vehicle insurance), driving while license suspended (DWLS), and improper plates. Pretrial: November 27 at 3 p.m. Bail: $1,500 personal recognizance. -William […]
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79th District Court sentencings, posted Nov. 29, 2017.
79th District Court sentencings, posted Nov. 29, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Alexandra Ann Greiner, 29, of 7100 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Summit Township, pleaded no contest November 21 to assault and battery and was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served; 93 days discretionary jail for one year; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs and drug tests; must continue current counseling program; and $650 in fines/costs. Two counts of assault/resisting/obstructing a police officer were dismissed. -Robert Cecil Welsh, 43, of 550 Georgetown Dr., Apt. 9, Traverse City, pleaded no contest November 21 to assault and battery and was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served; 93 days discretionary jail for one year; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs; and $665 in fines/costs. -Jakob Michael Rowe, 18, of 5177 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Summit Township, pleaded guilty November 21 to operating a vehicle while impaired by a controlled substance and was sentenced to 93 days discretionary jail for one year; must attend victim’s impact panel; must continue current counseling program; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random […]
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Weapon and drug charges top 79th District Court arraignments, Nov. 29, 2017.
Weapon and drug charges top 79th District Court arraignments, Nov. 29, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Lorenzo Maurice Eastling, 38, of 6014 E. Decker Rd., Sheridan Township, was arraigned November 21 on several felony charges stemming from arrests on August 18, 2016 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and September 28, 2017 by Michigan State Police (MSP). The charges include felony weapons possession, delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance (hydrocodone), possession of a firearm by a felon, felony firearms, second-offense habitual offender and third-offense habitual offender. Preliminary hearing: December 13 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $10,000 personal recognizance. -Jazeron Charles Knowles, 25, of 950 Railroad, Apt. 331, Ypsilanti, was arraigned November 22 on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance stemming from an arrest on February 8, 2016 by the State, Sheriff, and City Enforcement of Narcotic Team (SSCENT). Preliminary hearing: December 13 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. Misdemeanors -Syerra Mae Wendt, 31, of 400 W. Third St., Apt. 412, Scottville; November 19; MSP; second-offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Pretrial: December 18 at 2 p.m. […]
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Riverton Twp. woman admits she forged grandmother’s checks for drug money.
Ludington woman admits she forged grandmother’s checks for drug money. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART (Oceana County) — A 26-year-old Ludington woman with a lengthy criminal history testified in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Dec. 4, that she forged her grandmother’s checks to get money to buy drugs. Tresa Brianna Anderson, of 6225 S. Brye Rd., Riverton Township, was facing up to life in prison, because she was charged as a fourth-offense habitual offender. Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of forgery, and in exchange, two additional counts of forgery and the fourth-offense habitual offender designation were dismissed. Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon is recommending a prison term of one year and one day for her crime. Anderson was accused of forging three of her grandmother’s checks totaling $320. Forgery is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Sentencing guidelines in the case are 10-23 months. Her sentence will run consecutively to the case for which she is currently on parole, said Judge Robert D. Springstead. Anderson has served previous prison terms for convictions of organized retail crime act violation in Muskegon County; uttering and publishing in Oceana County; and two forgery convictions in Mason County, according to the […]
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Siblings sentenced for felony convictions the same day.
Siblings sentenced for felony convictions the same day. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON —A 41-year-old man and his 43-year-old sister were both sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 5, in separate felony cases. David Duane Bothwell was sentenced to two to 15 years in prison for absconding bond and fourth-offense habitual offender. His sister, April Lynn Somsel, was sentenced to serve seven months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term for attempted second-degree home-invasion. Bothwell fled the state when he was out on bond for a charge of third-offense domestic violence, which ultimately was dismissed due to the unavailability of the victim, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. “He’s here now and accepting responsibility,” said Bothwell’s attorney, Al Swanson, Jr. “I ask for mercy,” Bothwell said to Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. “The domestic violence was just a misunderstanding. I don’t know why I left the state, I didn’t know I would be in this much trouble for leaving the state. “My file is full of dumb things I’ve done, and this has got to be the dumbest,” Bothwell said. Sentencing guidelines in the case are 12-48 months. Bothwell testified previously that he failed to appear in court […]
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Parolee sent to jail for cocaine possession.
Parolee sent to jail for cocaine possession. #MasonCountyCrime. By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 20-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to serve nine months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term for a cocaine possession conviction Tuesday, Dec. 5, in 51st Circuit Court. Valentine Alejandro Segura, of 611 E. Dowland St., pleaded guilty last October to cocaine possession less than 25 grams and fourth-offense habitual offender. Segura was on parole at the time of his offense, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’, Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) officers recovered cocaine residue from a scale, said Segura’s attorney Al Swanson, Jr. “It’s a residue case,” Swanson said. Because Segura was on parole at the time of the offense, no probation was ordered. He also did not receive credit for the time he has served in jail. Segura was convicted in Oceana County’s 27th Circuit Court in January of 2016 to concurrent terms of 18 months to four years and 18 months to five years for convictions of third-degree fleeing police and second-degree home invasion. Segura was also sentenced in Mason County in April of 2016 to serve nine months in jail concurrently to his prison term for […]
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Ludington man admits he sold stolen bike for drug money.
Ludington man admits he sold stolen bike for drug money. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 27-year-old Ludington man, who was on parole when he sold a stolen motorized bicycle last summer to get drug money, was sentenced to one year in jail in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 5, for receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle. Mitchel Jarred Walkley, of 403 S. Jefferson St., pleaded guilty to the charge and second-offense habitual offender last September. Walkley was initially charged with third-offense, which was dismissed as part of the plea deal. The deal called for a prison term of 15 months to seven and a half years, but he avoided prison Tuesday. “Substance abuse plays a role in his criminal activity,” said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. “Mr. Walkley does suffer from a significant drug addiction,” said his attorney, Al Swanson, Jr. “He understands he needs substance abuse treatment.” “I ask that you be lenient,” Walkley said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. “I know that I’ve had some problems with drugs. I was selling a stolen bicycle, so I could get drugs and get high.” Walkley told the judge that he has been taking substance abuse classes at the […]
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Custer woman pleads ‘no contest’ to attempted embezzlement.
Custer woman pleads ‘no contest’ to attempted embezzlement. #MasonCountyCrime. By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old Custer Township woman pleaded “no contest” in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 5, to attempted embezzlement $1,000-$20,000 for attempting to embezzle money from her employer, Fun-N-Sun RV in Amber Township. Allison Shirley Swan, 1005 N. Custer Road, was employed as a bookkeeper for Fun-N-Sun. Swan faces a one-year discretionary jail term with no up front time and must pay back $16,878.63 restitution, said Mason County Assistant Prosecutor Glenn Jackson III. The plea agreement requires that Swan pay $6,000 of the restitution owed prior to sentencing, which is Feb. 6. If she doesn’t pay the $6,000, then the prosecution can withdraw the plea agreement, Jackson said. Attempted embezzlement $1,000-$20,000 carries a two-and-a-half year maximum, the assistant prosecutor said. One count of embezzlement and one count of using a computer to commit a crime were dismissed when Swan pleaded to the added charge. Embezzlement is punishable by up to five years in prison, and the computer crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Swan’s sentence will also include probation, Jackson said. The attempted embezzlement, which involved Swan making out commission checks to […]
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Man gets nearly 30-year minimum in ‘horrific’ CSC case.
Man gets nearly 30-year minimum in ‘horrific’ CSC case. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old Sherman Township man was sentenced to a minimum of 29 years and eight months to 70 years in a “horrific” criminal sexual conduct case Tuesday, Dec. 5, in 51st Circuit Court. Ryan Lee Herrera, of 3376 N. Custer Rd., sexually assaulted two victims, a boy who was 12 and 13 years old at the time of the assaults, and a girl, who was 14 and 15 years old when the assaults occurred. Herrera, a previously convicted sex offender, pleaded guilty, Oct. 10, to two counts of first-degree CSC, two counts of accosting children for immoral purposes and second-degree habitual offender. A plea agreement called for Herrera serving to 22-35 years in prison. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski handed down a stiffer sentence in light of Herrera attempting to bribe one of the victims so he could get a lighter sentence. “It’s a horrific crime, Mr. Herrera,” the judge said. Herrera initially faced felony charges of second-offense first-degree CSC (victim under 13), first-degree CSC (during a felony), possession of child sexually-abusive material, delivery of marijuana, maintaining a drug house, and accosting a child for […]
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