79th District Court sentencings, posted Dec. 7, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Matthew James Lersch, 43, of 1100 Parkdale St., Lansing, pleaded guilty November 29 to child endangerment and was sentenced to 35 days in jail with credit for two days served; one year discretionary jail for two years; must attend victim’s impact panel; must continue current counseling program; must attend AA two times per week for two years; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs and drug tests; and $1,555 in fines/costs. Charges of domestic violence and operating with a blood alcohol content of .17 or more were dismissed. -Kevin Michael Fitzgerald, 33, of 306 ½ E. Loomis St., Ludington, pleaded no contest November 22 to aggravated domestic assault and was sentenced to 120 days in jail with credit for 93 days served; one year discretionary jail for two years; no contact with the victim; must have substance abuse and domestic violence evaluations; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs and drug tests; and $730 in fines/costs. Charges of assault to do great bodily harm less than murder and domestic violence were dismissed. -Jessica Ann Woodring, […]
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79th District Court sentencings, posted Dec. 7, 2017.
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Felony child abuse tops 79th District Court arraignments.
Felony child abuse tops 79th District Court arraignments. #MasonCountyCourts. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Steven Douglas Jolly, 58, of 310 S. Jackson Rd., Ludington, was arrested December 2 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) on felony charges of third-degree child abuse and domestic violence. Preliminary hearing: December 20 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. -Melissa Rae Vega, 37, of 4744 E. Deer Cove Rd., Eden Township, was arrested November 17 by the Scottville Police Department (SPD) on a felony charge of stealing, taking, or removing a financial transaction device; possession of fraudulent or altered financial transaction device. Preliminary hearing: December 27 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $5,000 personal recognizance. Misdemeanors -Dana Jo Hull, 46, 6960 E. First St., Branch Twp., was arrested Oct. 30, 2017 by Mason County Sheriff’s Office for assault and battery. Pretrial: Jan. 8, 2018 at 10:15 a.m. Bail: $2,500. -Lori Ann Simmons, 39, of 612 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington; December 1; LPD; domestic violence. Pretrial: December 11 at 9:45 a.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. -Erica Kareen Mendez, 35, of 602 E. Fifth St., Ludington; November 1; LPD; domestic violence. Pretrial: January 8 at 9:45 […]
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Muskegon man sent to jail for heroin possession.
Muskegon man sent to jail for heroin possession. #MasonCountyCrime By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — A 48-year-old Muskegon man was ordered to serve five months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 12, for a conviction of heroin possession – less than 25 grams and third-offense habitual offender. Jared Adam Canales, of 2510 Pine Grove, pleaded guilty, July 11. Canales was arrested last May by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT). He previously testified before Judge Susan K. Sniegowski that he had “like $5 worth” of heroin when he was arrested. “What’s troubling about this case is that Mr. Canales was operating a vehicle on US 31 northbound, and it was called in as a reckless driver,” Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said. “Chances are he was affected by a controlled substance at that time. He was putting the citizens at risk by operating under the influence even though he wasn’t charged with that.” His attorney, Blaine Bowne, said that Canales, a veteran, enrolled himself into a Methadone clinic in Muskegon County after he was arrested 18 months ago. “I think that says a lot about his desire to move […]
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Homeless man sentenced to year in jail for break-in.
Homeless man sentenced to year in jail for break-in. #MasonCountyCrime By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — A 25-year-old man was sentenced to one year in jail for a conviction of breaking and entering of a building with intent to commit larceny and second-offense habitual offender Tuesday, Dec. 12, in 51st Circuit Court. Reenya Bilal-Clinton Burrell, whose address is listed as “homeless” in his court file, pleaded guilty, Oct. 24. Burrell was initially charged with first-degree home invasion, but that charge was dismissed when he pleaded to the added count. His second-offense habitual offender status would have elevated his maximum term for that charge to 30 years in prison. Burrell previously testified that he broke into a house in the 500 block of East Filer Street in Ludington, Aug. 15, with the intention of stealing something. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski said Burrell has a 2011 conviction of home invasion in Muskegon County. Burrell was also ordered serve a term of probation and ordered to pay $57 in restitution. Sentencing guidelines in the case are 5-28 months, Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said. This story is copyrighted © 2017, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI […]
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Father believes drug dealer’s sentence too light following son’s death.
Father believes drug dealer’s sentence too light following son’s death. #MasonCountyCrime. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — Greg Wilson is a father who has spent the last eight months grieving the death of his 32-year-old son, Gregory Blake Wilson, who died of a drug overdose on March 18, 2017. Much of Greg’s grief lingers because he believes justice has not been served in regards to Blake’s death. Linda Lou Hackert, the 68-year-old Pere Marquette Township woman who admitted to police that she sold Blake drugs the night before his overdose, was only charged with delivery of a controlled substance, even though the Ludington Police Department recommended that she be charged with delivery of a controlled substance causing death. Hackert received a one year sentence in 51st Circuit Court today, serving 90 days up front in the Mason County Jail, with the remainder at the court’s discretion. The sentencing is the result of a plea agreement with Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Spaniola. Hackert pleaded “no contest” to the delivery charge in 51st Circuit Court Oct. 24 for selling 20 Xanax pills to Blake the night before he died of respiratory arrest caused by a drug overdose. A “no contest plea” is […]
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79th District Court sentencings, posted Dec. 13, 2017.
79th District Court sentencings, posted Dec. 13, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Steven Donald Makowicki, 52, of 504 E. Danaher St., Apt. 4, Ludington, pleaded guilty December 5 to operating a vehicle with a high blood alcohol content and was sentenced to 35 days in jail with credit for five days served; 180 days discretionary jail for two years; must attend victim’s impact panel; must obtain Soberlink for vehicle for one year; no drugs/alcohol; must attend AA two times per week for two years; subject to random PBTs and drug tests; must obtain substance abuse counseling; and $1,685 in fines/costs. Conviction is reportable to Secretary of State (SOS). Charges of third-offense operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor (OUIL) and refusing a preliminary breath test were dismissed. -Tyler Alden Catton, 23, of 1624 N. Hunt Rd., Carsonville, Michigan, pleaded guilty December 5 to operating a vehicle with a high blood alcohol content and was sentenced to 23 days in jail with credit for two days served; 180 days discretionary jail for one year; must attend victim’s impact panel; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs; […]
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79th District Court arraignments, posted Dec. 13, 2017.
79th District Court arraignments, posted Dec. 13, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Misdemeanors -Adam Lee Passarelli, 28, of 5634 W. Johnson Rd., Pere Marquette Township; December 7; Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO); breaking & entering and disorderly drunk person. Pretrial: January 29 at 1:45 p.m. Bail: $2,500 personal recognizance. -Kody Allen Thier, 25, no address listed; December 11; LPD; domestic violence. Pretrial: January 8 at 2:30 p.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. -Yari Kyle Lynch, 22, of 6080 Ivanhoe St., Pere Marquette Township; December 10; MCSO; operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Pretrial: January 29 at 10 a.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent. -Jaylen Reese Jackson, 17, of 544 Yuba St., Muskegon; December 7; LPD; possession of marijuana and violation of graduated driver’s license. Pretrial: January 8 at 1:45 p.m. Bail: $1,500/10 percent. -Justin Dean Sadler, 24, of 6433 W. Dewey Rd., Hamlin Township; November 10; LPD; third-degree retail fraud. Pretrial: December 18 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $2,500 personal recognizance. -Thomas Tommy Teague Noa, 33, of 107 N. Staffon St., Ludington; October 4; LPD; third-degree retail fraud. Pretrial: January 8 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $2,500 personal recognizance.
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Ludington man arrested for criminal sexual conduct with minor.
Ludington man arrested for criminal sexual conduct with minor. Editor’s note: Mason County Press does not release the name of sex crime victims and will not tolerate the naming (or even the hint of the name) of victims on its social media pages. #MasonCountyCrime. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — A 38-year-old Ludington man has been arrested and charged with one count each of criminal sexual conduct first degree and second degree. According to Ludington Police Dept. Capt. Mike Harrie, John Shannon Sayles, of 106 S. Staffon St., has been charged based on an investigation that was referred to LPD by Child Protective Services. Harrie said the allegations stem from 2015 and involved a minor female child, familiar with the defendant, who was between the ages of 13 to 16 at the time of the alleged incidents, and added that investigators have determined that the case involves only one victim and that the alleged incident(s) took place at a residence in the 300 block of West Court Street. “Ludington Police Department was notified by CPS of the allegations on Nov. 14 and immediately began an investigation, which resulted in the request for an arrest warrant of the suspect,” Harrie said. […]
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Homeless man faces jail for stealing phone charger, drug possession.
Homeless man faces jail for stealing phone charger, drug possession. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 34-year-old homeless man faces serving one year in jail after pleading guilty to larceny in a building, marijuana possession and fourth-offense habitual offender in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 19. Fremont Kerricks, whose address is listed as “homeless” in his court file, stole a phone charger from the Mason County District Library Ludington branch, Oct. 26, said Mason County Assistant Prosecutor Glenn Jackson III. In exchange for his plea, a misdemeanor illegal entry charge in 79th District Court will be dismissed. Kerricks’ sentence runs concurrently with his probation violation case, Jackson said. Kerricks has previous convictions in 2012 of larceny in a building and unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle for stealing a scooter from a garage, the assistant prosecutor said. Kerricks also has a 2015 conviction of breaking and entering a building with intent, said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. Sentencing is set for March 6 at 1:30 p.m. 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 […]
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Man faces prison for multi-township police chase.
Man faces prison for multi-township police chase. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 40-year-old Victory Township man faces serving a minimum term of up to three years in prison after pleading guilty in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 19, to third-degree fleeing and eluding police. Michael Thomas Fargo, of 694 W. Sugar Grove Rd., led police on a 21-minute chase across three townships last August. In exchange for Fargo’s plea, a felony of carrying a concealed weapon and a misdemeanor of second-offense driving while license suspended (DWLS) were dismissed. The plea agreement calls for Fargo serving a minimum of up to 36 months and a maximum of 120 months in prison, said Mason County Assistant Prosecutor Glenn Jackson III. Fargo was also charged with fourth-offense habitual offender, and he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of third-offense habitual offender. The fourth-offense habitual offender status increased the maximum for the fleeing and eluding charge to life in prison, Jackson said. Fargo’s prison term will run concurrently to a drug case, in which he pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession with intent to deliver marijuana and possession of less than 25 grams of methadone. A high-court misdemeanor of maintaining a drug […]
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Man avoids prison with dismissal of attempted murder charge.
Man avoids prison with dismissal of attempted murder charge. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough, Editor. LUDINGTON — A 27-year-old Sheridan Township man has avoided a prison sentence following the dismissal of attempted murder and first-degree home invasion charges in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 19. Marvin Lee Brault III, of 2273 N. Tallman Lake Rd., faces one year in jail after pleading guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder/strangulation. Brault was arrested last month after the Mason County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from Brault’s ex-wife that he invaded her home and attempted to murder her male friend by choking him, according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. Brault said in court Tuesday that he and the victim got into an “altercation.” When questioned by Mason County Assistant Prosecutor Glenn Jackson III, Brault was asked if he was trying to defend himself? Brault answered, “No.” “The female victim was awakened to her ex-husband reportedly sitting on top of a male friend of hers in her bedroom, choking him to the point the male victim could not speak,” Cole said previously. “The suspect fled the house when the female screamed. (Brault) was located later in the […]
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79th District Court arraignments include breaking and entering.
79th District Court arraignments include breaking and entering. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Kevin Andrew Spoelma, 36, of 1039 Dunham St. NE, Grand Rapids, was arrested December 13 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) on felony charges of stealing/retaining a financial transaction device and breaking and entering vehicle to steal property. Preliminary hearing: January 3 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. Misdemeanors -Aaron Joseph Wilder, 37, of 1782 Maggie St., Branch Township; October 19; embezzlement by an agent/trustee. Pretrial: January 22 at 11:30 a.m. Bail: $2,500 personal recognizance. -Alfonso Gabriel Cuitlahuac Lopez, 18, of 605 S. Washington Ave., Ludington; December 12; possession of marijuana. Pretrial: January 8 at 2:15 p.m. Bail: $2,500/10 percent.
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79th District Court sentencings and dismissals, posted Dec. 20, 2017.
79th District Court sentencings and dismissals, posted Dec. 20, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Roy Daniel Purple, 62, of 463 E. US 10, Custer Township, pleaded guilty December 13 to attempted assault/resisting/obstructing police and was sentenced to 21 days in jail with credit for 21 days served; one year discretionary jail for one year; must have substance abuse evaluation; must attend AA two times per week; no drugs/alcohol; and subject to random PBTs. A charge of assault/resisting/obstructing police was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. -Amanda Jean Dalzell, 46, of 406 Gay St., Scottville, pleaded guilty December 12 to domestic violence and attempted assault/resisting/obstructing police and was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for 30 days served; one year discretionary jail for one year; no drugs/alcohol; and $875 in fines/costs. May perform 43 hours of community service in lieu of fines/costs. -Kevin Ryan Shook, 30, of 1311 S. Madison, Ludington, pleaded guilty December 12 to third-degree retail fraud and was sentenced to 93 days in jail with credit for 93 days served and $480 in fines/costs. -Blair Rochelle Collins, 27, of 3686 […]
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51st Circuit Court sentencings, posted Dec. 20, 2017.
51st Circuit Court sentencings, posted Dec. 20, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court: -Nicholas David Wroble, 29, address listed as Mason County Jail, pleaded guilty October 24 to breaking and entering a building and was sentenced to 365 days in jail with credit for 99 days served; must serve six months upfront with the balance to be served at the court’s discretion; 24 months of probation; and $658 in fines/costs. A charge of second-degree home invasion was dropped as part of a plea agreement. See related story here. -Linda Lou Hackert, 69, of 143 N. Jebavy Dr., Apt. 14, Pere Marquette Township, pleaded no contest October 24 to delivering a controlled substance and was sentenced to 365 days in jail; must serve 90 days upfront with the balance to be served at the court’s discretion; 18 months of probation; driver’s license suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days; and $658 in fines/costs. See related story here. -Xavier Sabastian Mendoza, 31, of 1404 N. York Rd., Hart, pleaded guilty October 24 to carrying a concealed weapon and was sentenced to 365 days in jail with […]
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Amber Twp. fishery owner sent to prison for illegal fish deals.
Amber Twp. fishery owner sent to prison for illegal fish deals. #MasonCountyCrime. GRAND RAPIDS — An Amber Township man was sentenced Tuesday, Dec. 19, to four months in prison for illegally buying and selling Lake Michigan lake trout from a tribal fisherman. George Eugene Schrink, 55, owner of Walters Gold Coast Fisheries, 4728 W. Sixth St., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to a felony of false labeling of fish. He was also ordered to pay $270,276 in restitution. Judge Paul Maloney allowed Schrink to self-surrender to prison at the direction of federal authorities. Schrink was caught by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service following a three-year undercover investigation. The government set up a covert business to buy and sell fish in the Upper Peninsula. The Fish and Wildlife Service investigated reports that large numbers of lake trout, sturgeon and walleye were illegally taken. The government stated in court reports that the lake trout population is “dangerously low” because of over-harvest and sea lampreys,. The lake trout population in Lake Michigan is maintained mostly by stocking. The prosecution said Schrink bought lake trout from a tribal fisherman who had converted to trap nets and was not allowed to keep lake […]
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79th District Court sentencings, posted Dec. 28, 2017.
79th District Court sentencings, posted Dec. 28, 2017. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Danyel Rebecca Horsley, 30, of 125 W. State St., Scottville, pleaded guilty December 20 to operating a vehicle while impaired by a controlled substance and driving while license suspended (DWLS). She was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for 30 days served; 93 days discretionary jail for two years; must attend victim’s impact panel; must attend AA two times per week for two years; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs and drug tests; must seek and maintain employment; must continue with current counseling program; and $1,595 in fines/costs. Conviction is reportable to Secretary of State (SOS). -Miles David Isaiah Roberts, 26, of 184 N. Gordon Rd., Amber Township, pleaded guilty December 19 to second-offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and was sentenced to 33 days in jail with credit for 30 days served; one year discretionary jail for two years; must attend victim’s impact weekend; must attend AA two times per week for two years; no drugs/alcohol; subject to random PBTs; must continue with current counseling program; and $1,620 in […]
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Criminal sexual conduct tops recent arraignments.
Criminal sexual conduct tops recent arraignments. #MasonCountyCrime. By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Russell James Simpson, 54, of 413 E. Dowland St., Ludington, was arrested December 21 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) on a felony charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Preliminary hearing: January 10 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $50,000 cash/surety. -Tiffany Renae Morgan, 29, no address listed, was arrested December 26 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) on felony charges of attempted second-degree home invasion and malicious destruction of a building less than $200. Probably cause hearing: January 10 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $4,500/10 percent. -Jose Antonio Sanchez, 24, of 605 Maple St., Manistee, was arrested December 24 by MCSO on a felony charge of unlawfully driving away an automobile/joyriding. Preliminary hearing: January 10 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $3,500 personal recognizance. Misdemeanors -Rebekah Lou Malburg, 31, of 115 Brandy Lane Lot 68B, Pere Marquette Township; December 24; Michigan State Police (MSP); possession of marijuana and operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance. Pretrial: February 12 at 1:30 p.m. Bail: $2,500 personal recognizance. -Joel Brian Bates, 30, of 7107 W. […]
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Defendant tells judge getting busted for meth saved his life.
Defendant tells judge getting busted for meth saved his life. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 34-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to six to 40 years in prison for his role in a meth lab operation Tuesday, Jan. 2, in 51st Circuit Court. “Catching this case saved my life,” said Bryan Jacob Carroll, of 506 Melendy St. “I would be dead today if I didn’t.” Carroll told Judge Susan K. Sniegowski that he has a drug problem and that he needs to be punished for his crime. “I am in front of you today because of my drug addiction,” Carroll said. During the first few months of his drug addiction, Carroll said he was functioning and able to continue working. However, his addiction led him nearly to death after overdosing twice. One overdose was intentional, he said. “I need to be punished for what I did. I feel I can be productive to society some day when I’m better. “I’ve been in here (jail) eight months, and I still have urges every day. The drug addiction is powerful and it’s an epidemic.” Carroll said he hopes to use his past negative experiences “and turn them into a positive.” […]
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Repeat offender faces prison for stealing beer from Wesco.
Repeat offender faces prison for stealing beer from Wesco. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 33-year-old Hamlin Township man faces serving one and a half to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday, Jan. 2, in 51st Circuit Court to larceny in a building and fourth-offense habitual offender. Daniel John Horowski, of 3028 Piney Ridge Rd., testified that he stole four Budweiser beers from the Wesco convenience store in Pere Marquette Township, Oct. 5, at 4:25 a.m. Horowski’s habitual offender status elevated his possible maximum prison term to 15 years, said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. In a separate file, Horowski faces serving one year in jail after pleading guilty, Sept. 12, to breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny and third-offense habitual offender. Horowski testified that he broke into a house in Custer Township with the intent of stealing marijuana, but never acquired any. In that case, Horowski will also be ordered to pay $10,659.50 in restitution. The restitution will pay for extensive water damage in the basement of the house caused by flooding, Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said previously. A well tank was tipped over when the house was being ransacked during […]
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Man faces prison for breaking into home with crow bar.
Man faces prison for breaking into home with crow bar. #MasonCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. LUDINGTON — A 55-year-old Ludington man faces serving 12 1/2 to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday, Jan. 2, to first-degree home invasion, possession of burglary tools and fourth-offense habitual offender in 51st Circuit Court. Tyrone Gardner, of 502 Third St., Apt. B, also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a drug house and third-offense habitual offender in a separate case. Gardner faces a concurrent term of two-and-a-half to eight years in prison for those convictions. Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said Garder’s habitual offender status elevated his possible maximum term to life in prison. Gardner testified that he used a crow bar last October to break a window of a locked home on Third Street in the City of Ludington with the intent of stealing. He said was intoxicated when he committed the offense. In the drug case, Garnder testified that he was in possession of 26 grams of marijuana. Sentencing is set for Feb. 27 at 1:15 p.m. This story is copyrighted © 2017, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI […]
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