Wesco robber pleads guilty. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The 18-year-old Muskegon man who robbed the New Era Wesco store last July with a pellet gun disguised a real handgun pleaded guilty in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Jan. 29, to armed robbery. Ian Evan Rodriguez, of 400 W. Laketon Ave., will receive a six-year minimum, and the court will determine his maximum term. Armed robbery is punishable by up to life in prison. Rodriguez is currently incarcerated in the Muskegon Correctional Facility, serving a term of six years to life and two terms of five to 27 years for Muskegon County convictions of armed robbery, according to the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS). His Oceana County sentence will run concurrently to his Muskegon County sentences. Rodriguez testified that he went into the New Era store, wearing a mask. “I robbed the clerk,” he said. He stole $800 and split the money with his 19-year-old co-defendant, Cameron James Card. The pair went on a crime spree robbing other convenience stores in the area, including the Hesperia Wesco in Newaygo County, until they were eventually caught by authorities in Muskegon County. “I was caught at the scene at the robbery […]
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Wesco robber pleads guilty.
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Montague man, 19, faces prison for CSC.
Montague man, 19, faces prison for CSC. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — A 19-year-old Montague man faces serving up to two years in prison after pleading “no contest” to assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Jan. 29. Justin Scott Theodore, of 3527 W. Webster Rd., must register as a sex offender due to the conviction. The victim in the case is a child under the age of 13, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. The child’s mother reviewed the plea agreement details and agreed to the terms, Bizon said. The maximum term for the charge is five years in prison, said Judge Robert D. Springstead. The incident occurred in the Village of New Era. Theodore was on Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) status for a second-degree home invasion conviction. His HYTA status in that case was revoked due to his recent conviction. Sentencing is set for April 9 at 9 a.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 way, including print or broadcast, without […]
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Repeat offender faces up to life in prison.
Repeat offender faces up to life in prison. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — A 50-year-old Shelby man facing felony drug charges in 27th Circuit Court is looking at serving up to life in prison due to his lengthy criminal history. Rodney Alvin Ramthun, of 4080 W. Baker Rd., was arrested last November in Shelby Township on two counts of cocaine delivery less than 50 grams, one count of delivery/manufacture of marijuana and fourth-offense habitual offender. Ramthun was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon in March of 2014 in Oceana County, said Judge Robert D. Springstead. He is also convicted of two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in Oceana County in 1996 and 1995. His prior history elevates his maximum term to life in prison for the cocaine charges and 15 years for the marijuana charge, the judge said. Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon offered a plea agreement in which Ramthun could plead to one of the cocaine charges and the habitual offender designation, and the other two charges would be dismissed. His prison time would be capped at two years. Sentencing guidelines in the case are 5-46 months, he said. Ramthun is scheduled for a pretrial […]
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Ludington man caught ‘red-handed’ with heroin.
Ludington man caught ‘red-handed’ with heroin. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor HART — A 23-year-old Ludington man who pleaded guilty to heroin possession less than 25 grams in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Jan. 29, testified that police arrested him when he was caught with heroin in his hand. Cody Morgan Denton, of 2630 Sherman Rd., was arrested last October by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office at a local rest area on charges of heroin possession and second-offense habitual offender. “I was there to get high,” Denton told Judge Robert D. Springstead. Denton’s habitual offender status enhances his maximum possible term to eight years in prison, the judge said. In exchange for his plea, Denton’s jail time will be capped at nine months, and his habitual offender status was dismissed. The court will consider placing Denton in drug rehab, but it will only count as half (four and a half months) of his sentence, Springstead said. In October 2017, Denton was sentenced in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court to a one-year discretionary jail sentence, serving 122 days up front, for attempted felonious assault. See related story here. According to the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), Denton in 2012 served prison terms […]
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Hart woman sent to jail for larceny in a building.
Hart woman sent to jail for larceny in a building. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — A 27-year-old Hart woman was sentenced to 60 days in jail in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Jan. 29, for a conviction of larceny in a building. Blair Rochelle Collins, of 1158 E. Clock Rd., could have received work release had she taken a drug test at the jail as ordered by Judge Robert D. Springstead, but when she failed to immediately take the test after her court hearing, the judge ordered that she serve straight jail time, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. When asked by Springstead why she didn’t immediately report to the jail for the test as instructed, she told the judge she had taken an unknown substance at a “gathering” over the weekend. Collins’ attorney, Timothy Hayes, requested the work release so that his client wouldn’t lose her job. Hayes said Collins “has made significant changes in her life” by obtaining a job and staying off drugs. She was arrested last fall by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office for a felony of breaking and entering with intent with co-defendant Roy James Alltop, 47, of 1158 E. Clock Rd., Hart. Hayes […]
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78th District Court sentencings posted Feb. 2, 2018.
78th District Court sentencings posted Feb. 2, 2018. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were sentenced recently in 78th District Court: – Shane Robert Russell, 24, of 544 S. 64th Ave., Shelby, was was found guilty Dec. 18 of operating while intoxicated and was sentenced Jan. 29 to 93 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with sentence; credit for time served if imposed; outpatient treatment; six months probation; and $1,680 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). – Alexander Kyle Hamann, 26, of 7728 S. Michigan Ave., Rothbury, was found guilty Jan. 29 of disturbing the peace and was sentenced to 90 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with sentence; credit for time served if imposed; and $225 in fines and costs. – David Lee Parker, 31, of 1174 Shonat St., Muskegon, was found guilty Jan. 23 of trespassing and was sentenced to 30 days discretionary jail over the next year and $325 in fines and costs. – George Eugene Schrink, 55, of 4728 W. 6th St., Ludington, was found guilty Jan. 29 of operating while impaired and was sentenced to 93 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with sentence; credit for […]
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Drug charges top 78th District Court arraignments.
Drug charges top 78th District Court arraignments. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were arraigned recently in 78th District Court: Felonies – Brittany Ann Marr, 19, of 8951 96th St., Holton, was arrested Jan. 23 by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) for a felony of methamphetamine possession. Preliminary exam: Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent. – Ethel Jean Dawson, 52, of 3151 Meyers Ave., New Era, was arrested Jan. 19 by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for a felony of delivery/manufacture of marijuana. Preliminary exam: Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent. – Keith Bradford Dawson, 67, of 3151 Meyers Ave., New Era, was arrested Jan. 19 by SSCENT for a felony of delivery/manufacture of marijuana. Preliminary exam: Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent. – Ryan E. Kraus, 45, of 4603 N. Saint Clair, Racine, Wisconsin, was arrested Jan. 25 by the Michigan State Police for a felony of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police. Preliminary exam: Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety. High-court misdemeanor – Lucus Lamar Bekkering, 23, of 180 Leavitt St., Walkerville, was arrested Jan. 15 by by MSP for a high-court misdemeanor of failing to comply […]
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27th Circuit Court sentencings posted Feb. 2, 2018.
27th Circuit Court sentencings posted Feb. 2, 2018. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were sentenced recently in 27th Circuit Court: – Jesse Thomas Meyette, 33, of 821 N. Darling Ave., Fremont, was found guilty Nov. 20 of narcotic/cocaine possession less than 25 grams and was sentenced Jan. 29 to five months in jail with credit for one day served; two years probation; driver’s license suspended one year/restricted after 60 days; and $458 in fines and costs. – Antonio Junior Revilla, 57, of 64 S. Michigan Ave., Shelby, was found guilty Jan. 29 of operating while intoxicated (OWI) and was sentenced to nine days in in jail, serving three weekends, with credit for two days served; must continue Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for one year; must get an alcohol assessment and follow recommendations; and $1,000 in fines and costs. “Per plea agreement, third-offense notice is dismissed,” his court file states, “and defendant entered a plea of guilty to misdemeanor offense.” – Marco Antonio Guerrero, 36, of 409 Dryden St., Hart, was found guilty Nov. 20 of second-offense operating while intoxicated with an occupant less than 16 and was sentenced Jan. 29 to one year in jail with credit […]
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Gas station manager pleads guilty to embezzlement.
Gas station manager pleads guilty to embezzlement. #OceanaCountyCrime. By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — A 45-year-old Shelby woman who embezzled over $35,000 from the Marathon gas station in Shelby pleaded guilty in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Feb. 5, to embezzlement $20,000-$50,000. Angela Smith, who was the store a manager, faces a jail term that will not exceed four months pursuant to the plea agreement. An Oceana County Sheriff’s Office investigation revealed that Smith stole “a large amount of cash, lottery tickets, and some other food items,” totaling over $35,000, stated Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. Smith admitted in court that the embezzlement occurred during a time period of August of 2015 to January of 2018. Embezzlement $20,000-$50,000 is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Sentencing is set for April 2 at 9 a.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 way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
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Felony domestic violence, fleeing police top arraignments.
Felony domestic violence, fleeing police top arraignments. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were arraigned in 78th District Court: Felonies – Garth John Leslie, 30, of 3904 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, was arrested by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) for a felony of third-offense domestic violence and fourth-offense habitual offender. Preliminary conference: Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent. In a separate file, Leslie is charged with a misdemeanor of malicious use of telecommunications. Pretrial: Feb. 13 at 2:15 p.m. Bail: $1,500/cash/surety/10 percent. In that file, his address is listed as 288 Ferry St., Shelby. – Eric William Tatro, 22, of 8333 S. 148th Ave., Hesperia, was arrested by the Hesperia Police Department for a felony of fourth- degree fleeing a police officer. Preliminary conference: Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Bail: $2,500/personal. – Javier Borrego, 32, of 354 Pine St., Shelby, was arrested by the Hart Police Department (HPD) for a felony of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police. Preliminary conference: Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Bail: $2,500/cash/surety/10 percent. – Keith Lewis Loudermilk, 34, of 659 Arthur Rd., Rothbury, was arrested by the Michigan State Police (MSP) for two felony counts of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police. Preliminary conference: Feb. 12 at 3 […]
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27th Circuit Court sentencings.
27th Circuit Court sentencings. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were sentenced recently in 27th Circuit Court: – Trad Paul Sheafor, 28, of 5825 W. 7th St., Mears, was found guilty Dec. 18 of uttering and publishing and was sentenced Feb. 5 to 11 months in jail, with credit for one day served; two years probation; $2,200 in restitution; and $400 in fines and costs. – Antonio Breyan Sheppard, 31, of 2458 Greenwood, Muskegon, was found guilty of probation violation and was sentenced Feb. 5 to 182 days in jail and $405 in fines and costs. Probation, which stems from a Sept. 28, 2015 conviction of lying to a police officer, is revoked. This story is copyrighted © 2018, 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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78th District Court sentencings posted Feb. 9, 2018.
78th District Court sentencings posted Feb. 9, 2018. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were sentenced recently in 78th District Court: – Alfred Martinez Escamilla, 56, of 71 Ferry St., Shelby, was found guilty Jan. 3 of second-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) and was sentenced Feb. 5 to nine days in jail; vehicle immobilization/forfeiture; one year discretionary jail to ensure compliance with court orders; credit for time served if imposed; outpatient treatment; and $1,715 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). One felony count of third-offense OWI was dismissed. – Joseph Alan Riggs, 35, of 5839 W. 8th St., Mears, was found guilty Feb. 5 of driving while license suspended (DWLS) and was sentenced to one year discretionary jail to ensure compliance with court orders; credit for time served if imposed; and $500 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to SOS. Counts of domestic violence and marijuana possession were dismissed. – Samantha Mae Zwade, 25, of 2175 Filmore Rd., Hart, was found guilty Feb. 5 of operating while impaired and was sentenced to 93 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with court orders; credit for time served if imposed; and $1,040 in […]
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Hunting death case set for June trial.
Hunting death case set for June trial. #OceanaCountyNews By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The case against a 62-year-old youth mentor and former hunting safety instructor charged with reckless discharge causing the shooting death of a 13-year-old Wyoming, Michigan boy is headed to trial. Roger Erick Hoeker, 62, of Jenison, Michigan appeared in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Feb. 12, for a pretrial hearing with his attorney, Mark Hunting. Hoeker is accused of shooting William “Billy” Gort, Jr. Billy was shot in the head and killed after Hoeker discharged his rifle while squirrel hunting on state land in southeast Oceana County near Hesperia Feb. 18, 2017. He faces up to two years in prison for the high-court misdemeanor. Hoeker was initially facing 15 years in prison for a felony of involuntary manslaughter, but his charge was reduced following a preliminary exam in 78th District Court last December. Hoeker was serving as a mentor with a youth outreach program called Christianity Outdoors, and he also was a Michigan hunter safety instructor, according to the Michigan State Police. Gort was on a hunting trip with Hoeker and another teenager. “The teen hunters were hunting with shotguns, and Roger Hoeker was hunting with a […]
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Defendant ‘hams it up’ during court hearing.
Defendant ‘hams it up’ during court hearing. By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. #OceanaCountyCrime HART — A 46-year-old Branch man who appeared in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Feb. 12, for sentencing on felony charges appeared more interested in his photo being taken by media than his criminal case. Seven Laroue, of 9534 N. 192nd Ave., smiled and waved a “peace sign” as his photo was being taken by OCP while he stood before Judge Robert D. Springstead. Laroue’s sentencing was re-scheduled for Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. so that he has more time to discuss his case with defense attorney Timothy Hayes, who was just re-assigned to the case Monday. Laroue, who chose not to have an attorney and represented himself last December, was found guilty by a 12-member jury of two counts of resisting and opposing police and malicious destruction of a building, according to Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. The charges stem from an incident last summer that occurred in Newfield Township just outside of Hesperia at M 20 and 188th Avenue where Laroue was residing in a “streamlined trailer,” Bizon said. It was 1 a.m., and Laroue was “yelling and screaming and carrying on.” He broke a window at […]
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Dog killing case set for trial.
Dog killing case set for trial. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The case against a 43-year-old Hart man accused of killing his dog is headed to trial in June in 27th Circuit Court. William Jon Monroe, of 3291 N. 120th Ave., was arrested by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office Nov. 2 for a felony of killing/torturing an animal and a misdemeanor of abandonment/cruelty to two or three animals. After receiving a citizen complaint that an animal was not being properly cared for, a sheriff’s deputy discovered that one of Monroe’s dogs was deceased and another dog was in “poor shape,” said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. Monroe was offered a plea deal to admit to the felony count of killing/torturing an animal, and the misdemeanor count of abandonment/cruelty would be dismissed. In exchange for his admission, Monroe would face a sentence within the guidelines of 0-3 months. Monroe did not bite on it. A two-day trial is set for June 13 and 14 with a status conference scheduled for May 7. Monroe is free on a $7,500/cash/surety/10 percent bond. Killing/torturing an animal is punishable by up to four years in prison, and abandonment/cruelty to an animal is punishable […]
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Dog torture tops 78th District Court arraignments.
Dog torture tops 78th District Court arraignments. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were arraigned recently in 78th District Court: Felonies – Russell Allen Morton, 61, of 3038 Tahoe Trail, New Era, was arrested by the Michigan State Police (MSP) for a felony of killing/torturing an animal. Preliminary conference: Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent. It is alleged that Morton maimed a dog, according to his court file. – Gage Nicholas Harlan, 25, of 1100 State St., Fremont, was arrested by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) for two felony counts of carrying a concealed weapon and one felony count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent. Preliminary conference: Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent. It is alleged Harlan was carrying a pistol and a rifle, according to his court file. – Zachary Jordan Franclemont, 23, of 2023 Indian Falls Rd., Corfu, New York, was arrested by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for felonies of methamphetamine/ecstasy possession and controlled substance possession – cocaine, heroin or another narcotic less than 25 grams. Preliminary conference: Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000//cash/surety/10 percent. – Joshua Raymond Clemens, 26, of 929 […]
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78th District Court sentencings posted Feb. 16, 2018.
78th District Court sentencings posted Feb. 16, 2018. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were sentenced recently in 78th District Court: – Neil Keith Lederman, 71, of 3260 N. Silver Ridge Rd., Mears, was found guilty Feb. 12 of operating while impaired and was sentenced to 93 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with sentence; credit for time served if imposed; and $1,055 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). One count of operating while intoxicated was dismissed. – Darrell Antwon Thomas, 28, of 4159 W. Tyler Rd., Hart, was found guilty Feb. 12 of driving while license suspended (DWLS) and was sentenced to 93 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with sentence; credit for time served if imposed; and $1,571 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to SOS. Failure to stop at a property damage accident and operating without insurance were dismissed. – Patrick Fay George, 29, of 64 S. Michigan Ave., Shelby, was found guilty Feb. 12 of second-offense DWLS and was sentenced to nine days in jail with credit for two days served; one year discretionary jail to ensure compliance with sentence; credit for time served if imposed; and […]
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78th District Court sentencings posted Feb. 24, 2018.
78th District Court sentencings posted Feb. 24, 2018. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were sentenced recently in 78th District Court: – Betty Mae Winans, 45, of 6161 E. Filmore Rd., Walkerville, was found guilty Feb. 13 of allowing a person to drive in violation and was sentenced to 90 days at the court’s discretion for one year and $290 in fines and costs. One count of driving while license suspended (DWLS) was dismissed. – William Arthur Hill, Jr., 49, of 9560 E. Lane Dr., Montague, was found guilty Feb. 14 of DWLS and was sentenced to 93 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with court orders; credit for time served if imposed; and $400 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable to the Secretary of State (SOS). – Annette Lynn Cutter, 56, of 416 Johnson St., Hart, was found guilty Feb. 14 of unlawful license plates and was sentenced to 90 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with court orders; and credit for time served if imposed. Court waived fines and costs. She was also found guilty Feb. 14 of driving while license not valid and was sentenced to 90 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with […]
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Drug, assault charges top arraignments.
Drug, assault charges top arraignments. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — The following were arraigned recently in 78th District Court: Felonies – Michael Lynn Hampton, 68, of 2684 Garfield Rd., Hesperia, was arrested by the State, Sheriff’s, Chiefs, Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for felonies of delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine/ecstasy; operating/maintaining a laboratory to manufacture meth; weapons – felony firearm and second-offense habitual offender. Bail: $10,000/cash/surety. In a separate file, Hampton was arrested by the Michigan State Police (MSP) for a felony of failure to register to comply with the Sex Offender Registration Act. Bail: $2,500/cash/surety/10 percent. Preliminary exam: March 5 at 3 p.m. – Shannon Kim Davis, 47, of 144 Monroe St., Manistee, was arrested by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) for a felony of heroin possession. Preliminary exam: March 5 at 3 p.m. Bail: $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent. – Richard William Kuehler, 54, of 8686 E. Hogan Rd., Walkerville, was arrested by OCSO for felony of third-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) and a misdemeanor of driving while license suspended (DWLS). Preliminary exam: March 6 at 3 p.m. Bail: $7,500/cash/surety/10 percent. – Levi Alan Richard, 20, of 2778 N. 64th Ave., Hart, was arrested by OCSO for a felony of […]
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Get-away driver in armed robbery pleads guilty.
Get-away driver in armed robbery pleads guilty. #OceanaCountyCrime By Allison Scarbrough. Editor. HART — A 19-year-old North Muskegon man currently lodged in prison for a string of armed robberies last summer pleaded guilty in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Feb. 26, to armed robbery. Cameron James Card is currently lodged in the Muskegon County Correctional Facility serving a five year to life sentence for an armed robbery conviction in Newaygo County and two terms of four and a half to 25 years for armed robbery convictions in Muskegon County. Card, who testified Monday that he was the get-away driver in the robberies, faces a cap of six years minimum for the conviction in Oceana County which stems from the July 19, 2017 armed robbery of the New Era Wesco. He and his co-defendant Ian Evan Rodriguez, 19, of Muskegon also robbed the Hesperia Wesco in Newaygo County and the J&H Family Store in Twin Lake and the Speedway gas station in Ravenna where they were eventually caught. Card said the get-away car was his 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and that Rodriguez used a “BB gun pistol” to rob the stores. Police said the pellet gun was disguised as a real handgun. “I […]
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