51st Circuit Court sentencings include drugs, shoplifting, CSC

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 51st Circuit Court:

Streeter

– Melissa Sue Streeter, 42, of 26 Webster Court, Manistee, was found guilty, June 9, of use of narcotic or cocaine and second-offense possession of narcotic or cocaine less than 25 grams. She was sentenced to 110 days in jail with credit for 110 days served for the first count and two to eight years in prison with credit for 110 days served for the second count and $308 in fines and costs. In a separate file, Streeter was found guilty, July 14, of probation violation and sentenced to two to 40 years in prison with credit for 440 days served and $598 in fines and costs. Probation, which stems from a June 2013 conviction of second-offense controlled substance delivery, less than 50 grams. Sentences are concurrent. Two counts of second-offense second-offense possession of narcotic or cocaine less than 25 grams were dismissed.

Melinda VanDerZanden

– Melinda Ann VanDerZanden, 31, of 475 E. Lever Rd., Hart, was found guilty April 21 of first-degree retail fraud and sentenced to 180 days in jail; serve 43 days up front; credit for 43 days served; balance to be served at the court’s discretion; 18 months probation; and $558 in fines and costs. Restitution is joint and several with co-defendant and is reserved for 60 days.

Bentz

– Benjamin Michael Bentz, 34, of 202 Fourth St., Ludington, was found guilty by a jury, June 4, of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) – person under 13 and one count of second-degree CSC – person under 13. He was sentenced to four concurrent terms of 25-75 years in prison for the first four counts and a consecutive term of seven to 15 years in prison for the fifth count. He is subject to lifetime monitoring.