Courts

Meth lab, home invasion cases head to trial

July 14, 2015
Meth lab, home invasion cases head to trial

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A Scottville man arrested in connection to a Ludington meth lab on North Harrison Street last May rejected a plea deal offered by the Mason County Prosecutor’s Office during a final conference hearing in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, July 14, and is headed to trial. Kenneth James Purple, 25, of Scottville, was arrested…

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Ludington man gets 32-year prison sentence for sexual assault of young girl

July 14, 2015
Ludington man gets 32-year prison sentence for sexual assault of young girl

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 34-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to a minimum of 32 years in prison in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday July 14, for molesting a girl who was 8 and 9 years old at the time. Benjamin Michael Bentz was found guilty on all counts of molesting the young girl following a two-day jury…

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Hart woman to be released from jail after serving 43 days for shoplifting

July 14, 2015
Hart woman to be released from jail after serving 43 days for shoplifting

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 31-year-old Hart woman was sentenced to 43 days up front of a six-month jail sentence with credit for 43 days served for a conviction of first-degree retail fraud in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, July 14. The balance of Melinda Ann VanDerZanden’s sentence will be served at court’s discretion. She and her husband…

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79th District Court arraignments include resisting police, aggravated stalking

July 10, 2015
79th District Court arraignments include resisting police, aggravated stalking

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in front of the 79th District Court Magistrate: Felonies – Garrett Scott Buck, 23, no address listed, was arrested July 2 by  the Ludington Police Department (LPD) for four felony counts of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and second-offense habitual offender. Probable cause hearing: July 15 at 1:15 p.m. Bail: $7,500/cash/surety.…

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79th District Court sentencings

July 10, 2015
79th District Court sentencings

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in 79th District Court: – Tiera Leigh Pierce, 35, of 6531 Beech St., Hamlin Township, was found guilty June 30 of fourth-degree child abuse. She was sentenced to 15 days in jail with credit for 15 days served; $840 in fines and costs; one year discretionary jail for…

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