Strangulation case set for trial, may reach resolution

Kapala

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — The case against a 26-year-old Scottville man accused of felonies of assault by strangulation and interfering with electronic communications, along with a misdemeanor of domestic violence, is being scheduled for trial in 51st Circuit Court.

Jason Matthew Kapala, who was arrested last March by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, is free after posting 10 percent of a $7,500 bond. Kapala appeared in court Tuesday, May 12, for a final conference hearing with his attorney Rodger Sweeting, who has recently taken on the case.

Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said Kapala’s sentencing is elevated due to his fourth-conviction habitual offender status, which makes the strangulation charge punishable by up to life in prison.

Spaniola was offering a plea agreement that included a one-year discretionary jail term with 90 days up front. Sweeting said that since he is new to the case Tuesday was his first appearance in Mason County regarding the matter. “This is my first chance to come up here, and we may be able to work something out,” Sweeting said regarding a plea agreement.