Hart woman is no-show for sentencing, believed to be jailed in another county

Melissa VanDerZanden pleads in 51st Circuit Court last month, with her attorney Doug Stevenson.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 31-year-old Hart woman who was scheduled for sentencing in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, June 2, did not appear, and a bench warrant has been issued for her arrest. However, Judge Susan Sniegowski said Melinda Ann VanDerZanden is believed to be incarcerated in jail in another county.

VanDerZanden pleaded guilty to first-degree retail fraud last month, and in exchange for her guilty plea was looking at serving one month in jail.

She and her husband Randy Alan VanDerZanden were arrested last December by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office after stealing several items valued at approximately $1,500 from the Ludington Walmart.

Randy VanDerZanden received a tether term of three months. Restitution, which is yet to be determined, is joint and several with his wife, the co-defendant.