Scottville woman pleads to receiving and concealing firearms, harboring felon

Stephanie Lynn Joynes with her attorney, Al Swanson, Jr.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Scottville woman who pleaded guilty to felony charges of receiving and concealing firearms and harboring a felon during a final conference hearing in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday June 9, is looking at a discretionary jail sentence with “unconditional” upfront time.

Stephanie Lynn Joynes was arrested last February on the weapons charge following an investigation by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and the Ludington Police Department of several home invasions involving gun thefts. “The guns stolen were long guns, which included rifles and shotguns, along with handguns,” stated a press release issued last February by MCSO. “These home invasions date back to 2013 that occurred in Mason County and the City of Ludington.” Also arrested were Joshua Lee Joynes, 32, of Scottville and 45-year-old Arthur Warner Tyra.

Joynes’ second charge of harboring a felon involves an April 17 incident on Johnson Road, where she harbored Zach Shurlow. She testified that she knew there was a warrant for his arrest.

Her plea agreement for the first conviction includes a one-year discretionary jail sentence with unconditional up-front time; restitution, which is joint and several with the co-defendants; and must provide truthful testimony against the co-defendants.

She is looking at no up-front jail time on a one-year discretionary jail sentence for the harboring a felon conviction.

Sentencing is set for July 21 at 3 p.m.