Shoplifting leads to jail time

Tonya Johnson with her attorney Al Swanson, Jr.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 33-year-old Ludington woman was sentenced to serve seven months up front of a one-year discretionary jail sentence in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, July 21, for a first-degree retail fraud conviction.

Tonya Ann Johnson, who pleaded guilty to the charge last month, was arrested in April by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office after stealing several items from the Ludington Walmart.

Johnson was also ordered to pay $349 restitution to Walmart, which is joint and several with a co-defendant.

“My client understands what she did is wrong,” said Johnson’s attorney, Al Swanson, Jr.

Judge Susan Sniegowski also ordered that Johnson serve two years probation and may not enter Walmart. She was given credit for 94 days already served in jail.