Retail fraud yields prison term, possible boot camp

Matthew Bays with his attorney, Ryan Kacel.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 31-year-old Muskegon man was sentenced a minimum of 18 months in prison in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Sept. 15, for first-degree retail fraud, but he may be able serve his term in boot camp if the Michigan Department of Corrections allows it.

Matthew Allen Bays was arrested last May by Michigan State Police troopers for felonies of first-degree retail fraud; conspiracy to commit first-degree retail fraud; and second-offense habitual offender after stealing an “extensive amount” of items from Walmart.

Judge Susan Sniegowski sentenced Bays to a minimum of 18 months to a maximum of six years and seven months with MDOC with credit for two days served in jail.

“I will not object to boot camp, but it’s up to the prison,” Sniegowski said.