Safe breaking sentencing adjourned.

Trenton Espinola with his attorney, David Glancy.

By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 19-year-old Ludington man who pleaded guilty last February in 51st Circuit Court to safe breaking and resisting a police officer asked Tuesday, April 5, to have his plea withdrawn, which resulted in Judge Susan K. Sniegowski adjourning his sentencing for one week.

Trenton Joseph Espinola, of 222 E. Melendy St., also pleaded guilty last month to larceny in a building and possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

Espinola faces two-and-a-half to 15 years in prison for the safe breaking and resisting police convictions as outlined in his plea agreement. In that case, he testified that on August 21 he went into a house; opened a safe; and stole $300 and a cremation urn.

His attorney, David Glancy, said his client wanted to withdraw his plea from the safe breaking charge, stating Espinola didn’t understand he was pleading to 30 months to 15 years in prison at the time he entered the plea.

Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola asked Sniegowski to to deny the defendant’s motion. After a brief in conference in chambers with both attorneys, the judge said, “I need a motion with legal authority” made by the defense and adjourned Espinola’s sentencing for one week. She pointed out that Espinola could be subjected to trial if he withdraws his plea, and the offense of safe breaking carries a maximum life sentence. Also, the prosecutor could withdraw the pleas on all the convictions if the motion is granted.

In the other file, Espinola testified that he stole approximately six pounds of marijuana last August in the 6700 block of Dewey Road in Hamlin Township. Espinola is looking at serving 17-48 months in prison; paying restitution; and providing truthful testimony against any co-defendants in that case pursuant to the plea agreement.

Spaniola said last month that he issued yet another file against Espinola, alleging breaking and entering with intent and breaking and entering a coin-operated device. In total, there are four criminal files against Espinola awaiting sentences.