Branch Township man faces jail for phone interference.

May 10, 2016

Newton with his attorney, David Glancy.

Roger Newton with his attorney, David Glancy.

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 30-year-old Branch Township man pleaded “no contest” in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, May 10, to a felony of interfering with an electronic communications device, or phone.

In exchange for Roger Dean Newton’s plea, he faces serving up to four months up front of a one-year discretionary jail sentence. Newton also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of second-offense domestic violence. Felonies of assault with a dangerous weapon and felony firearm were dismissed.

“I threw an unloaded shotgun at her and I missed,” Newton testified Tuesday.

He was arrested April 4 by Mason County Sheriff’s deputies following the incident on South Stephens Road.

Sentencing is set for June 21 at 1:45 p.m.