Hesperia man sentenced to prison for break-in.

Steven Geno Rice III, with his attorney, Al Swanson, Jr. A Michigan Department of Corrections officer stands guard.

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By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 19-year-old Hesperia man currently incarcerated in prison was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Aug. 9, to a concurrent prison term of 20 months to 15 years in prison for a conviction of breaking and entering.

Steven Geno Rice III, of 4820 E. Loop Rd., was also designated as a second-offense habitual offender.

Rice and his attorney Al Swanson, Jr., requested that Judge Susan K. Sniegowski place Rice in Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) or “boot camp.” Swanson said SAI would provide his client the “structure” and “regimen” he needs to turn his life around.

“I’m sorry for my actions,” said Rice, who admitted he needs help. He told Sniegowski that he is currently taking substance abuse classes in prison.

Sniegowski said she will leave the SAI decision up to the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). “I will leave it to their discretion,” she said.

Rice received credit for 91 days already served, and his sentence runs concurrently to an Oceana County case. He was sentenced to 20 months to seven-and-a-half years in prison, June 20, in 27th Circuit Court for a conviction of receiving and concealing stolen property valued at over $1,000.

Sniegowski also ordered that he pay $1,130 in restitution that is joint and several with any co-defendants.