Ludington woman sentenced for using counterfeit money.

Melissa Collins

Ludington woman sentenced for using counterfeit money.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Ludington woman convicted of uttering and publishing a counterfeit bill was sentenced to serve 90 days up front of a one-year discretionary jail term in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Melissa Marie Collins, 32, of 1007 N. James St., was initially charged with two felony counts of counterfeiting, which were dismissed when she pleaded guilty to the added lesser count in November.

“I spent a fake $100 bill,” Collins testified. The crime occurred at the Northside Market, 6388 E. Bryant Road, in Pere Marquette Township last July.

Collins received credit for 72 days served in jail.

Uttering counterfeit a bill is punishable by up to five years in prison.

“Ms. Collins clearly has a substance abuse issue,” said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. Her substance abuse began at the age of 12 with the use of alcohol and continues with heroin use, he said. It’s a “life or death situation” that Collins quits using drugs, he added.

Collins has been working with Community Mental Health to battle her addiction issues, said her attorney David Glancy. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski urged her to continue her treatment.

Collins was also ordered to probation for one-and-a-half years.

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 0-9 months.

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