Victim tells defendant he’s lucky he didn’t get shot.

Thomas Bogner.

Victim tells defendant he’s lucky he didn’t get shot.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON — An elderly man who is the victim in an illegal entry case told the 27-year-old defendant during his sentencing in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, April 10, that he was lucky he didn’t shoot him the night he entered his home.

Thomas Anthony Bogner, of 8513 E. Hawley Rd., Logan Township, was arrested last November on felony charges of first-degree home invasion and two counts of resisting/opposing a police officer. Bogner pleaded “no contest” to one felony count of resisting and opposing and one misdemeanor count of illegal entry, March 12.

“I was laying in bed, not asleep, and I heard the back door closing, and the verticals rattled,” the victim said.

“I got my gun and was coming out of the bedroom,” he said. Three police officers from the Ludington Police Department and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the man’s house, which then prevented the victim from having to use his gun.

“I meant to use it (the gun),” he said. “I was wondering why he came in my house. There is no excuse why he came in my house.

“If (the police) were 10 seconds later, he would be laying on the floor with a couple bullet holes in him. The police officers did a great job, and they saved him,” the victim said.

“He was intoxicated to the extent that he forcibly broke into multiple residences,” said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola.

Bogner accidentally entered the man’s home, thinking that it was his girlfriend’s house, said Bogner’s attorney, Gary Springstead. Bogner had no prior criminal record, and his actions were uncharacteristic, he added.

“The case really did get his attention,” said Springstead. “That night he made a series of really bad judgement calls,” including “getting drunk and going to the wrong house.”

“Mr. Bogner is very appreciative that he was not shot. He feels awful about it. He has offered to mow his lawn or provide some sort of assistance (to the victim).” Bogner has also written letters to the police officers, thanking them for saving his life.

“I would like to apologize to the (the victims’) household for what I did that night,” Bogner said.

“It’s clear to the court that the extreme amount of alcohol you ingested that night was uncharacteristic,” said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, who also ordered nine months discretionary jail with one day up front with credit for one day served. Bogner must also be on Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) for 90-180 days. He was also sentenced to 18 months probation.

The judge warned Bogner that if he has any violations, he will be subject to serving his nine months of discretionary time.

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