Man with extensive criminal history arrested for home invasion, assault.

June 7, 2018

Billings

Man with extensive criminal history arrested for home invasion, assault.

LUDINGTON — A 26-year-old former Ludington man was arrested June 4 by Ludington Police Department on a charge relating to a home invasion and assault that allegedly took place last October. Austin Marten Billings of Ann Arbor, was extradited to Mason County from Washenaw County after he was arrested there recently.

Billings was arraigned this week in Mason County’s 79th District Court for home invasion first degree, aggravated assault, and being a third-time habitual offender. He is being accused of entering a home in the 400 block of East Foster Street and assaulting his former girlfriend’s boyfriend while he was sleeping. He then allegedly left the premises and police were unable to locate him. At the time, he was also wanted on an outstanding warrant from Manistee County.

Home invasion first degree is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both. Aggravated assault is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both. Habitual offender status could double punishment time.

Billings’ has an extensive criminal history. On March 1, 2017, he was found guilty in 79th District Court for using a non-narcotic controlled substance and was sentenced to 69 days in jail with credit for 68 days served; one year discretionary jail for two years. His driver’s license was also suspended for one year and restricted for 305 days and eh was ordered to a recovery center in the Upper Peninsula.

On Nov. 12, 2014, he was found guilty in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court for possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced Dec. 16, 2014, to one year in jail with credit for 89 days served; serving four months up front with the balance to be held at the court’s discretion; two years probation. Two counts of controlled substance, possession of a non-narcotic – second offense, were dismissed.

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On Sept. 20, 2014, he was found guilty in 79th District Court for fighting – disorderly person. He was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served; 30 days discretionary jail for one year; and $600 fines and costs.

On June 25, 2013, he was found guilty in 79th District Court for breaking and entering without owner’s permission. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail; $580 in fines and costs; 90 days discretionary jail for one year

On Sept. 25, 2012, he was found guilty in 79th District Court for controlled substance possession non-Narcautic, receiving and concealing property less than $200. His sentenced included 273 days, serving four months up front and a 30-day license suspension with a restriction for 150 days.

A probable cause hearing for the most recent case is scheduled for June 20 at 1:15 p.m. Bond was set at $50,000 cash/surety.

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