Man sent to prison for assaulting ex-girlfriend

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

LUDINGTON — A 44-year-old man was sentenced to a minimum of 18 months to a maximum of 30 years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, April 7, for a conviction of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder and fourth-offense habitual offender.

Milton

Earnest Milton III pleaded no contest to the charges Feb. 24.

“He assaulted his ex-girlfriend — he pulled her around by her hair, and he choked her until she lost consciousness,” said Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand. “She was able to get free and ran out of the house and through a wooded area to a stranger’s house where she was able to take refuge and the police were called. She was seen by EMS because her neck/throat was very sore. She did have some minor injuries—scrapes and abrasions. 

“This took place in the victim’s home in Grant Township,” said Prosecutor Hand. The offense date listed in his criminal file is June 19, 2024.

“His sentencing guidelines were in the range of 10-46 months. I requested a minimum of 36 months with the Michigan Department of Corrections. The court imposed the sentence of 18 months MDOC.”

Milton had seven prior felonies and 10 prior misdemeanors and served two previous prison terms, said the prosecutor.  

“His act of violence against this woman was completely senseless and stemmed from her turning down his invitation to accompany him to the beach. His rage had no justification. The victim in this case clearly exhibited her fear. She did nothing to deserve the terror he brought upon her. He has numerous previous acts of domestic violence, both felonious acts and misdemeanors. He belongs where he now will be—in prison.”

One count of third-offense domestic violence was dismissed in the case, according to court records. A felony count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and misdemeanors of operating without insurance and operating without a license were dismissed in a separate criminal case. No weapon was used in the assault case, said Hand.

He received credit for 51 days served in jail.

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