Courts

Woman sentenced to 6-40 years in prison for dealing meth

December 5, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 51-year-old woman was sentenced to 72 months (six years) to 40 years in prison for a conviction of delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 2. April Lynn Somsel, who was on parole at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty to the charge, Oct. 22. Her sentence…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published Dec. 5, 2025

December 5, 2025

LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court this week: – Bryan Rojalio Escareno, 45, pleaded guilty Oct. 14 to possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy and third-offense habitual offender and was sentenced Dec. 2 to 15 months to 20 years in prison with credit for 99 days served and $198 in fines and costs. One count of felony…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Dec. 5, 2025

December 5, 2025

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – James Shanklin, Jr., 62, a felony of possession of a narcotic or cocaine less than 25 grams and misdemeanors of operating an unregistered vehicle and open intoxicants in a vehicle. Offense date: Nov. 20, 2025. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office. Bail: $5,000/personal. Preliminary exam: Dec.…

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Appeals court upholds woman’s embezzlement conviction

November 24, 2025

LANSING – The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Jessica Englebrecht, 38, formerly of Scottville, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a press release. Englebrecht was appointed as a guardian and/or conservator for multiple adults from 2017 to 2019.  During that time, she embezzled more than $20,000 from 10 vulnerable adults she was appointed to protect and…

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Man sentenced to 25-40 years in prison for fentanyl death

November 19, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 62-year-old Mason County man will spend the next 24 years in prison for delivering fentanyl to a man, causing his death. David James Monroe was sentenced to 25 to 40 years in prison for a conviction of delivery of fentanyl causing death for the death of William Willoughby, 52, of Ludington.  Monroe…

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