Courts

Man sent to prison for third-offense domestic violence

January 21, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old man was sentenced to 20 months to 10 years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 20, for a conviction of third-offense domestic violence. Austin Grant Mareches pleaded guilty to the charge, Nov. 18. He received credit for 146 days served in jail. Mareches committed the crime Aug.…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published Jan. 17, 2026

January 17, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced this week in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court: – David Alan Hawley, 70, pleaded guilty Nov. 4 to accosting children for immoral purposes and was sentenced Jan. 13 to two days in jail with credit for two days served; five years probation; and $658 in fines and costs. Charges of child sexually abusive activity…

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Man sent to prison for Walmart shoplifting scheme

January 14, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 45-year-old man was sentenced to two concurrent prison terms of 18 months to 30 years in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 13, for two felony convictions of first-degree retail fraud. John Alex Humphrey II received credit for 175 days served in jail. He was ordered to pay a total of…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Jan. 12, 2026

January 12, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Rachelle Joyce Fitch, 53, methamphetamine/ecstasy possession. Offense date: Aug. 9, 2025. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Preliminary exam: Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m. Bail: $5,000/personal recognizance (PR). – Bonnie Joan Graham, methamphetamine/ecstasy possession. Offense date: July 17, 2025. Agency: State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Jan. 3, 2026

January 3, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Jerud Edward Baker, 48, methamphetamine/ecstasy possession. Offense date: Dec. 30, 2025. Bail: $5,000/10 percent. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Preliminary exam: Jan. 14 at 1:30 p.m. – Graham Joseph Crawford, 43, third-offense operating while intoxicated — with a high blood alcohol content (BAC) and…

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