Courts

Man sentenced to prison for spitting on police officer

February 25, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 47-year-old man who was found guilty by a jury last November of a felony charge of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police was sentenced to two to four years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Feb. 24. David Robert Southern was convicted following a three-day trial, Nov. 14. The jury, however, acquitted Southern…

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79th District Court misdemeanor arraignments, published Feb. 24, 2026

February 24, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently on misdemeanor charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Darica Marie Brooks, 27, aggravated assault. Offense date: Jan. 1, 2026. Agency: Ludington Police Department. Bail: $500/cash. Pretrial: April 6 at 9 a.m. Douglas Alan Gardner, 55, second-offense domestic violence. Offense date: Feb. 1, 2026. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Bail: $500/personal recognizance…

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Jury acquits Ludington man of CSC charges

February 20, 2026

LUDINGTON — A jury found Evan Lee Fargo, 34, not guilty of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) following an eight-day trial in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Thursday, Feb. 19. Fargo faced up to life in prison had he been convicted of first-degree CSC. The case was prosecuted by the Michigan State Attorney General’s Office, and Oceana County…

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Man sentenced to prison for drug convictions

February 20, 2026

LUDINGTON — A 48-year-old man was sentenced to prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Feb. 17, for three drug convictions. Randy Wayne Hammond, pleaded guilty Dec. 9, 2025 to possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy; possession of cocaine, heroin or another narcotic; possession of analogues; and second-offense habitual offender, according to court records. Hammond was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Susan K.…

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79th District Court felony arraignments, published Feb. 20, 2026

February 20, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently on felony charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: – Gary Lee Herbert, 52, pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2025 to failure to register as a sex offender and was sentenced Feb. 17, 2026 to seven months in jail with credit for 69 days served; two years probation; and $398 in fines and costs.…

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