Courts

Man accused of CSC faces 25-year minimum prison term

October 3, 2023

Man accused of CSC faces 25-year minimum prison term By Allison Scarbrough, Editor LUDINGTON — A 57-year-old man charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) appeared in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Oct. 3, for a final trial conference.  Joseph Fredrick Pereira is accused of sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 13. His criminal…

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79th District Court arraignments, posted Oct. 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

79th District Court arraignments, posted Oct. 2, 2023 By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Michael Allen Alexander, 30; aggravated stalking, malicious destruction of personal property, and third offense habitual offender; arrested July 1 by Michigan State Police; arraigned Sept. 25; probable cause hearing: Oct. 4; bail: $50,000…

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79th District Court arraignments, posted Sept. 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

79th District Court arraignments, posted Sept. 22, 2023 By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer. LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Mark Lazon Casterman, 58; homicide/open murder, operating a vehicle under the influence causing death, driving while license suspended causing death, and third-offense operating under the influence of liquor; arrested Sept. 15 by Mason…

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No charges to be filed in June 30 Bryant Road crash

September 19, 2023

No charges to be filed in June 30 Bryant Road crash LUDINGTON — There will be no charges filed against an 80-year-old Pere Marquette Township man who was involved in a fatal vehicle crash last summer. On June 30, 2023, Michael McConnell was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV west on Bryant Road when he initiated a left turn and…

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GR man charged with homicide in vehicular death of wife

September 17, 2023

GR man charged with homicide in vehicular death of wife By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — A 58-year-old Grand Rapids man has been charged with four counts in the death of his wife resulting from an incident on North US 31 Friday morning. Mark Lazon Casterman has been charged with the following felonies: Homicide – open murder, punishable by up…

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