Shelby woman pleads guilty to harboring hit-and-run suspect

Abigail Dutton with her attorney, John Greer.

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — A 27-year-old Shelby woman pleaded guilty to harboring a felon in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Oct. 26, for her involvement in hiding a suspect accused of a hit-and-run accident with a skateboarder.

Abigail Delight Dutton, of 64 S. Michigan Ave., testified that she aided in the concealment of Patrick George, who she said is her husband.

In exchange for her plea, Dutton’s jail time will be capped at 30 days, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. She will receive credit for 14 days served in jail and will be released after serving good time of 25 days. Dutton’s bond will be reduced to a personal recognizance bond, so she can be released. Sentencing is set for Dec. 7.

Dutton testified Monday that on Aug. 26 in the Village of Shelby she aided in concealment of George who was wanted by police. “Is it true that you gave law enforcement erroneous information?” Judge Anthony A. Monton asked. “I told them he wasn’t there (at their home),” Dutton testified.

George was arrested last August for his involvement in a hit-and-run crash on Hayes Road in Shelby Township, July 24.

Skateboarder Mitchell Gray Mather, 17, received up to five fractures to his leg when he was struck by a 1997 silver four-door Ford Taurus near 72nd Avenue at 10:22 p.m. He underwent reconstructive surgery at Hackley Campus Mercy Health Muskegon as a result of the injuries.

George reportedly fled the scene and was on the lam for approximately a month until his arrest.