Wife receives jail term for harboring felon; charges dismissed against husband

Abigail Dutton, at left, with her attorney Melissa Dykman.

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — A 27-year-old Shelby woman convicted of harboring a felon was sentenced to serve 30 days of a nine-month discretionary jail sentence, which she has already served,
in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Dec. 7, for her involvement in hiding her husband who was 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 her husband, Patrick George, when she pleaded guilty Oct. 26

George was arrested last August for his involvement in a hit-and-run crash on Hayes Road in Shelby Township, July 24. Although, the charges against him were dismissed without prejudice, because a witness did not appear in court, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. “Dismissed without prejudice” means that the prosecution can charge him again. The witness was not necessary in the case against Dutton, Bizon said.

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.

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

“Abigail understands the significance of what she did that night,” said her attorney, Melissa Dykman.

Dutton was also ordered to serve one year probation.