Mears man faces year in jail for felonious assault.

Fred Tanner, Jr., with his attorney, Rick Prysock.

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

HART — A 29-year-old Mears man faces up to a year in jail after pleading “no contest” in 27th Circuit Court Monday, June 6, to felonious assault.

Fred Austin Tanner, Jr., of 69 S. 56th Ave., Mears, was arrested April 29 by Michigan State Police troopers from the Hart post for felonies of first-degree home invasion, firearms – possession by a felon, and felony firearm. Those charges were dismissed in a plea agreement when he pleaded to the added fourth count. Tanner’s jail time will be capped at one year as part of the agreement, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

Tanner’s co-defendant, Nicholas John Erickson, 38, of 69 S. 56th Ave., Mears, also pleaded to felonious assault, Bizon said.

Tanner and Erickson “rushed the door” of a home in Grant Township and assaulted a victim. A shotgun was introduced, but not fired, Bizon said. Tanner and Erickson took the shotgun, which belonged to the victim, and left with it. The victim may have been struck by the gun by the assailants swinging it at him, the prosecutor said.

Tanner pleaded no contest “due to his state of intoxication at the time of the offense,” said his attorney Rick Prysock.

Sentencing is set for July 18 at 9 a.m.