‘Facebook feud’ lands pair in jail.

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

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By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

HART — Two Mears men convicted of felonious assault stemming from “a Facebook feud that went bad” were sentenced to one year in jail in 27th Circuit Court Monday, July 18.

Fred Austin Tanner, Jr., 29, and Nicholas John Erickson, 38, “rushed the door” of a home in Grant Township and assaulted a victim, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. “It was a Facebook feud that went bad.” One of the men was dating the victim’s sister, he said.

Erickson

“They busted in the door and beat him up pretty badly,” Bizon said.

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 and Erickson were also ordered to pay $3,679.15 in restitution.

Tanner received credit for 55 days served in jail, and Erickson received credit for 81 days served in jail.

Both were ordered to two years probation; may not use alcohol or drugs; and must not have contact with the victim.

The pair were 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 plea agreements when they pleaded to the added fourth count.