Pentwater man faces jail for stealing hemp plants.

Pentwater man faces jail for stealing hemp plants.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

Alvesteffer

HART — A 26-year-old Pentwater man faces a jail term of up to three months after pleading “no contest” in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Dec. 14, to larceny $1,000-$20,000 for stealing 21 hemp plants last September in Otto Township.

Shawn Ronald Alvesteffer will also be ordered to pay $1,800 in restitution for the theft, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

A felony of methamphetamine possession was dismissed in exchange for his plea.

“Mr. Alvesteffer acknowledges being involved,” said his attorney Timothy Hayes, “but he was intoxicated due to alcohol and controlled substances and can’t remember.” A lack of memory is grounds for a “no contest” plea.

A probation term of two years is likely, said Judge Robert D. Springstead.

Larceny $1,000-$20,000 is a felony punishable by up to five years, and meth possession carries a 10-year maximum prison sentence.

The pretrial hearing was held via Zoom video conferencing due to COVID-19.

Sentencing guidelines are 0-3 months, and sentencing is set for Feb. 8 at 9 a.m.

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