Home invader sent to prison.

Boyette

Home invader sent to prison.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART — A 37-year-old Twin Lake man was sentenced to 18 months to 15 years in prison for a conviction of second-degree home invasion in 27 Circuit Court, Jan. 31.

Phillip Arthur Boyette, whose address is listed as 8879 20th St., pleaded guilty, Nov. 15. During his testimony before Judge Robert D. Springstead, Boyette said that he was motivated to steal in order to pay a debt for his methamphetamine habit.

He was arrested last September by Oceana County sheriff’s deputies.

Boyette was initially charged in five separate criminal cases facing felony charges of first-degree home invasion; felony firearm; larceny $1,000-$20,000; two counts of breaking and entering a building with intent; and two counts of methamphetamine possession (one of the charges stems from a 2018 incident). 

In exchange for his plea, the other charges were dismissed. 

Boyette’s sentencing guidelines were calculated at 15-25 months, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. 

Boyette testified that he stole a Side-by-Side ORV from a garage on East Buchanan Road in Ferry Township June 9, 2021. He said that he went with co-defendant David William Cross, 38, of 8968 US 10, Branch, to steal from the property.

“I owed him a debt, and I was trying to pay him back,” said Boyette. When asked, he told Judge Springstead that he owed about $1,000 for methamphetamine. He testified that Cross also owed a meth debt.

He told the judge that he and Cross stole generators and other items from the house. Cross brought the stolen goods to the door, and Boyette carried them out to the vehicle. 

Boyette was given credit for 151 days served in jail. He was ordered to pay restitution totaling $7,473, along with $198 in fines and costs.

The maximum penalty for second-degree home invasion is 15 years in prison.

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