By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
HART — A 58-year-old Hart man was sentenced in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, March, 10, to two to 15 years in prison for a felony conviction of assault with intent to rob while unarmed.
Lujano Paniagua
Francisco Lujano Paniagua pleaded guilty to the charge Jan. 6. Felony charges of assault with intent to rob while armed and felony firearm — pneumatic gun were dismissed. The charges stemmed from an incident involving a BB gun and a juvenile accomplice.
The juvenile possessed a BB gun, which looked like a pistol, during the robbery, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.
“Paniagua was intoxicated,” said Bizon. “He went to a home in Hart; knocked on a door; and then started demanding money from the victim as if the victim owed Paniagua money. The victim did not owe Paniagua money — the victim did not even know Paniagua.”
The robbery occurred March 14, 2024, shortly after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Jefferson Street in the City of Hart, according to Hart Police Chief Juan Salazar. After the investigation was completed, a report was submitted to the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued. Paniagua turned himself in to the Hart Police Department, said Chief Salazar.
He received credit for 303 days served in jail and was ordered to pay $598 in fines and costs, according to court records.
The juvenile who was with Paniagua has moved from Oceana County, said Bizon. “The Ottawa County Juvenile Court is returning the matter to Oceana County Probate Court for adjudication. Juvenile cases have jurisdiction where the child resides. If adjusted, the file will be returned to Ottawa for disposition and supervision.”
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