Over $22K in restitution ordered in trailer theft case

August 4, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

Nichols

HART — A 38-year-old Pierson, Mich. man was ordered in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Aug. 3, to pay over $22,000 in restitution for stealing a utility trailer from a local contractor.

Jared Matthew Nichols pleaded guilty, June 8, to larceny $1,000-$20,000.

“He stole a utility trailer from a local contractor,” said Oceana County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon. “The trailer was customized for their work purposes. The restitution reflects the loss of the victim and insurance coverage/payments on the loss.”

In addition to the $22,136. 89 in restitution, Judge Susan K. Sniegowski sentenced Nichols to five months in jail with credit for three days served and 18 months probation. He was also ordered to pay $598 in fines and costs. Court records indicate that work release will be allowed if he is eligible.

He was arrested by the Pentwater Police Department stemming from an April 1, 2026 offense date, court records state.

_______________________________________

Please Support Local News Coverage

For generations, local newspapers were supported by subscriptions. Today, while Mason County Press and Oceana County Press remain free to everyone, the cost of producing quality local journalism continues to rise.

If you value independent local news coverage, we invite you to help sustain it by subscribing to the MCP/OCP Daily Briefing for $12 a month — about 40 cents a day — or $120 a year.

Your subscription helps support the reporters, photographers and editors who cover local government, schools, community events, sports, breaking news and the stories that matter most to Mason and Oceana counties. In return, you’ll receive the MCP/OCP Daily Briefing each morning with the day’s headlines, along with occasional breaking news and special email editions.

Monthly subscriptions are available for $12 per month.
Click here to subscribe monthly.

Annual subscriptions are available for $120 per year. That’s a two month savings!
Click here to subscribe annually.

If you prefer to pay by check, mail your $120 annual payment to:

Media Group 31, LLC
P.O. Box 21
Scottville, MI 49454

Please include your name, mailing address, email address and telephone number so we can activate your subscription.

Subscription payments must be received before service is activated.

Whether you choose to subscribe or continue enjoying our free content, thank you for reading Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. Your readership—and your support—helps ensure that independent local journalism remains available to everyone in our communities.

This story and original photography are copyrighted © 2026 by Media Group 31, LLC, P.O. Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. All rights reserved. No portion of this story or its images may be reproduced in any form, including print, broadcast or electronic media, without the express written permission of Media Group 31, LLC.

As a news organization, Media Group 31 maintains published content as part of the public and historical record. Accordingly, stories are not removed after publication. At the editor’s discretion, stories may be updated or corrected as new information becomes available. Updates may be made by revising the original story or by publishing a follow-up story. Media Group 31, LLC reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Please refer to our Use Policy for additional information.

 

 

 

Support Local Journalism

Area Churches