Courts

Men accused of armed robbery appear in court

January 15, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Two Shelby men accused of robbing the La Mexicana De Pancho grocery store at gunpoint the evening of Dec. 13 appeared in Oceana County’s 79th District Court Tuesday, Jan. 14. Jorge Soriano Benitez, 38, and Miguel Angel Vargas-Mares, 23, both waived their preliminary exams and pleaded not guilty to charges of armed robbery,…

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Man faces 5-15 years in prison for CSC

January 13, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor. HART — A 45-year-old Walkerville man pleaded “no contest” to third-degree criminal sexual conduct in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Jan. 13. Brandon Lee Chase faces a five to 15 year prison term for the conviction. He is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing March 10 at 10:20 a.m. “This sentence was agreed to…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Jan. 9, 2025

January 9, 2025

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Ryan Maynard Galloway, 41, of Newaygo; third-degree home invasion, malicious destruction of property $200-$1,000 and breaking and entering without owner’s permission. Preliminary exam: Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. – Roel Belmares, 30, of Walkerville; assault with intent to do great bodily harm and unlawful driving…

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Jury finds man guilty of CSC

January 9, 2025

HART — A jury found a 26-year-old Hart man guilty of a high-court misdemeanor of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Wednesday, Jan. 8 Ryan Carl Schroeder is scheduled to appear for sentencing March 3. The jury took about an hour to deliberate before returning to the courtroom with a guilty verdict, said Oceana County Prosecuting…

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51st Circuit Court sentencings, published Jan. 7, 2025

January 7, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Timothy Lee Hardy, Sr., 61, pleaded guilty Nov. 18, 2024 to assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced Jan. 6, 2025 to 38 days in jail with credit for 38 days served; one year probation; and $658 in fines and costs. –…

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