Courts

Suspected gunman on the run in Mears had previous charges pending

August 17, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor GOLDEN TOWNSHIP — The suspected gunman on the loose in Mears, 59-year-old Don Albert Stapel Jr., has misdemeanor charges pending in Oceana County’s 79th District Court. Michigan State Police released an updated photo of Stapel, which is a booking mugshot. Stapel faces charges of larceny less than $200 and trespassing and is scheduled for a…

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Wife charged with open murder for shooting husband

August 15, 2025

HART — Shale Nicole Campos, 46, was arraigned in Oceana County’s 79th District Court Friday, Aug. 15, on charges of open murder and felony firearm for the shooting death of her husband, Jason Campos. “Campos has been charged with the murder of her husband, Jason Campos, at their residence on East Buchanan Road in Ferry Township in the morning hours…

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79th District Court sentencings, published Aug. 13, 2025

August 13, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Maguire Alan Crothers, 19, pleaded guilty Aug. 12 to operating while impaired and was sentenced to one day in jail with credit for one day served; Alcohol Highway Safety Education; and $1,055 in fines and costs. One count of operating while intoxicated was dismissed. Wendelin Lee Barnes,…

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79th District Court sentencings, published Aug. 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Alberto Tejada, Jr., 39, pleaded guilty July 22 to domestic violence and was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for time served; six months probation; and $525 in fines and costs. Marcelino Gonzalez, 51, pleaded guilty July 23 to second-offense driving while license suspended and…

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51st Circuit Court sentencings, published Aug. 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court:  – Devon Izac Mathew Smith, 29, pleaded guilty June to fourth-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer and was sentenced Aug. 4 to two months in jail with credit for 16 days served; two years probation; and $258 in fines and costs, according to court records. Charges…

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