4 receive sentences in circuit court

LUDINGTON — Four people received sentences this week in 51st Circuit Court. Two of the cases were for second degree murder, another was for a sex offender who has failed to register for the fourth time.

– Lashawn Marie Whipple, 19, 2192 Beardsly Rd., Sheridan, Mich., was found guilty of Second Degree Murder (count 6), Unlawfully Driving Away a Motor Vehicle (count 4) and Assault with Intent to Commit Murder (count 5) on Sept. 11. She received the following sentence this week: Count 4: 3 to 5 years in prison; Count 5: 30 to 60 years in prison; Count 6: 30 to 60 years in prison. Counts are to run concurrent. She also must pay $5,683 in fines. See related story

– Patrick Michael-Thomas Bentley, 21, 3046 N. Amber Rd., Victory Twp., was found guilty on Nov. 13 for Felony Firearms (count 2), Arson (count 4), Unlawfully Driving Away a Motor Vehicle (Count 5), Second Degree Murder (Count 6 and 7). He received the following sentence this week: Count 2: 2 years in prison; Count 4: 6 to 10 years in prison; Count 5: 3 to 5 years in prison; Count 6: 45 to 65 years in prison; Count 7: 46 to 65 years in prison. Sentences are to run concurrent. He was also ordered to pay $5,819.05 in fines.
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– James Russell Daugherty, 57, 3624 W. Forrest Hill Circle, Ludington, was found guilty on Nov. 13 for Controlled Substance Offense. On Dec. 18 he received the following sentence: 365 days in jail, serving 120 days up front, $495 in fines, 18 months probation.

– Brian James Bultema, 52, 1718 Seminole Road, Muskegon, was found guilty on Nov. 13 for Delivering/Manufacturing Controlled Substance, three time habitual offender. On Dec. 18 he received the sentence of 1 to 14 years in prison, $198 in fines.

– Robert Allen Shira, 44, 303 E. Whittier St., Ludington, was found guilty on Nov. 6, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, fourth time habitual offender. He was sentenced Dec. 18 to 2 to 15 years in prison and $198 in fines.