McCallum receives 6 to 20 years in prison

LUDINGTON — Mark McCallum received a sentence of 6 to 20 years in prison today on charges of embezzlement of $20,000 to $50,000. In May, the Hamlin Township resident agreed to a plea agreement in 51st Circuit Court.

The previous month he received 28 months to 15 years in prison for custodial interference in connection to the February 2012 abduction of his children. During the time he took his children, McCallum was going through a divorce with his wife, Sharon Kludy. Against the order of probate court, he did not return the children following a weekend visitation.

The 52-year-old was charged in connection to the 2012 incident in which he took his two children from Ludington, stole a vehicle and various items and drove to Key West, Fla. McCallum was a caretaker for several cottage owners.

The vehicle, owned by Don Janish was a 2007 Chevy Tahoo. The first embezzlement charge stems from the stealing of that vehicle. The second charge stems from stealing valuables such as sterling silver, a decorative plate and jewelry taken from Dick and Allison Puffer of Hamlin Township. Another larceny charge was dropped during the plea agreement.

He was also sentenced for embezzlement of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, habitual offender third offense. For that charge he was sentenced 3.5 to 10 years in prison.

A charge of home invasion was dismissed but McCallum will still have to pay restitution to the victim of $12,450. Members of the Gravison family, whom the home invasion charge stemmed, were in the courtroom.

The sentences are expected to run concurrent with each other and also with the custodial interference sentence.

“I’m not a threat to anybody and I don’t want anyone to think that I’m a threat,” McCallum told the court. “Sharon (his ex-wife) seems to think I’m going to be a threat to her when I get out. I only hurt myself. I would never hurt her or the kids. I’m sorry that everyone thinks that I’m an evil person but I’m not. I just want my life back someday and I’m sorry.”

In a previous interview with MCP, Kludy said she was afraid of her safety when McCallum gets out. She and several family members have described him as manipulative and controlling.