.png)
Christopher Sekenske
Man sent to jail for breaking down door to former girlfriend’s house.
#MasonCountyCrime
By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.
LUDINGTON — A 22-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to serve eight months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, March 20, for a conviction of third-degree home invasion.
Christopher Joseph Sekenske, of 2041 N. Jebavy Dr., broke down the door to his former girlfriend’s house, causing significant damage, and assaulted her, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola.
“My daughter was scared to death for a very long time — our entire family was,” said the victim’s mother who testified as a witness during his sentencing. “He attacked her,” she said. “She feared for her life that night. I think his sentence is very light. He’s very lucky.”
He was arrested Oct. 3 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office for a felony of first-degree home invasion. The more serious charge was dismissed when he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.
Sekenske suffers from “two major issues,” said Spaniola. The defendant has “a serious substance issue involving alcohol and opiates and other substances of a very serious nature.” Spaniola said he’s encouraged that Sekenske is currently in treatment for his substance abuse issues.
“He has some issues with respect to power and control of members of the opposite sex,” Spaniola cited as the second issue. “I think he’s going to need to pretty serious intervention.”
Sekenske is scheduled for a plea and sentencing in 79th District Court for marijuana possession April 17.
“I know my client is very sorry what he did that day,” said his attorney Ryan Glandville, citing the couple’s “on-again, off-again relationship.”
The victim had called Sekenske earlier that day to help her after she had gotten into a car crash, and he came to her aide, the defense attorney said.
“He’s not going to be the person he was on this night ever again,” Glandville said.
Sekenske apologized to the victim’s mother. “I went there with good intentions, and it got out of hand. You and your family do not have to worry about me harming you.”
“I’ve taken advantage of all the resources to help me,” he said of his treatment. “I want to make sure I continue on the path that I am, and I don’t want to go down the wrong path.”
“Mr. Sekenske, it’s clear to the court that you have a very serious substance abuse issue,” said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski.
Sniegowski ordered 18 months probation. He received credit for 18 days served in jail and 28 days in treatment for a total of 46 days. He is ordered to have no contact with victim. The judge allowed work release if it meets Mason County Sheriff’s Office guidelines.
Sekenske was also ordered to pay $2,555.88 restitution.
Sentencing guidelines in the case are 5-23 months.
This story is copyrighted © 2018, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
.jpg)
