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Brandon DeJonge
Homeless man sentenced for break-ins, receiving stolen property.
#MasonCountyCrime
By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.
LUDINGTON – A 27-year-old homeless man was sentenced to serve 10 months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term for two counts of breaking and entering a building with intent, receiving and concealing stolen property $1,000-$20,000 and third-offense habitual offender Tuesday, April 9, in 51st Circuit Court.
Brandon Gene DeJonge pleaded guilty to the charges last month.
DeJonge was also facing three felony counts of second-degree home invasion, which were dismissed in exchange for his plea.
His habitual offender status elevated his maximum possible term to 20 years.
DeJonge testified in March that he broke into an apartment on Madison Street in Ludington. “We went through the window,” he said. “I was with another person, and I followed them through.”
DeJonge said a crow bar was used to get through the door during another break-in.
He testified that he received and concealed electronics and DVDs that were stolen from Walmart and Meijer. “I took part in it,” he said.
“This series of offenses represents three different attempts and completed break-ins to the same person,” said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. The victim was “targeted,” and it was “retribution for not being nice to his girlfriend.
“You’re putting very little effort into your life,” the judge said. “At 27, you’re old enough to to know how to support yourself.”
The judge ordered $200 in restitution for the break-ins that is joint and several with DeJonge’s co-defendant. Restitution in receiving and concealing case is open for 90 days.
Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said DeJonge has previous convictions of arson of personal property and breaking and entering with intent.
He received credit for 131 days served in jail and was ordered to serve two years of probation.
Sentencing guidelines in the case are 10-34 months.
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