Man faces prison for stealing vape cartridge during robbery.

Man faces prison for stealing vape cartridge during robbery.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

Hackert

LUDINGTON – A 36-year-old homeless man faces a prison term of 29-114 months after pleading guilty to unarmed robbery in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 11.

Wesley Donald Hackert was arrested last February by Ludington Police Department for robbing AGS Vape Shop, located at 103 S. James St. 

Hackert was confronted by a store employee at the register after the employee witnessed him place two vape refills in his pocket and only claimed to have one. Once confronted, Hackert produced an unfolded pocket knife from his pocket and placed it on the counter. He then put his hands on either side of the open knife and asked the clerk, “What are you gonna do if I run?” The clerk backed away at that point. Hackert then grabbed the knife and left the store with the stolen vanilla-flavored vape refill in his pocket.  

He was found walking several minutes later and was arrested.  

After Hackert was lodged in the Mason County Jail, it was discovered that he also stole two shot glasses from the other AGS store located at 111 E. Ludington Ave. 

Hackert remains lodged in the Mason County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond. He appeared in court Tuesday via Polycom video conferencing from the jail due to COVID-19 precautions.

In exchange for his plea, a felony count of armed robbery — which carries a maximum term of life in prison — and two misdemeanor counts of retail fraud were dismissed.

Unarmed robbery is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, said Mason County Assistant Prosecutor Beth Hand. Hackert’s habitual offender status elevated the maximum possible term for unarmed robbery to life imprisonment, said Hand.

According to Michigan Department of Corrections records, Hackert was discharged from prison April 7, 2020 after serving an 18-month to 15-year term for convictions of larceny in building, possession of a narcotic/cocaine and marijuana possession. He was sentenced on those convictions March 1, 2016.

He has previous convictions resulting in prison terms of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police in 2009 and 2012; larceny in a building in 2014; marijuana possession in 2014; and narcotic/cocaine possession in 2015, according to MDOC. 

Sentencing is set for March 1 at 1 p.m.

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