Man sentenced to jail for stealing Model A Ford.

TerHaar

Man sentenced to jail for stealing Model A Ford.n 

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By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old Branch man was sentenced to serve eight months up front of a one-year jail term for a conviction of unlawfully driving away an automobile/car theft in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Joseph Benjamin TerHaar, of 945 N. Tyndall Rd., pleaded guilty to the felony charge Dec. 4.

TerHaar appeared in court Tuesday from the Mason County Jail via Polycom video conferencing due to COVID-19 precautions.

The Model A Ford, which was stolen from a garage, has been recovered, said Mason County Prosecutor Lauren Kreinbrink. The car’s value has not been determined. 

One count of larceny in a building was dismissed.

TerHaar has “other significant charges pending in Mason and Manistee counties,” said the prosecutor. According to Mason County court records, TerHaar faces felony drug charges including delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine.

Although it is his first felony conviction, TerHaar has eight prior misdemeanor convictions, said Kreinbrink.

“He immediately wanted to take responsibility for this,” said defense attorney Ashley Siegel, adding that her client is remorseful. 

“I’m just really sorry for what I did,” said TerHaar. “I’m trying to better my life. I found God, and I read every day which helps me cope.”

Sentencing guidelines in the case are five to 23 months, said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, who also ordered two years probation. 

TerHaar received credit for 71 days served in jail.

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