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Clark
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Traverse City man pleaded guilty during a pretrial in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Oct. 29, to first-degree retail fraud and third-offense habitual offender.
Dustin Douglas Clark, who is free after posting 10 percent of a $7,500 bond, faces a one-year jail sentence in exchange for his plea.
“The offer put on the record is 12 months if he pleads guilty,” said Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand. Clark stole a car stereo, which he removed from the packaging and put under his shirt, and cologne and perfume from the Ludington area Walmart, said Hand. Clark admitted that he stole merchandise, which totaled nearly $400, April 7, 2024.
The maximum term is five years in prison, and the third-offense habitual offender status elevates the maximum to 10 years, said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski.
He has previous retail fraud convictions in Mason County in 2023; Muskegon County in 2022; and Ottawa County in 2020, said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, and has meth possession convictions in Mason County in 2023 and Oceana County in 2021.
Sentencing is set for Jan 21 at 10 a.m.
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