Man sent to jail for attempted strangulation.

Bernard Bovee, Jr., with attorney Al Swanson, Jr.

Man sent to jail for attempted strangulation.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON – A 46-year-old Sheridan Township man was sentenced to serve five months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term Tuesday, Jan. 28, in 51st Circuit Court for convictions of attempted assault by strangulation, domestic violence and third-offense habitual offender.

Bernard Joe Bovee, Jr., of 6590 E. Beech St., pleaded guilty to the charges, Nov. 5. One count of assault by strangulation was dismissed.

Bovee testified that on Sept. 16 he and his girlfriend got into an argument and he attempted to assault her by strangulation.

Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola described the incident as “a very serious matter. The defendant has caused long-term difficulty of the victim. She remains traumatized.”

The victim required hospital treatment, Spaniola said, adding that she was “choked out for three minutes.”

“He rationalizes his behavior by blaming the victim,” he said.

“He’s accepted his responsibility in this case,” said Bovee’s attorney, Al Swanson, Jr.

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 7-34 months.

Bovee was convicted in Mason County in 2002 of second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and and fourth-degree CSC, Spaniola said.

He received credit for two days served in jail. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski also ordered two years probation.

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