Man sentenced for resisting/opposing deputy causing injury.

Man sentenced for resisting/opposing deputy causing injury.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

Dodson

LUDINGTON — A 54-year-old Branch Township man was sentenced to time served for a conviction of resisting and opposing a sheriff’s deputy causing injury in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, June 9.

A 12-member jury found Robb Ray Dodson, of 6925 E. Bockstandz Road, guilty following a criminal trial, Feb. 13. The jury rendered its verdict exactly one year after Dodson’s arrest on Feb. 13, 2019.

Dodson assaulted Sgt. John Balowski who had been investigating a child custody matter in the 6600 block of East US 10.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Middlebrook, who tried the case, said his reason was threefold as to why he didn’t recommend any upfront jail time. Dodson is the primary caregiver for his daughter who is disabled; the COVID-19 situation could potentially expose his daughter if he was jailed; and Dodson’s own medical issues.

“Officer Balowski has no ill will and left all sentencing recommendations up to the court,” Middlebrook said.

Dodson’s attorney Peter VanGelderen said his client has only one prior criminal conviction of aggravated assault in 2005.

Dodson appeared in court via Zoom videoconferencing due to COVID-19.

Judge Susan K. Sniegowski sentenced Dodson to serve two days up front of a one-year discretionary jail term with credit for two days served, one year probation and $4,380 in restitution.

“This was a very complicated situation complicated by multiple people — not just Mr. Dodson,” said Judge Sniegowski. “Although you had valid concerns, the way you reacted to the officer was inappropriate.” She said “tempers flared” creating a “firestorm.”

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