Home invasion suspect arraigned. 

Jason Varnes

Home invasion suspect arraigned. 

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

LUDINGTON — Jason Timothy Varnes, 39, 1719 E. Maggie Road, Branch Township, was arraigned Monday in 79th District Court on felony charges of home invasion, second degree and misdemeanor charges of larceny of $20 or more but less than $1,000. Varnes was arrested by Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputies Saturday, Jan. 9, shortly after 3:30 p.m. after deputies responded to a reported breaking and entering in progress in the 2500 block of North Larson Road in Sheridan Township.

“The homeowner had come home to find a suspicious vehicle in his yard and the residence front door standing open,” said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. “Upon self-investigation, the homeowner, found a male subject inside the home. Upon being confronted by the homeowner, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.

“Based on information provided, including the suspect vehicle description, a ‘be on the lookout’ was broadcast as deputies were responding. A DNR conservation officer patrolling the area spotted the suspect vehicle and detained the suspect until MCSO patrol deputies could arrive.”

Several items were recovered from the suspect and his vehicle that were reportedly stolen from the victim’s home.

Probable cause hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2021. Bail was set at $50,000 cash/surety. Varnes remains lodged in the Mason County Jail awaiting arraignment.

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