COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – All three suspects charged in connection with the March 2018 vandalism of over 100 tombstones and grave markers at the Oak Grove North Cemetery were ordered to pay over $54,000 in restitution to the victims during their sentencing hearings on Monday in Branch County Circuit Court.
The trio all entered into plea agreements with Branch County Prosecutors.
19-year-old Jonathon Siler entered a guilty plea to an amended count of malicious destruction of property between $1,000 and $20,000 to memorials and tombstones. Two original counts were dismissed by prosecutors in exchange for his plea and his agreement to testify against the other suspects.
Siler will not have to serve any additional jail time as he was given a 209 day sentence which equaled the time he has already served.
He was placed on probation for two years and was released to the Twin County Probation Center in Three Rivers or to K-PEP depending on where the county probation department wants Siler to go.
20-year old Christopher Palmerton, Junior entered a no contest plea to an amended charge of malicious destruction of tombs and memorials between $1,000 and $20,000 while 19-year-old William Vanness entered a no contest plea to malicious destruction of tombs over $20,000.
Other charges were dismissed in exchange for the no contest pleas. Both had the option of withdrawing their pleas if they were sentenced to prison instead of the Branch County Jail.
Palmerton was given a six month jail sentence with all time over three months suspended. He was given credit for two days already served. Palmerton was also placed on probation for two years with work release being allowed.
Vanness was given an 11 month sentence with credit for 222 days already served. He will be on probation for three years. Once released from jail, Vanness will be placed on an electronic monitor. Community service may also be ordered to assist in paying the restitution amount.
