3 Headed to Prison

HARRISON – On March 15, 2024, Waldo Dewey Bruner of Gladwin pleaded guilty as charged to two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree (force or coercion) and as a habitual offender 4th offense. The convictions stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Clare County Sheriff’s Department at the end of 2023. Prosecutor Ambrozaitis handled the case for the prosecution.

He was sentenced on May 6, 2024, by Judge Tara Hovey. He was ordered to spend 3 to 15 years in prison on both counts, which was the maximum sentence the judge could impose. Those sentences will be served concurrently to one another, but consecutively to any term of incarceration as a result of his parole violation. He did not receive any credit for time served while the case was pending because he was on parole for a prior criminal sexual conduct conviction when he committed these offenses. Bruner was also ordered to pay a $136 state fee and $130 crime victim rights fee with no other fines or costs ordered.

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On March 15, 2024, Phillip Martin Hartwig of Harrison pleaded guilty as charged to carjacking. The conviction stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Clare City Police Department in July 2023. Prosecutor Ambrozaitis handled the case for the prosecution.

Hartwig was sentenced on May 6, 2024, pursuant to a Cobbs sentencing agreement with Judge Tara Hovey. He was ordered to spend 2 years to 20 years in prison, and was given credit for 304 days already served. Hartwig was also ordered to pay a total of $258 in fees.

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On March 26, 2024, Steven John Caplan of Harrison pleaded guilty to fleeing and eluding a police officer in the 3rd degree, and as a habitual 3rd offender. A misdemeanor traffic violation was dismissed pursuant to the plea agreement. The conviction stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Clare County Sheriff’s Department in February 2023. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Evans handled the case for the prosecution.

Caplan was sentenced on May 13, 2024, by Judge Roy Mienk. He was ordered to spend 13 months to 10 years in prison, with credit for 183 days already served. He was also ordered to pay a total of $898 in fines, costs and fees.