Robbery suspect arraigned
By DAN SCHNEIDER, DMG Writer
POSTED: May 20, 2008
L’ANSE — A woman was arraigned this morning on first degree home invasion charges in connection with a robbery early Friday morning.
Michelle Grondin, 36, of L’Anse was arraigned in Baraga County District Court.
The charges stem from a Friday break-in at the residence of Zenobia VanAble. Grondin allegedly confronted the 86-year-old VanAble and demanded money.
Police said VanAble was assaulted and sustained minor injuries during the incident but did not wish to go to the hospital.
L’Anse village police Chief Mike LaBerge said there was no apparent strong connection between the defendant and VanAble.
“They may have seen each other in passing, but that’s about it, no friendly relationship or anything like that as far as I know,” he said.
L’Anse Police Department searched Grondin’s residence in the same trailer park Friday afternoon.
Police had Grondin in custody by the end of the day, Friday, on charges not related to the break-in.
LaBerge said police recovered evidence related to the crime and “a large portion of the money, over half of what was stolen.”
He also said police obtained a confession from Grondin.
More than $3,000 in cash was stolen in the break-in.
First degree home invasion is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Grondin, a habitual offender, is eligible for a maximum prison term of 30 years.
Several police agencies contributed to the robbery investigation.
“We were assisted in the investigation by officers from the Baraga Police Department, Michigan State Police, the Baraga County Sheriff’s Department and the Keweenaw Bay (Indian Community) Tribal Police K-9 unit,” LaBerge said.
Dan Schneider can be reached at dschneider@mininggazette.com
