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POSTED NOVEMBER 18, 2008

By PATTY RAMUS

News Staff Writer

Randolf Lowell was sentenced on two felony charges during a hearing in the 23rd Circuit Court Tuesday morning.

The Oscoda man appeared before Circuit Court Judge William Myles during his hearing.

During his circuit court arraignment in October, Lowell's attorney Rory Mortimer said his client had entered into a universal plea agreement with the Alcona County Prosecutor's office. Under the agreement, Lowell pleaded no contest to larceny by conversion over $20,000 and larceny by conversion $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 and will be required to pay restitution within two years. Myles accepted the agreement.

Lowell was arrested by the Michigan State Police in June on the charges. Investigators with the MSP, Michigan Department of Treasury Tax Fraud Unit, Michigan Attorney General's Office, Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, FBI and other law enforcement agencies have been involved in the investigation of the case.

The initial investigation revealed Lowell was operating a company called Grey Creek Enterprises in Mikado. He had been accused of engaging in a scheme to defraud people from throughout Michigan and across the country out of tens of thousands of dollars.

During Tuesday's hearing, Myles sentenced Lowell to two years probation and restitution held in reserve, which will have to be paid within the two year probation period. Lowell's probation terms include being prohibited from being self employed, unless he obtains permission from the field officer, and being employed in a position where he has control or access to people's money.

'I thought the judge and everyone came up with a good plan,' Mortimer said of Lowell's sentence.

Alcona County Prosecutor Thomas Weichel asked the court to order Lowell to pay a total of $68,354.79 in restitution with varying amounts of that figure going to three individuals.

'Those were the amounts of checks and deposits. The victims have nothing to show for it,' he said.

Mortimer said he had disputes with some of the amounts because of civil suits involving his client. He requested the court to hold a hearing to determine the amounts.

Weichel said he thought Lowell's sentence is fair as long as the determined restitution amounts are paid in full.

Patty Ramus can be reached via e-mail at pramus@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.

Cheryl
Wakefield, Rhode Island
U.S.A.