News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Judge Ed Black returned to the bench Monday at the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena.

ALPENA — 26th Circuit Court Judge Ed Black returned to the bench Monday after six months away to hear the cases of those with criminal charges.

Dustin Haske, 34, was arraigned on six counts of criminal sexual conduct first degree and two counts of criminal sexual conduct third degree. Haske’s attorney, Patrick Fragel, informed Judge Black that he sent a resolution to Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Alyssa Miller. Miller said that after discussing with the victim she will send back a counter offer. Haske will next be in court on Aug. 18.

Brandon Hall, 33, had a status conference. Hall has been charged with multiple counts for stalking, domestic violence, malicious use of telecommunication services, and internet communication with another to commit a crime. Attorney Bill Pfeifer said he ordered transcripts of Hall’s preliminary examination that he needed time to look through before the next status conference. Hall will be in court again on Aug. 18.

Anthony Stokes, 51, entered a plea deal. Count one for domestic violence was dismissed, along with a third habitual offender notice. An additional charge for domestic violence was added as part of the plea agreement with the habitual offender notice reduced to a second offense. Stokes pleaded guilty to the additional charge. Stokes’ sentencing will take place on Sept. 2.

James Berndt, 58, had a status conference. There has been discussion of a settlement on the matter, but nothing to present to the court about it Monday. Berndt is scheduled for a jury trial on July 28. He has been charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Dominick Medlin, 34, had a status conference. Medlin was found guilty from the verdict of a jury trial on one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and one count of domestic violence. He was sentenced in 2023. On May 5, he had a hearing due to his case being overturned by the Court of Appeals. Medlin is scheduled for jury trial on July 28.

Gabriel Wikaryasz, 30, was sentenced to one year in jail with credit for 170 days and two years probation for charges including two counts of police officer assaulting/resisting/obstructing and two counts of possession of methamphetamine.

Jessica Owens, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cocaine. She will be sentenced on Sept. 2.

Rebecca Tews, 46, entered a plea deal. She pleaded guilty to three counts of delivery of methamphetamine. A fourth and fifth count of delivery of methamphetamine were dismissed. Tews will be sentenced on Sept. 2.

Robert Rios, 36, was sentenced to one year probation and a delayed sentence. If he completes probation successfully, he will be eligible for 7411 status, meaning that his charges will be taken off the record. Rios was sentenced for two counts of controlled substance delivery/manufacturing which he pleaded guilty to.

John Krieg, 45, was sentenced to one year probation for possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy. He will receive 7411 status upon successful completion of probation.

Alissa Bowden, 24, was sentenced to 60 days in jail and 18 months probation on charges of controlled substances — maintaining a drug house and child abuse fourth degree. Bowden’s attorney Rick Steiger asked if Bowden could turn herself into jail later in the day to deal with some family matters. Judge Black agreed on the stipulation that if she does not turn herself in by Monday evening, she would serve 120 days in jail.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.