ESCANABA – A Wilson man was sentenced in Circuit Court on Monday regarding a stolen property charge.

Colton Troy Brunette, 24, of Wilson, appeared in Delta County Circuit Court before Judge John Economopoulos for sentencing on charges of receiving and concealing $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred on or about April 29, 2024, when Brunette allegedly aided in the concealment of a stolen 2015 Jeep Cherokee.

He previously pleaded guilty to the charge at the end of May.

Brunette was being sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA).

HYTA is a Michigan statute that allows younger offenders, who were between 17 and 24 years old at the time of the offense, to avoid a criminal conviction if they complete probation or other court-ordered conditions.

Brunette is currently out on bond for the offense.

Delta County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Beth Wickwire said Brunette violated bond on June 6 when Michigan State Police (MSP) made contact with Brunette for an order for DNA evidence.

During the interaction, a K-9 unit performed a free-air sniff on a vehicle driven by Brunette and alerted its handler. The car was towed, and a search warrant was issued.

“The officers found ketamine; that interaction has resulted in pending charges for possession of analogs. I would note that TruNarc was performed on the substance, which indicated that the substance was the drug,” Wickwire said.

Brunette ultimately pleaded no contest to the bond violation as part of an agreement with the defense and the prosecution.

“At this point, he should be proceeding under HYTA, and any further violations will have their own significant consequences,” Wickwire said.

Economopoulos issued a stern warning to Brunette of the consequences of his actions going forward, especially if his sentence is imposed under HYTA.

“You are not starting on the right foot,” Economopoulos said.

Stupak said that through HYTA, the Court is giving Brunette an opportunity.

“The Court is going to give him the key that will either result in no conviction, no incarcerated penalty, or the key will put him in an incarcerated state with a felony conviction,” Stupak said.

He added that Brunette’s parents were providing support, and they feel strongly that they can help their son get on the right track.

“He’ll be walking a very thin line, no doubt, and he’ll be watched pretty carefully,” Defense Attorney Trent Stupak said.

Economopoulos then sentenced Brunette for the original stolen property offense under HYTA.

“The Court will be adopting the recommendation of the implementation of HYTA, since we are currently in the phase of HYTA sentencing, the proceedings from this point forward will not be open to the public,” Economopoulos said.

The Court then closed the hearing before a sentence was imposed.

Brunette will be in district court for a preliminary hearing on the possession of analogues charge on Thursday, July 31.