WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A Sturgis-area resident who played a part in the arson that destroyed Welch’s Steak and Ribs three years ago was sentenced last week to two years in federal prison.
Following proceedings at U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, Jason Lumbard was sentenced Friday. The 29-year-old Howe, Ind., resident, who had close ties to Sturgis, was arrested, tried and convicted after spending two years on the run from authorities.
In 2009, he fled the area and wound up in the Asian country of Burma, where forged paperwork and a fake passport allowed him to teach at a school in the country.
He awaits trial in St. Joseph County, where he faces charges of breaking and entering, larceny, malicious destruction of property, arson and absconding on bond.
