WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the sentence of a man convicted of running over a woman at a local grocery store nearly four years ago.
Thomas Stambaugh argued in his appeal that his sentence of 19 to 40 years in prison was unconstitutional, disproportionate and cruel or unusual punishment. He also argued it was in violation of his due process to have prior convictions considered when setting guideline ranges as well in relation to his habitual-offender enhancement.
The court of appeals disagreed.
“In this case, we hold that the 19-year minimum sentence was proportionate to the circumstances surrounding the offense and the offender. With respect to defendant’s record, he is plainly a recidivist criminal who has clearly demonstrated an unwillingness to obey the law after numerous previous encounters with the criminal justice system. The trial court realized that defendant’s reformation could not be accomplished by another slap on the wrist and that a lengthy prison sentence was necessary to protect society and end any danger posed by defendant’s out-of-control drug abuse and addiction,” the court’s opinion states.
The opinion further notes a social worker and certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor provided a sentencing memorandum to the trial court.
Laura Jacobs, 62, died in June 2020 after Stambaugh hit and ran her over in a truck in the Three River’s Meijer parking lot.
