Inmate sentenced to additional prison time for writing bad checks

David Markham with his attorney, David Glancy.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON —A 32-year-old Elwell, Michigan man currently lodged in the Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee was sentenced Tuesday, Dec. 1, in 51st Circuit Court to 18 months to 14 years in prison for convictions of uttering and publishing and larceny in a building.

David Tabber Markham is currently serving a one to 14-year prison term for a conviction of uttering and publishing in Gratiot County, according to the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS). His earliest release date is Jan. 6, 2016.

His current conviction stems from writing 25 forged checks totaling $8,234, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola, which victimized local businesses.

Markham was arrested last October by the Scottville Police Department on felony charges of forgery; larceny in building; fourth-offense habitual offender; and two counts of uttering and publishing. He pleaded guilty, Oct. 14, to two counts of uttering and publishing and one count of larceny in building.

Markham has three previous convictions of uttering publishing and one conviction of larceny in a building, according to OTIS.

“From the time I’ve served until now I realized how many people I hurt,” Markham said to Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. “I didn’t mean for this to get so far out of hand. I apologize greatly for what I’ve done.”

Markham received credit for 96 days already served. Markham is eligible for Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) or “boot camp,” said his attorney David Glancy, and requested that Sniegowski allow his client to enter the program.

Sniegowski said she would not object to SAI if the Michigan Department of Corrections allows it.