Landlord gets jail for fleeing police
An Isabella County judge on Monday ordered a Mt. Pleasant man to 10 months in jail and to continue counseling for fleeing police and other crimes.
Judge Mark Duthie also ordered Rickey French Henkes, 45, to continue to take bipolar medication as prescribed when sentencing him for aggravated assault, throwing objects at cars, reckless driving and assault of a prison employee.
Henkes, whom the judge gave credit for 222 days served in jail, was originally charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct but pleaded no contest earlier this month to aggravated assault; he entered pleas in April to assault of a prison employee related to his kicking a jail guard, and third-degree fleeing police and reckless driving.
Duthie sentenced Henkes to 93 days in jail for reckless driving and throwing objects at cars, giving him credit for time served; and 10 months in jail with three years’ probation for assaulting a prison employee, with credit for time served.
Henkes was accused in early October of going to the Chippewa Township home of a tenant and attempting to inappropriately touch her, and of making lewd comments in front of her son, according to previous reports.
Henkes sat quietly as his attorney, William Shirley, told Duthie that he’s known his client for 30 years, and that Henkes is an intelligent man who took the wrong path while attending Alma College, getting kicked out of the school for using marijuana before it was legalized in Michigan.
Shirley spoke of getting to know Henkes’ wife and family, and recalled Henkes bettering himself after earlier legal troubles, and marrying, having children and starting a business that is still successful.
Henkes went 18 years before getting back into legal trouble, Shirley said, blaming the incident on his failing to take his medication for bipolar disorder.
Shirley, who also represented Henkes’ brother in the past, told Duthie that his client previously acted manic and hyper, and that if he stays on his medications, his demeanor is improved and that he is a good, productive citizen.
Telling Duthie that Henkes’ actions were very out of character, Shirley said several people wrote letters of support and described him tutoring other inmates while in the Isabella County Jail, taking substance abuse classes and
trying to better himself.
“Rick has hurt himself,” Shirley said, adding that he was in jail when his son was born and that his family depends on him.
Speaking to the judge, Henkes struggled with emotion, telling Duthie he wanted to be “the good son” and help his ailing father.
“I just…i’m sorry,” Henkes said. “I’m ready to be judged for my actions.
“I’m hoping the court will find me redeemable.”
Duthie noted a change in Henkes since he was in his courtroom to enter pleas and couldn’t look him in the eye.
Now, the judge said, Henkes appears to be in a better frame of mind.
The reckless driving and throwing objects at cars charges came after Henkes’ arrest because he created a scene in a holding cell and when staff tried to put him in restraints, he kicked one of them in the face, according to court records.
During his arraignment, Henkes was ordered to stay away from the tenant, and was arrested several days later after an Isabella County Sheriff’s Deputy found him parked outside her home, according to previous reports.
Henkes fled from the deputy, leading him on a high-speed chase for about 20 minutes, according to court records.