4 juvenile boys admit to burning public restrooms during crime spree.

August 8, 2022

4 juvenile boys admit to burning public restrooms during crime spree.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HESPERIA — Four juveniles admitted to police that they burned the public restrooms by the Hesperia Dam, causing $5,000 in damages, during a crime spree Friday, Aug. 5, according to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast.

The Hesperia area boys — one of whom is 12 years old and the other three are 14 years of age — were turned over to their parents. The case is being referred to probate court.

The boys also admitted to breaking into two personal vehicles of Hesperia Department of Public Works employees. They used gas cans to ignite the fire that they stole from the village DPW building, which they also broke into, said Sheriff Mast. 

There was heavy smoke and fire damage in the restroom building, and the floor was covered in gas, he said.

The foursome also admitted to breaking into a nearby softball equipment building known as “the tower,” where items were found strewn about inside. The boys are also being investigated by Newaygo County law enforcement for breaking into a bait shop on the Newaygo County side of the village, said Mast. 

“They were raising hell and putting a block on it,” said the sheriff.

Please consider helping to fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals. Three ways to help us: Venmo: @MasonCountyPress; Paypal: MasonCountyPress@gmail.com; Mail a check to PO BOX 21, Scottville, MI 49454. 

This story is copyrighted © 2022, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.

As the services of Media Group 31, LLC news services, the information posted within the sites are archivable for public record and historical posterity. For this reason it is the policy and practice of this company to not delete postings. It is the editor’s discretion to update or edit a story when/if new information becomes available. This may be done by editing the posted story or posting a new “follow-up” story. Media Group 31, LLC or any of its agents have the right to make any changes to this policy. Refer to Use Policy for more information.

Area Churches