A felon and parole absconder who stole from a disabled children’s charity is going back to prison, as sentenced by an Oakland County judge.
At a hearing Tuesday in Oakland County Circuit Court, Judge Cheryl Matthews ordered John Rowell to spend the next two to 15 years in prison for larceny from a building which he pleaded guilty to a few weeks ago. He was also told to pay $300 restitution.
Rowell, a 41-year-old Flint resident, was sentenced as a four-time habitual offender for the Jan. 6 crime.
Clik here to view.
Rowell stole a bag with cash and check donations from the Miracle League of Oakland County fundraiser held at Century Bowl on M-59 in Waterford Township. The bag was taken from the fundraiser’s registration table and contained a $210 check and approximately $300 cash, according to police.
Waterford police arrested Rowell on Jan. 15 after reportedly tracking him to a Flint-area motel.
Rowell is a parole absconder from the Michigan Department of Corrections and is also suspected in a robbery under investigation by Michigan State Police. His criminal history includes convictions for bank robbery, home invasion, possessing contraband while in prison and more. He was put on probation for two years in 2023 after pleading to charges of resisting/obstructing/assaulting a police officer, breaking and entering, and malicious destruction of property in Genesee County.
Felon admits to stealing from children’s charity in Waterford
Preliminary exam scheduled for felon accused of murder outside motorcycle club
Man charged with felony for allegedly saying ‘hang Joe for treason’
Sentencing handed to man who pleaded down indecent exposure charge