Johnny Ray Rossman, 37, Mancelona, was charged yesterday with safe breaking, two counts of breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny, two counts of larceny in a building and two counts of malicious destruction of personal property $200 or more but less than $1,000.

These charges relate to break-ins at the Mount McSauba ski lodge and the AmericInn Lodge and Suites in Charlevoix Township on July 19, 2020.

Rossman was apprehended yesterday in Mancelona and the court set his initial bond at $200,000.

According to a police affidavit filed in the matter, employees of the children’s summer camp held at Mt. McSauba reported for work on the morning of Monday, July 20 and discovered that someone had broken in through a window, caused damage to items, including a safe, and stole items including an ATV, computer equipment and a case of binoculars.

That same morning, according to the affidavit, employees at the AmericInn found that someone had gained entry to a hotel room and the laundry room by cutting a hole in and removing window screens.

The Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office investigated and, with the help of citizen witnesses, discovered that it appeared the perpetrator had left Mt. McSauba on the ATV after the burglary there, headed north on Waller Road and then went to the AmericInn on US 31 North.

Police found evidence of the Mt. McSauba theft along that path.

At the room that was entered at the AmericInn, police found five pairs of the binoculars that had been taken from Mt. McSauba.

In August, responding to a tip, police located the stolen ATV at a residence in Hayes Township, leading to the identification and charging of Rossman.

Safe breaking is a felony with a maximum sentence of life in prison. Breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny is a felony with a maximum of 10 years in prison. Larceny in a building is a four-year felony and malicious destruction of person property $200 or more but less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of one year in jail.

Any sentences for the offenses would likely be served concurrently. The charges against Rossman are merely allegations and he is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.