Ishpeming standoff suspect enters plea agreement

ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming man who was scheduled to appear for trial in Marquette County Circuit Court today was remanded back to Ishpeming District Court to enter a plea agreement.

33-year-old Robert Rajala appeared in court Tuesday morning and pled no contest to aggravated domestic violence, a misdemeanor which carries a maximum sentence of 1 year of imprisonment and up to $1000 in fines. Rajala had originally pled not guilty to first degree home invasion in May. He was at the center of a 15-hour standoff with police in Ishpeming, during which he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and made threats about killing people.

Judge Kangas said he will refer Rajala to probation for sentencing. He will be sentenced November 5th. Rajala remains free on bond.