Extortion suspect sentenced under HYTA

MARQUETTE — An extortion suspect appeared in Marquette County Circuit Court Thursday to receive his sentence.

18-year-old Philip Robinson of Gwinn was arrested in January on charges of extortion and possession of child sexually abusive material after investigation into the alleged possession of photos of nude female victims and the use of those photos to commit extortion. He was sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act.

If Robinson complies with stipulations of the sentence, no conviction will be enrolled in his case, and records of the court’s disposition will be sealed.

“You are kind of forced in this situation to grow up quickly,” said Judge Jennifer Mazzuchi, “but you have hurt people, and you deserve to be in court, and you’re being given a chance not come back here.”

The HYTA sentencing was made in accordance with a plea agreement Robinson entered in July.