Politics & Government

Tyrone Township Woman Pleads No Contest in 'Wasp Spraying' Case

67-year-old expected to receive probation, no jail time.

A Tyrone Township woman who could have received up to 25 years in prison will get no jail time under a plea agreement after admitting she sprayed wasp repellent on her next-door neighbor.

At her preliminary examination, 67-year-old Susan Ann Mann pleaded no contest Wednesday to a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault before 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis. She was originally charged with the felony offense of unlawfully using a harmful device, causing injury to another.

The Livingston County Sheriff's Department said in its police report that the neighbor was on a riding lawn mower mowing his yard on April 30 when approached by Mann, who told him he was on her property and demanded he get off.

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He replied he wasn't on her property and, according to Mann, cursed at her. Mann then went into her house, got a can of wasp repellent and sprayed the man — first on the lower portion of his body and then on his upper body and face.  

The neighbor told police he was having trouble opening his eyes and sought medical treatment at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc Township.

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Under terms of the plea agreement, Mann at sentencing will be placed on one year probation, ordered to pay restitution and perform community service. 

No contest is not the same as a guilty plea but is treated as such for sentencing purposes.  Mann is currently free on bond until her sentencing on Aug. 8.

Mann, who said she has lived in the house for 43 years, has three children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mann assured Geddis she will sell her house by Aug. 20 and move in with her daughter, who lives in North Carolina.  

A "no contact" order between Mann and the neighbor will continue. 


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