Bay City, Michigan – A 32-year-old Bay City man initially facing a potential life sentence for a gunpoint robbery has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, avoiding prison time. The case stems from a late-night incident in September 2023 that involved threats with a weapon, theft of personal property, and a prolonged police investigation.
Incident Overview
Jack A. “Bleed” Biskner, 32, appeared in Bay County Circuit Court on Monday, Feb. 2, where he pleaded guilty to larceny from a person in connection with a 2023 robbery. As part of the plea, Biskner also admitted to being a third-time habitual offender, increasing the maximum possible sentence from 10 years to 20 years.
In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dismissed more serious charges, including armed robbery, which carries a possible life sentence, and larceny in a building, a four-year felony.
Court Decision and Sentencing Plan
The plea hearing was overseen by Judge Joseph K. Sheeran, who indicated that Biskner would not be sentenced to prison.
Instead, Judge Sheeran said Biskner will be placed into the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program, an intensive supervision program designed for high-risk felony offenders with a history of probation violations.
“This program is meant to closely monitor offenders and respond quickly to violations,” the judge explained during the hearing.
Biskner is scheduled to be formally sentenced on March 16.
Timeline of Events
The charges stem from an incident that occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2023, at an apartment in the 2000 block of South Alp Street in Bay City.
Police were called after a 46-year-old man reported he had been robbed at gunpoint inside his apartment. According to police reports, the victim had picked up a friend from a Columbus Avenue business, where the friend was accompanied by another man later identified as Biskner.
The three men returned to the victim’s apartment, where the situation quickly escalated.
Details From Police and Court Records
According to police reports and court records referenced by local media coverage from MLive.com, Biskner allegedly placed aluminum foil on a kitchen table, appearing to prepare drugs. When the homeowner declined an offer to participate, the situation turned hostile.
“He told me that he has the best [expletive] in town,” the victim told police. “He started to freak out.”
The victim reported that Biskner reached into a fanny pack, prompting fear that he was reaching for a gun. After stumbling and regaining his footing, Biskner allegedly pulled out what appeared to be a revolver and pointed it at the victim’s chest.
What Was Allegedly Taken
With the weapon pointed at him, the victim said Biskner forced him to sit at the kitchen table and stole multiple items, including:
- Car keys and house keys
- Wallet containing debit cards, a driver’s license, and $30 in cash
- A jar of marijuana
Biskner also allegedly took the other man’s cellphone, telling him he did not want anyone calling for help.
Fearing for his life, the victim eventually locked himself in another room for approximately 35 minutes before escaping to a neighbor’s home and calling 911.
Arrest and Evidence Recovered
Police located Biskner two days later behind Bay City Central High School. After being read his Miranda rights, Biskner agreed to speak with officers.
During a search, police found multiple wallets, including one containing the victim’s financial cards. Officers also recovered a revolver-style pellet gun from a bag Biskner was carrying.
Biskner initially denied knowing the victim and denied using a gun, later admitting only that he had an argument at the apartment.
Delayed Charges and Prior Convictions
Despite the 2023 incident, Biskner was not formally charged until May 2025. During the delay, he accumulated additional, unrelated convictions.
His criminal history includes:
- July 2024: Sentenced to three years’ probation for four counts of stealing a financial transaction device
- January 2025: Sentenced to 18 months’ probation for illegal possession of a financial transaction device and drug possession
- Prior prison sentences in 2012 and 2016, with release from the Michigan Department of Corrections in July 2020
Biskner also still owes $2,096.64 in unpaid court fines and costs dating back to 2016.
Conclusion
While Biskner initially faced the possibility of spending life behind bars, the case concluded with a reduced charge and intensive probation instead of incarceration. The outcome highlights how plea agreements, prior criminal history, and supervision programs can significantly shape sentencing decisions.
If you have thoughts on how repeat offenders should be handled in serious felony cases, or concerns about probation-based sentencing, share your experiences in the comments below.
