Richard Bastuba gained fame in Michigan and was the subject of many local radio shows after he subdued an unruly fan at a 2009 Detroit Lions game. Now, the 41-year-old Mixed Martial Arts fighter known as “Righteous Rick” may be facing as much as 15 years in prison after being charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree home invasion, and receiving and concealing stolen property between $1,000 and $20,000.
Bastuba, who is 41 years old, pleaded no contest to the charges late in 2012. Deputies allege that a home invasion was reported to their office in September of 2011, and that Bastuba was involved. According to news reports, the alleged victim of the home invasion reported to deputies that over the course of a few months, his home had been broken into several times and that during these break-ins, valuable comic books had been stolen.
Bastuba was eventually arrested following a lengthy investigation; two juveniles were also arrested. Following an attempt to sell the stolen comic books to deputies who were undercover at a Biggby location in Ann Arbor, Bastuba was placed under arrest.
Drew and Mike, WRIF radio personalities, made Bastuba famous in 2009 following an incident at a Detroit Lions game in which a man grabbed the hair of one of Bastuba’s friends; Bastuba then subdued the man by putting him in a chokehold. The radio personalities had Bastuba as a guest on their radio show.
The penalties for home invasion or breaking and entering are severe. As in Bastuba’s case, second-degree home invasion can mean punishment which includes up to 15 years in prison and fines of as much as $3,000. If an individual is found guilty of first-degree home invasion, he or she may face up to 20 years behind bars, and be ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. Michigan criminal defense lawyers know that penalties may become even more harsh if the individual has a prior criminal record.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for home invasion, breaking and entering or any theft-related offense, consult with an aggressive Michigan criminal defense attorney right away. Your lawyer will work to protect your legal rights and freedom; keeping you out of jail is your attorney’s number one priority.