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Three men charged with entering a mine in Keweenaw County and taking minerals have been sentenced in Keweenaw County court. In March of 2020 Calumet residents, Bent Hiltunen, Ike Kinsinger, and Eric Grandchamp were arrested for illegally entering a mine in Copper Falls, and taking minerals. Hiltunen and Kinsinger were both sentenced recently to 30 days in jail for breaking and entering. They were both found guilty by a jury on November 3rd this past year. Grandchamp was sentenced to probation as a part of a plea agreement, pleading guilty to trespassing in May 2022.
The Keweenaw County Sheriff would like to remind the public that entering a mine location without permission is dangerous and illegal. Humans that enter mines illegally can also disturb bat habitats, which can have significant negative impacts on the health and well-being of the animals. Entering a mine illegally, needlessly puts not only yourself in harm’s way, but also first responders attempting rescue.
