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75-year-old felon arrested for violating parole: homeowners forgive him for past theft

Posted at 6:33 PM, Sep 17, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-17 22:42:39-04

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. – A 75-year-old Hartford man, and multi-convicted felon, was arrested Wednesday morning in Bangor Township for violating his parole requirements.

Deputies arrested Thorston Gedvick at a home on the 62000 block of 36th Avenue in Bangor Township around 1 a.m. Wednesday. Gedvick was wanted for an outstanding felony fugitive warrant from the United States Federal District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

According to deputies, Gedvick’s warrant was issued for failing to comply with his parole requirements.

Michigan criminal records show Gedvick has an extensive history of felony and misdemeanor convictions dating back to 1963. Gedvick’s convictions include criminal sexual conduct, assault with intent to commit bank robbery, and multiple burglaries.

Back in January of this year, FOX 17 reported that Gedvick was caught stealing cash on trail cameras set up by Daniel and Patty Bohle, homeowners in Lawrence.

Daniel Bohle told FOX 17 that his family looked after Gedvick for about 20 years, after they met him picking up cans to make a few extra dollars near their home.

“When he was in federal prison, my wife, she wrote him once or twice a month," said Bohle. "In fact, we sent him money every month.”

Bohle said he asked Gedvick to take care of his terminally ill mother for several years. In return, Bohle allowed Gedvick to live in a trailer he owns nearby.

Then in January, Bohle said Gedvick stole at least $515 from him. Bohle caught this crime on his trail camera: pictures show Gedvick taking cash from Bohle's wallet, left in his pants' pocket on the family's kitchen table.

Since then, Bohle said he forgives Gedvick.

“If you’re poor, then a lot of people try to do things to get ahead, and it may not always be right," said Bohle. "And I believe that’s what he did. I  don’t harbor any ill will towards him, and as far as I’m concerned I’ve forgiven him and the past is done.”

As of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputies said federal agents took Gedvick into custody and transported him to another facility.