Traverse City Record-Eagle

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January 15, 2009

Man convicted in home invasion case

FROM STAFF REPORTS

TRAVERSE CITY -- A Grand Traverse jury convicted a man who held a loaded gun to a woman's head inside her Traverse City home.

Robert Wayne Hutter, 62, was found guilty Wednesday of first-degree home invasion, carrying a concealed weapon, using a firearm during a felony, assault with a dangerous weapon and malicious use of a telecommunications device. Sentencing is set for Feb. 13.

Hutter barged into the woman's Ninth Street home Sept. 7 and pointed a loaded handgun at her head, police said. Police described the woman as Hutter's former girlfriend and longtime acquaintance.

The victim was upset when 86th District Court Judge Michael Haley granted Hutter bond after the incident. Upon his conviction Thursday, 13th Circuit Court Judge Thomas G. Power revoked Hutter's bond.

The victim has a sense of safety and satisfaction after the conviction, she said, but it's difficult because Hutter was her friend for nearly 20 years.

"I'm glad to see that there was justice, but it comes with a price and a sadness," she said. "I'm just glad to feel secure and to ... pick up the pieces of my life."

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