Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Jordan Ellington, 34, of Clinton Township, was sentenced today after a jury found him guilty as charged in May 2026 of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon for attacking his 77-year-old grandmother.
The assault occurred on March 28, 2025, when Ellington placed a belt around his grandmother's neck and threatened her, telling her that "next time" he would tighten it even more.
At the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, July 8, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Caitlin Sahlaney argued that seriousness of the offense warranted an upward departure from the recommended sentencing guidelines of 2 to 17 months. After considering the facts and circumstances of the case, Judge James M. Biernat agreed and adopted her argument, sentencing Ellington to 20 to 48 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that violence against senior citizens will not be tolerated in Macomb County,” stated Lucido. “I commend Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sahlaney for presenting a strong recommendation to exceed the sentencing guidelines, and I appreciate the Court for recognizing the seriousness of this felonious assault committed against the defendant’s own grandmother.
“As prosecutor, protecting our senior citizens remains one of my highest priorities. Older adults deserve to live free from fear, abuse, and violence, especially in the place where they should feel safest: among family. My office will continue to do everything within our power to hold offenders accountable and stand up for vulnerable seniors throughout our community.”
The assault occurred on March 28, 2025, when Ellington placed a belt around his grandmother's neck and threatened her, telling her that "next time" he would tighten it even more.
At the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, July 8, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Caitlin Sahlaney argued that seriousness of the offense warranted an upward departure from the recommended sentencing guidelines of 2 to 17 months. After considering the facts and circumstances of the case, Judge James M. Biernat agreed and adopted her argument, sentencing Ellington to 20 to 48 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that violence against senior citizens will not be tolerated in Macomb County,” stated Lucido. “I commend Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sahlaney for presenting a strong recommendation to exceed the sentencing guidelines, and I appreciate the Court for recognizing the seriousness of this felonious assault committed against the defendant’s own grandmother.
“As prosecutor, protecting our senior citizens remains one of my highest priorities. Older adults deserve to live free from fear, abuse, and violence, especially in the place where they should feel safest: among family. My office will continue to do everything within our power to hold offenders accountable and stand up for vulnerable seniors throughout our community.”
