Dad's appeal rejected in Mich. missing boys case

ADRIAN, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan appeals court has declined to hear an appeal of the prison sentence ordered for a Lenawee County man blamed for the disappearance of his three sons. John Skelton pleaded no contest last year to charges of unlawful imprisonment. Tanner, Alexander and Andrew Skelton were last seen at their father's home in Morenci near the Michigan-Ohio border on Thanksgiving 2010. They were supposed to be returned to their mother. Judge Margaret Noe exceeded sentencing guidelines and sent Skelton to prison for 10 to 15 years. The appeals court recently turned down Skelton's delayed request to challenge that punishment. A message seeking comment was left for his lawyer last Thursday. Authorities believe the Skelton brothers are dead. Published: Mon, Jun 11, 2012