CASSOPOLIS — A Dowagiac teen is heading to jail for his involvement in the assault and theft from a man.
Jeremy Vincent, 15, was sentenced Friday in Cass County Circuit Court to 10 months in jail and three years of probation. He will receive credit for 156 days already served.

He, along with his co-defendants, must pay $6,025 in restitution.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Frank Machnik said the prosecution recommended a “favorable sentence” for Vincent since he testified against his co-defendant, Terrell Donnie Nickens, at his trial last week.

Nickens was found guilty of armed robbery and a series of other offenses.

“He (Vincent) made the right steps and did the right thing,” Machnik said. “Hopefully, the message has gotten through.”

For his part, Vincent said he has been taking classes in jail and wants to continue his education. “I don’t want to have a life in prison or jail,” he said.

Prosecutor Victor Fitz said Thursday, “This was a cowardly and barbaric blood-letting. The verdict sends a loud and clear message that such violence will be met with decisive justice.”

Judge Michael Dodge said Vincent was involved in an armed robbery of a man on Grand Boulevard in Dowagiac last July. Nickens beat the man with a brick, and Vincent and his brother took the victim’s wallet.
Dodge said the defendants were lucky they didn’t kill the man or cause serious brain damage.

“You’re off to a rough start,” Dodge told Vincent. “But it doesn’t mean you can’ turn things around.”

Dodge credited Vincent for telling the truth and testifying against his co-defendant, who is his cousin.

“I’m sure that wasn’t easy,” Dodge said. Dodge did warn Vincent that if he commits another felony, he would certainly find himself in prison.

“Now is the time for you to get things straightened out,” Dodge said.