CASSOPOLIS — After a jury trial concluded Wednesday, a Dowagiac man could face up to life in prison for methamphetamine possession, according to the Cass County Prosecutor’s office.

Jai Villalobos was paroled to Cass County in February last year. He had recently served approximately four years in prison for delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine as well as two counts of carrying a concealed weapon.

On Sept. 26, 2018, a parole search of his 309 N. Front St., Dowagiac, residence revealed the presence of methamphetamine and buprenorphine.

After jury selection on Tuesday, an eight woman, four-man jury heard testimony from Department of Corrections parole officers, a laboratory scientist and Cass County Drug Enforcement Team Deputy-Detective Beth Davis. Their investigation showed that the drugs were discovered in a trash can in the defendant’s bedroom during the parole inspection.

On Wednesday, it took a Cass County jury 35 minutes to return a verdict of guilty against Villalobos on two counts of drug possession arising from the search.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Hubbert conducted the trial for the people.  After the verdict, he expressed appreciation for the efforts of the officers and the jury.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz echoed those sentiments.

“The bottom line is that the public does not want illegal drug users, possessors and dealers in the community,” Fitz said. “Drug abusers must take advantage of treatment and get clean.  If not, they are choosing incarceration.”

At 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 17, Villalobos will be sentenced for the crimes by Cass Circuit Judge Mark Herman. Villalobos faces up to life in prison for possession of methamphetamine and up to 15 years in prison for possession of buprenorphine as a habitual offender with three or more prior felonies.