NILES — A man who police found with a stolen Indiana car and who cut his tether bracelet will serve time in prison for the crimes.

Shane Anthony Lott, 38, a homeless man, was charged with tampering with an electronic monitoring device and unlawfully driving a vehicle. He pleaded guilty to the crimes March 20.

On Monday Lott faced a judge inside Berrien County Trial Court. Judge Charles LaSata sentenced him to serve 12 to 24 months in prison. The sentences will be served consecutively.

Lott was represented in court by defense attorney Scott Sanford.

The incidents took place on March 12, when officers from the Niles Police Department were searching for a stolen vehicle that had a GPS tracking device inside it, according to Jane Wainwright, assistant prosecuting attorney. The tracking device helped authorities to locate the car which Lott had in his possession while in Niles Township.

Lott was on parole for a separate case, also involving unlawfully driving a vehicle, and was on tether, when he tampered with an electronic bracelet he was wearing. 

“Tampering with an electronic monitoring device is a real serious situation, sir,” LaSata said. “When you are on tether, and you cut it off and tamper with it… you pose a significant and substantial threat to the community. We are unable to supervise you.”

Due to his parole status, LaSata said Lott has zero credit served toward his time in prison.

Also sentenced Monday:

Marcus Yeagley, 29, of Mishawaka, was charged with attempted uttering and publishing. He pleaded guilty to the crime on March 20. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for 18 days served.

Gequintha Lastein Nichols, 28, of Niles, was charged with possession of cocaine. She pleaded guilty to the crime on March 6. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail. She has credit for one day served.

Victor John Aranda, 49, of Buchanan, was charged with third-offense operating while impaired. He pleaded guilty to the crime on March 6. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, two years of felony probation and 120 days on electronic monitoring.

Stephan Zachary Rogers, 25, of Buchanan, was charged with third-degree home invasion and domestic violence. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail and 90 days on MDOC tether. He has credit for five days served.