NILES — A South Bend man with a long criminal record is going to prison for stealing groceries from Shelton’s Farm Market last year.

Anthony Watkins, 67, of South Bend, pleaded guilty to first degree retail fraud and was sentenced Monday to 14 months to five years in prison with credit for 80 days already served, $198 in fines and costs and $1,518.06 in restitution.

The thefts occurred between August and December 2019 at Shelton’s Farm Market in Niles Township. He stole a number of items including meat and potatoes. Watkins also faces charges in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

“Your record speaks for itself. This is what you can expect,” said Berrien County Trial Judge Sterling Schrock. “Your attorney says you’re tired, then you have to make a decision on how to behave, you leave the court no choice.”

Berrien County Assistant Prosecutor Nick Deryke noted that Watkins has more than 30 theft related convictions.

“I think prison is actually appropriate,” he said. “I don’t know if the business will ever get restitution, but he deserves punishment.”

Also Monday:

• A Niles teen who took part in an October robbery in Riverfront Park was sentenced to probation.

• A Niles man who made an admitted “stupid” mistake to flee from police was placed on Swift & Sure probation.

Mathew Ryan Rose, 30, of 13th Street in Niles, pleaded guilty to resisting and obstructing police and fleeing and eluding police and was sentenced to two years’ probation, 60 days in jail with credit for 57 days served and $838 in fines and costs for resisting and obstructing police. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail with credit for 57 days served and $68 for fleeing police.

The incident occurred Nov. 14 in Niles Township when he fled when police tried to stop him for a traffic violation.

“I feel stupid for what I did,” Rose said. “I thought I had a warrant out for me, and I didn’t. I was on marijuana and had just come off of using cocaine. I apologize for wasting the court’s time.”

“It wouldn’t be as bad as it is if you didn’t have a record of two felonies and six misdemeanors,” Judge Schrock said. “There are medications available if you need help, not using illegal drugs to self-medicate. Now you have to live through the consequences.”

• A Berrien Springs man was sentenced to probation and jail for sexually molesting a young girl seven years ago.

Robert Anthony Davis, 57, of Meadow Lane in Berrien Springs, pleaded guilty to fourth degree criminal sexual conduct and was sentenced to five years’ probation, completion of the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program, 180 days in jail with credit for 57 days served and $1,258 in fines and costs. He can attend KPEP after serving 120 days.

The incidents occurred between Aug. 1, 2012, and Nov. 30, 2012, against a girl age 13 to 16 at a residence in Berrien Springs.

• Patrick Stephen Kuhn, 33, of South Bend, pleaded guilty to second offense use of methamphetamines and was sentenced to two years’ probation, credit for 64 days served and $898 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred Dec. 30 near the south boat launch in Riverfront Park in Niles when police found him with meth.