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NILES – Two Niles men were sentenced to prison Monday in Berrien County Trial Court on drug and weapons charges.

Rashawn Mychal Cosey, 24, of Niles, pleaded guilty to one count of delivery of methamphetamines and was sentenced to 24 months to 20 years in prison. He must pay $918 in fines, costs and restitution.

The incident occurred Dec. 4, 2019, in Niles Township when he sold meth to an undercover member of the Southwest Drug Enforcement Team. Two other delivery of methamphetamines charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Cosey’s attorney, Sean Drew, noted that Cosey has a relatively light criminal history with two of his past misdemeanors for possession of small amounts of marijuana. He likened the sentencing recommendation of prison as going from “zero to 60” with no intermediate punishment.

He asked Berrien County Trial Judge Sterling Schrock to consider probation rather than prison. Drew noted Cosey’s age, lack of criminality and his lack of problems while on tether since December. For his part, Cosey apologized for his actions.

Judge Schrock said the sanctions for delivery of methamphetamines have been determined by the state legislature and he can only depart from the guidelines if he sees any substantial and compelling reason to do so.

“I don’t see any,” the judge said. “He chose to engage in the business of selling meth.”

Judge Schrock did say that he will recommend Cosey be put in the Special Alternative Incarneration or boot camp possible as soon as possible. Successful completion of the boot camp program can substantially reduce the amount of time spent in prison.

The judge ordered Cosey to report to jail by 6 p.m. Tuesday to be transported to prison.

Julius Isaah-Lanelle White, 19, of Niles, pleaded guilty to one count of carrying a concealed weapon and one count of resisting and obstructing police and was sentenced to concurrent prison terms. He was sentenced to 12 to 60 months in prison for the weapon charge and 12 to 24 months in prison on the resisting charge.

The incident occurred April 24 in Niles Township. White is currently on parole from a 2018 conviction for assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

In another sentencing, a Niles youth involved in a robbery incident last fall in Riverfront Park was sentenced to probation.

A 16-year-old boy from Niles, pleaded guilty to unarmed robbery and was sentenced to three years’ probation, credit for 83 days already served, 120 days tether, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, no contact with his co-defendants or the victim and $858 in fines and costs.

He had charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearms dismissed.

The incident occurred Oct. 3 when he took part in the robbery of a Niles man in Riverfront Park. A co-defendant met the victim online and set up a date to meet him. She then conspired with Alex Robertson and three others to rob the victim of marijuana, a phone, car keys and other items.

Monday’s sentencings were done both in person and via Zoom. The Michigan Supreme Court continues to limit the number of people who can be in the courtroom and urge trials courts to conduct proceedings remotely when possible.