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CASSOPOLIS — A Dowagiac man was sentenced Friday in Cass County Circuit Court for possession of methamphetamine.

Mathew Aaron Crider, 37, of Maple Street in Dowagiac, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to three years probation and $2,628 in fines and costs. He has no credit for the time he’s been in jail as he was on parole at the time of his arrest.

The incident occurred Sept. 14, 2023 in Dowagiac. A family member contacted police about Crider’s drug use and a search of his home found meth and needles. He was on probation in Van Buren County at the time of his arrest.

Judge Herman noted that he considered sending Crider back to prison because of his extensive criminal history but decided to give him another chance on probation.

“You say that Cass County is your trigger but it can happen anywhere,” the judge said. “Relapse comes from within. If you don’t want to go down that path, no one no how can do that to you. If you’re not serious about changing your life, you will end up back in prison.”