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NILES — A former Niles resident was given probation Monday in Berrien County Trial Court after stealing a friend’s motorcycle.

Brent Alan Fergison, 37, now of Battle Creek, pleaded guilty to attempted receiving, concealing or possessing a stolen vehicle and was sentenced to two years probation, credit for two days served, completion of the Twin County Community Probation program, $598 in fines and costs and $1,500 in restitution.

The incident occurred Aug. 15, 2022 in Niles Township.

“I want to be clear, I am not constrained by the guidelines if you violate your probation,” said Berrien County Trial Judge Jennifer Smith. “If you’re not trying, you could go back to prison. I was going to give you more jail but what you need is a good program.”

Defense attorney Daniel French said that Fergison has been dealing with addiction problems for some time and has gone through a couple of programs since 2022.

“His friends and family will tell you that when he’s sober, he’s a good guy,” French said. “When he’s not, he gets in trouble.”

“He feels ashamed and embarrassed about his actions here and would like to make amends,” French added. “ He has apologized for taking advantage of his friendship with the owner of the motorcycle. The motorcycle was recovered with some minor damage. He accepts probation as a form of accountability.”

Fergison apologized for his actions.

“I want to tell him I’m really sorry,” he said. “He helped me out in the past, there’s no excuse for why I did it.”

“You can pay restitution but the bike meant something to him,” the judge said. “Even worse than that, you took advantage of him. On this occasion, he gave you a place to stay. It’s good you feel guilty, you should feel that way. You have to get hold of this drug use, it’s time you grow up, keep a job and support yourself.”

In other sentencings:

• Bradlee James Hibinger, 41, of Niles, pleaded guilty to second offense domestic violence and was sentenced to 18 months probation, credit for 59 days served and $585 in fines and costs. The incident occurred June 26, 2023 in Niles.
• Crystal Lynn Hill, 41, of South Bend, pleaded guilty to use of meth second offense and was sentenced to two years probation, credit for three days served and $658 in fines and costs. The incident occurred Aug. 6, 2023 in Niles.
• Joseph Eric Suseland, 39, of Vandalia, pleaded guilty to use of meth second offense and was sentenced to credit for 93 days served and $198 in fines and costs. The incident occurred July 18, 2020 in Niles. Suseland still faces charges in Van Buren County after previously been sentenced in Cass County and Elkhart County.