Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NILES — A Niles man was sentenced to probation and jail for breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s home.

Justin Michael Moore, 32, of Niles, pleaded guilty to third degree home invasion and was sentenced to two years probation, 120 days in jail with credit for 89 days served and $658 in fines and costs. He must complete the Tri-Cap probation program and can enter that program after service 100 days in jail.

The incident occurred Oct. 25, 2023 in Niles.

Defense attorney Kevin Mackin said this was a case where Moore should have walked away from the situation rather than act in a possessive, vindictive manner. Moore said he’s learned his lesson and will never do something like this again. “I want to better myself and get a job,” he said. “I’m really not a troublemaker.”

“You don’t get to possess someone you date,” said Berrien County Trial Judge Jennifer Smith. “I don’t know why you think you have the right to demand and force your way in to show you can do what you want. You have had two or three crimes with this victim, that shows you should stay away from her.”