Niles man gets jail time in drug case

Published 12:37 pm Tuesday, July 30, 2024

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NILES — A Niles man was sentenced to jail on drug charges Monday in Berrien County Trial Court at the Niles courthouse. 

With the sentencing, Michael Anthony Hammond, 64, of Niles, pleaded guilty to possession of analogues and was sentenced to 120 days in jail and $198 in fines and costs. He has credit for one day served and can serve the bulk of his sentence on tether after he has served 20 days.

The incident occurred May 8 in Niles.

Defense attorney Shayne Williams said Hammond has a good job and stable housing. Although he has a past criminal history, she noted that he hasn’t been in trouble in recent years and began using drugs again after the death of his father last year.

Hammond said he knows he has a bad record and apologized. He said he is getting help for his addiction and said it will never happen again.

Berrien County Trial Court Judge Jennifer Smith told Hammond he needs to stay away from drugs not only because they are illegal but also to maintain his health and keep his job. She said she didn’t think probation was warranted as Hammond knows what he needs to do to get help.