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NILES — An Indiana man who stole tens of thousands of dollars from his girlfriend’s mother is headed to prison after being sentenced Monday in Berrien County Trial Court at the Niles courthouse.

Gregory Dean Zellers, Jr, 47, of Lakeville, Ind., pleaded guilty to embezzlement of a vulnerable adult over $20,000 and under $50,0000 and was sentenced to 14 months to 10 years in prison. He has credit for 92 days served and must pay $258 in fines and costs and $53,967 in restitution.

He must pay at least $5,000 in restitution before he can be released from parole after getting out of prison.

The incident occurred in March, 2023 in Niles Township. Zellers gained access to his girlfriend’s mother’s social security checks and deposited them in his account plus stealing other money.

The theft of the funds kept the victim from being able to buy another home and she is now forced to live in assisted living.

Assistant Prosecutor Jerry Vigansky noted that this is Zellers’ fourth felony conviction and he received a prior suspended prison sentence in Indiana for a theft related conviction.

Defense attorney Daniel French said Zellers has admitted his wrong doing. French said his client wants to go back to work so he can pay back the money he owes.

“If he is locked up, the victim is less likely to get the restitution she’s owed,” he said.

Zellers apologized for his actions.

“I’m sorry for my actions, I was wrong, I made a bad choice,” he said.

“Saying you’re sorry is not going to give her a place to live,” Berrien County Trial Court Judge Jennifer Smith said. “You took her hard earned money and used it for yourself. Not only did you take large amounts of money, but you didn’t pay her bills. You are a thief.”

“I don’t know if you can pay back the money,” she added. “You have a terrible work history, your last job was seven or eight years ago. I wish I could trust that if I put you on probation, you would pay back the money and get consistent employment.”