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NILES — A Cassopolis man was sentenced to prison Monday in Berrien County Trial Court.

Michael Ray Brown, 56, of Cassopolis, pleaded guilty to resisting and obstructing police and was sentenced to 16 months to 24 months with credit for 103 days served and $198 in fines and costs. He also pleaded guilty to larceny in a building and was sentenced to credit for 103 days served and $1,126.82 in fines, costs and restitution.

      The incident occurred Dec. 20, 2023 in Buchanan.

      Berrien County Assistant Prosecutor Jerry Vigansky noted that Brown has been to prison three times previously for resisting police. “I don’t know why we’d be going backward and have him do local jail,” he said.

      Defense attorney Carri Briseno said that Brown has had a heroin addiction for nearly two decades after being in an accident. She said that Brown has been participating in a drug treatment program in the jail and also has pending cases in Cass County and St. Joseph County, Indiana.

      “I’ve been struggling with addiction all of my adult life,” Brown said. “I’m tired of it. I’ve also lost family members to drugs. I ask for a chance.”

      Berrien County Trial Court Judge Jennifer Smith said that Brown has been struggling with substance abuse issues for a long time and could have gotten help before this. “Assistance is available to you in the community, not just when you are in court and before a judge,” she said. “… Programs have been available all of your adult life.”

      “This was not your first go around with resisting police,” she added. “You have had several occasions when you resisted police and there are consequences. Here, you decided to run again. If you’re part of a jail program, that’s great. The point is when you come out (of prison) to not use drugs and commit crimes.”

      Judge Smith noted that Brown has eight prior felony and 37 prior misdemeanor convictions. “At some point you will have to decide that this is not the life you want to live,” she said. “You ran because you know you had warrants out for your arrest.”