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NILES — A Niles woman is headed to prison after being sentenced Monday in Berrien County Trial Court for several crimes occurring in the summer and fall of 2024.

Angela Jeanine Johnson, of Niles, pleaded guilty to receiving, concealing or possession of stolen property $1,000 to $20,000 and was sentenced to 29 months to five years in prison with credit for 95 days served. She must pay $198 in fines and costs with restitution to be determined.

      She also pled guilty to larceny in a building, attempted breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny and two counts of resisting and obstructing police and was sentenced to concurrent prison terms. She was given credit for time served and $125 in fines and costs for a misdemeanor charge of retail fraud.

      She was sentenced to 14 months to four years for larceny in a building, 16 months to five years for attempted breaking and entering and two terms of 14 months to two years for the two resisting police counts. She must pay a total of $4,042 in fines, costs and restitution on those counts.

      The incidents occurred between August and October in Niles.

      Defense attorney Daniel French said Johnson was eligible for drug court and that her primary problem is her drug addiction.

“She’s struggled with it since she was a teen and it’s only gotten worse,” he said. “She’s tired of that lifestyle, she knows she’s made bad life choices and has lied to herself and others.”

“She’s scared, she’s never taken the opportunities for services she’s been given,” he added. “This has been a wake up call, she’s hit rock bottom. I ask that you consider drug court and probation, she knows this is her last chance.”

Berrien County Trial Court Judge Gordon Hosbein noted that Johnson’s past record includes 31 misdemeanors and seven felonies. He said he was sentencing her to prison for protection of the community and for her rehabilitation.

      “I don’t like sending people to prison,” the judge said. “I hope you understand that this is not the lifestyle for you. It’s time to maintain your sobriety. I wish you well.”