By By NORMA LERNER / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – Jerry Shafer, 36, of Buffalo Lane, Cassopolis, received a two- to 20-year prison term for first-degree home invasion on June 7 to a home on Cora Drive, Edwardsburg.
In a plea agreement, his prison term was capped at 24 months, which allows him to attend a boot camp program.
Circuit Judge Michael E. Dodge recounted that the victim had been at home when Shafer entered her home through a window.
She called 9-1-1 but was interrupted when Shafer took her cell phone away and then hit her in the face.
His girlfriend of eight months, she suffered a swollen right eye and a head injury.
Dodge said the court received several letters favorable to Shafer, saying, "He is a fine man and has done good things in the community."
He said he reviewed all the material received.
However, Dodge noted the felony is serious, which put his guideline range from 72 to 120 months unless the court deviated which he did by invoking the 24-month cap.
Dodge said the court has the discretion to impose consecutive sentences for two additional charges of larceny in a building and telephone tapping/cutting but said under the circumstances, he would make them concurrent 90 days jail for each charge.
The victim addressed the court and said she has known Shafer over a year. She said he is "a good person." She said he became jealous of her seeing other men and that he was intoxicated and not in his right mind when he broke into her home. Because of her injuries, she said it was wrong, but justice would not be served by sending him to prison as he would lose his business and has children that depend on him.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning said the victim came to him with injuries to her face. He said Shafer's guidelines are high and hoped that he would take advantage of the opportunity to go to boot camp since Dodge had no objections.
Boot camp is an alternative incarceration program run like a military camp. It gives a chance to address anger issues and other problems. If completed successfully, Shafer would be eligible for release after 90 days and would be on parole for the rest of his term.
Defense attorney Gary Hosbein said Shafer represents a high profile in the community. "He has received counseling about his problems and has addressed them," he said in asking for participation in the rehabilitative program.
Shafer apologized to his family and the victim.
In addition to court costs of $690, Dodge imposed $1,891.36 restitution.
In other sentencings:
* Brad Ralston, 29, 2324 White Street, Niles, received 270 days jail, $920 costs, for manufacturing marijuana on Feb. 21 on White Street.
* Candice Webster, 47, (NO ADDRESS) Mason Street, Cassopolis, received 18 months probation, $180 probation fee, $860 costs, $83 restitution for selling morphine sticks on March 3 in Cassopolis.
* Danielle Simmons, 45, 65833 Stewart Road, Cassopolis, received two years probation for maintaining a drug house and credit for two days served, $570 costs, for possession of marijuana on July 10 on Stewart Road.
* Paul Akers, 27, Glenwood Road, Dowagiac, got 210 days jail, $120 costs for fourth-degree fleeing police on Aug. 9 in Dowagiac.
* Damon Christopher, 35, Wayne Street, Dowagiac, got three years probation, 90 days jail, $720 probation, $920 costs for possession of controlled substance on March 2 and credit for time served of 39 days for failure to pay child support on Dec. 5, 1994, for two children, $54,811 arrearages.