By By NORMA LERNER / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – A Three Rivers High School senior was told by Cass County Circuit Judge Michael Dodge Friday morning that she needs to straighten up her life, as it is headed in the wrong direction.
"If you don't change soon, you will end up in jail," Dodge said during 17-year-old Amelia First's sentencing hearing for larceny in a building.
Dodge advised First to finish school and to address her substance abuse problems.
First was put on probation for 18 months for a conviction of larceny in a building on July 29, when she took more than $200 worth of items from her sister and brother-in-law's home on Yaw Street in Dowagiac.
Her brother-in-law told the court that she has always been a good girl in the family, but the road she is on will take her back to court again or in debt.
"We don't want to see that happen."
Prosecutor Victor Fitz said the decisions are hers. She has no excuse.
She has used alcohol, cocaine and marijuana.
"She can stop it. She has to make decisions. If not, she will go to jail or prison. It's up to her," he warned.
Defense attorney James Miller said she needs to do a rehabilitative program and asked the court to consider a probation term.
First said she was sorry and needed help.
Dodge said it was July 29 when First broke into the home of her sister and stole $265 and some other items.
She was on a juvenile court supervision from Indiana at the time for shoplifting.
Dodge noted her problems began when her parents divorced.
She lived with her father and mother at different times.
He said she didn't have the direction she needed and acquired substance abuse problems.
She is to pay $1,056 in restitution, $920 costs and a $180 probation fee.
Other sentencings
Jerry Watkins, 40, of 20214 Calvin Hill St., Cassopolis, credit for time served of 114 days for possession of methamphetamine on Sept. 8, 2005, in Cassopolis, $120 costs and $55 restitution.
Christopher Weaver, 40, of 61272 Dailey Road, Cassopolis, three years probation plus 180 days jail for resisting and obstructing police and a concurrent 93 days jail for domestic violence on June 29 on Dailey Road. Costs are $960, $1,080 probation and a $350 fine. Weaver assaulted his girlfriend, and she required medical treatment.
* Michael Simmons, 51, of 65833 Stewart Road, Cassopolis, received two years probation plus 120 days jail for each possession with intent to deliver marijuana and maintaining a drug house on July 10 on Stewart Road. He is to pay $2,400 probation, $980 costs and $55 restitution.
* Justin Urban, 18, 32888 School Street, Dowagiac, two years probation for larceny in a building on July 21 when he and two others broke into Deer Path Recycling business and stole a computer and other items in Dowagiac. Costs are $960 probation, $920 costs and $7,165 restitution.
* Latrise West, 23, 15141 Dixie Highway, Harvey, Ill., 18 months probation plus 60 days jail for unauthorized use of a credit application on Oct. 1, 2003, (ok) in Cass County. Costs are $720 probation fee, $920 costs and $96 restitution.
* Diana Jerraid, 41, 217 W. Jefferson, Elkhart, one year probation, $480 probation fee, $920 costs, for possessing Adderal without a prescription on Aug. 3 in Edwardsburg. Costs are $480 and $920.
* Donald Sartin, 26, 92917 Center Street, Dowagiac, 120 suspended days jail, $11,120.22 restitution, $920 costs for failure to pay child support on Sept. 1, 2001, (OK) for one child.[ok]