By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – Shawn Jenkins was taken into custody to begin serving a one year sentence Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.
Jenkins, 34, of 81756 M-51, Decatur, was found guilty on Sept. 19 by a jury.
She admitted taking money out of cash drawers while she served as a shift supervisor, with access to the safe. But she thought she had taken only about $300.
"The jury was convinced it was more than $1,000," said Judge Michael Dodge, adding store records confirmed a higher amount.
"A little here and a little there – it added up," Dodge said.
Between Dec. 8, 2005, and Feb. 5, 2006, more than $1,500 was taken.
She betrayed her employer, which affects the community, said Tiffiny Vohwinkle, assistant prosecutor.
It is a serious crime and, as an habitual offender, Dodge said she could have received 30 months in prison.
Instead, Dodge sentenced Jenkins to the minimum term, according to the guidelines, of 365 days in the Cass County Jail, with credit for one day served.
She will be on probation for two years and is required to pay $10 a month supervision fees, $60 crime victim fees, $60 state costs, $750 court costs, $350 attorney fees and $1,510 in restitution.
Two men traveling through from Detroit were caught cashing forged checks with false ids at Mr. D's Marathon in Vandalia on Aug. 26.
They both received the same sentence of 180 days in jail with 48 days credit each for both counts of counterfeit state ID and identity theft, to be served concurrently.
Juan Landero, 19 of California will be going back west, after serving his sentence, where he is wanted. His restitution is set at $1,444.52. Walter Castellon, 27, though will be deported as he is in the country illegally, Dodge said. A warrant came from the border patrol out of Detroit on Sept. 19. His restitution is $484.41. Both are to pay $60 to the Crime Victims fund and $120 for state costs.
In other sentencings Friday:
Two half brothers from 15288 Sears St., Vandalia, were both sentenced for manufacturing marijuana. Thirty-eight plants were found Sept. 6 at the residence.
Gary Canniff, 21, was charged with manufacturing and possession. 'He is "at a crossroads with strikes against him," said Fitz. Unless he changed, he would be "back in the system," he added.
He admitted to his attorney, Jim Miller, that he uses the drug on a daily basis.
He was put on probation for two years and is to serve 150 days in jail for manufacturing, with 37 days credit. He received time served for the possession charge.
He is to pay $40 a month supervision fee, $60 Crime Victim fees, $100 state costs, $450 court costs, $350 attorney fees and $57 restitution.
His half brother, Andy Freshour, 23, along with manufacturing, was sentenced with possession of firearm by a convicted felon and probation violations.
He is to serve two sentences of 365 days in jail with 38 days credit, along with 270 days, with 128 days credit for the probation violation., all to be served concurrently. He is to pay $60 Crime Victim fees, $120 state costs and $57 in restitution.
Antonio Moreno, 17, 14833 Hideway Drive, Vandalia, was caught coming away from a neighbor's home after breaking in and removing jewelry and cash on Aug. 8.
This thievery is a "chronic problem," said Prosecutor Victor Fitz, telling Moreno he is "no longer a kid."
Also facing felony charges in St. Joseph, Moreno was sentenced to two years probation, 180 days in jail, with 41 days credit.
"You have to take responsibility for your own actions," Dodge said.
He is to pay $10 a month supervision fees, $60 Crime Victim fees, $60 state costs, $450 court costs, $350 attorney fees and a $350 fine.