A South Bend man with a string of home invasions behind him was sentenced to a maximum of 15 years in prison for his part in the invasion of a Bertrand Township residence.

Domenik Briggs, 18, was convicted of second-degree home invasion following his arrest Sept. 14.

Briggs was just one of three men arrested and believed to be responsible for a number of home invasions in multiple counties, including Berrien and Cass and St. Joseph County in Indiana.

Berrien County Prosecutor Cara Wilkinson said it was that kind of “repetitive criminal activity” that warranted a prison sentence for Briggs.

One of Briggs’ codefendants is a minor; the other, David Sarfo, 18, also of South Bend, has been sentenced.

Briggs had made bad decisions, Wilkinson said, that would “alter the future of his life.”

“He violated the trust, safety and security of several homes in the area,” she said.

Briggs’ “youth and potential for rehabilitation” was noted in his defense, and the young man said he wanted to “take responsibility for what I did so I can turn my life around.”

Judge Scott Schofield said the defendant would have the opportunity to learn from his mistakes during his time in prison.

“The reason it (home invasion) is considered serious … it’s not just about stuff,” Schofield said. “It’s not even mostly about stuff … What you can’t replace is the feeling of security and safety to which everyone is entitled.”

The judge told Briggs his victims had stated their lives had been significantly affected after being robbed by Briggs and the codefendants in the case. He said Briggs’ victims felt violated, angry and afraid.

“If you can’t go to your own home and feel safe and secure, there’s really no place you can go,” Schofield said.

Briggs was sentenced to a minimum of 36 months with the Department of Corrections and a maximum of 15 years, with credit for 107 days served, along with state fees, costs and restitution in the amount of $11,934.