NILES – A Niles man found guilty of possession of a controlled substance Monday will go through an addiction treatment program while serving, at minimum, a 15-month probation.

Patrick Ryan Muntz, 27, was found slumped over in a Pilkington North American Inc. restroom by employees of the West Chicago Road factory on March 7.

Police were dispatched to Pilkington because of a suspected overdose. They found Muntz on the ground with a needle in his arm. Puncture marks, one fresh, were present on his body.

Three syringes, 0.2 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1.5 grams of heroin and heroin paraphernalia were seized. Muntz admitted possession, according to court records.

After being treated and cleared at Lakeland Hospital in Niles, Muntz was lodged at the Berrien County Jail. Later, he was accepted into a drug treatment program. He pleaded guilty on March 20.

While in court, Berrien County Circuit Court Judge Charles LaSata and prosecutors decided on two sentencings for Muntz that were dependent on an upcoming drug test.

If Muntz tested positive for meth, he would face 37 days in county jail, then serve a 15-month probation. If he tested negative, he would only serve the probation.

“Your Honor, I would love to be on probation,” Muntz said to LaSata. “I won’t mess up at all. I don’t want to go to jail.”

LaSata, noting that Muntz’s addiction treatment program was difficult to get into, said that if Muntz tested negative on his upcoming drug test, a probation would be best.

“I think we can finally turn this ship around,” he said. “I think you’re ready.”

After the hearing, Muntz was kept the Berrien County Courthouse until he received his drug test. The court could not disclose whether Muntz tested positive or negative, but Muntz’s sentence was scheduled to be determined shortly after depending on results.

Regardless of whether Muntz serves jail time or not, he owes $1,138 in fines and fees.

Ryan Wayne Rose, 51, of South Bend also received a sentence at the Berrien County Courthouse Monday. He pleaded guilty to uttering and publishing on March 20.

Rose cashed in two counterfeit checks at Harding’s Market on Broadway Street in September 2018. While Rose was not on camera when he cashed his $587 check on Sept. 14, he was when he cashed in his $467 check on Sept. 20. He was caught by authorities on Oct. 12.

Rose was sentenced to pay $1,054 to Harding’s in restitution, pay $1,038 in court fees and spend 15 days in the Berrien County Jail. He has two days to his credit.

After serving his jail sentence, Rose will serve a two-year probation.