NILES — Judge Charles LaSata, Berrien County Circuit Court, sentenced two individuals involved in drug dealings Monday morning at the Niles Courthouse, 1205 N. Front St.

The individuals — 25-year-old Robert L. Williams, of Chicago, and 20-year-old Tabitha Stoneburner, of S. 13th St. in Niles — were among seven sentenced that session.

Williams will serve 3 to 20 years in a Michigan prison with no days served and $258 in fines. A 29 to 57-month sentence in prison was
recommended.

On July 15, Williams was caught in an undercover law enforcement sting with his accomplice, George Harris.

An undercover officer had bought 4.5 grams of heroin from the two out of a vehcile at Niles Charter Township’s Walmart on S. 11th St. After the heroin was bought, other officers appeared and secured Harris and Williams.

When the two were searched, 49.08 more grams of heroin — thousands of dollars’ worth — were found, along with an automatic handgun, a loaded 50-round magazine and two additional unloaded magazines.

Williams’ defense attorney argued that Williams’ multiple mental disorders due to his mother’s death by gun violence in 2017 was a reason why he ended up in drug dealing.

LaSata said he did not buy it. He noted that Williams has been bouncing around and committing crimes in the Midwest.

“We do not like to have drug dealers entering our state,” the judge said.

Stoneburner was sentenced to 15 to 240 months for two counts of methamphetamine delivery, with 56 days served. LaSata said if all goes well, she could be out of prison by December.

If Stoneburner is out by 2020, she will attend a prisoner boot camp program, Special Alternative Incarceration Facility, in Chelsea, Michigan. She was granted the opportunity to request to join.

Like Williams, Stoneburner was caught in an undercover officer sting. On Aug. 6, Aug. 13 and Sept. 3, Stoneburner delivered meth to an undercover officer for cash. She was arrested during the final date at a Ferry Street residence in Niles.

LaSata noted a number of factors that led him to give a sentencing that sets her on an alternative route.

First, Stoneburner wrote him a letter about her actions. LaSata said this usually does not appeal to judges, but Stoneburner’s thoughtful and well-written letter did. He noted that she was also young, working to obtain her GED while in jail and was facing her first felony sentence.

LaSata also said he saw the positive impact the prisoner boot camp had on people he had sentenced firsthand.

“It saved their lives,” he said, referring to other meth dealers addicted to their product.

Also sentenced Monday were three men who committed domestic violence.

Roy James Bammann, 33, of Oronoko Charter Township, will serve 180 days in a county jail, with 90 days served, and have a maximum two-year probation that includes being barred from entering Ohio and Indiana because his victim lives outside of Michigan.

He was charged with domestic violence and assault with a dangerous weapon.

The typical charge for the offense is 150 days in jail, but Friend of the Court recommended Bammann receive 180 days due to the level of assault inflicted. LaSata, who called Bammann “sick” and “violent” with his actions, heeded.

Michael Todd Cavinder, 36, formerly of Buchanan Township, was charged with assault, a bond violation and interference with electronic communication. He was sentenced to 186 days in jail, with 16 days served, and $180 in fines.

Cavinder, now an Indiana resident, beat his victim, then destroyed the victim’s phone to prevent a police call, according to court records.

Travis Warren Dunifin, 45, of Cass Street in Niles, was sentenced to 365 days in a county jail with no time served for assault. Dunifin could receive a longer sentence, as he threatened to kill an unnamed person after his sentencing.

LaSata noted that Dunifin also had four prior assault charges over the past 25 years and $18,000 in child support.

“It’s my pleasure today, Mr. Dunifin, to reward you for 25 years,” LaSata said to the defendant, who began to interrupt LaSata toward the end of his sentencing.

Two other individuals were also sentenced by LaSata.

Justin Lee Beadle, 22, of Hills Haven Road in Buchanan Township, was charged with carrying a concealed shotgun in his vehicle, which was pulled over due to window and muffler issues. He will serve two years of probation with no curfews.

Jamie Jacque-Raymo Coullard, 33, of White Pigeon, Michigan, was sentenced to 180 days in the county jail, with 47 days served, and $258 in fines. Coullard, who has more than 20 previous convictions, drove without a valid driver’s license and maintained a vehicle for keeping and selling marijuana.