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CASSOPOLIS — Three area residents were sentenced on drug charges Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.

Casey Phillip Carter, 35, of Beckwith Street in Dowagiac, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to two years probation, credit for 19 days served and $2,268 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred June 2, 2023 in Dowagiac. Police were called when Carter was seen around the Dollar General store in the city. He was arrested after police recognized him and knew bench warrants were out for him. Meth was found on him when he was searched.

“You said you found the meth in your garage,” Cass County Circuit Judge Mark Herman said. “I wouldn’t believe you even if you didn’t have a prior record, people don’t leave meth behind.”

“This is your second meth conviction and you need to realize that your guidelines will rise to a minimum five months in jail with another felony conviction,” the judge added. “You either change your ways or you will see the prosecutor recommend prison.”

Judge Herman questioned Carter’s goals in life which include starting a family with another defendant sentenced Friday. “You say you want to get her pregnant, shouldn’t you at least get divorced before think about that?” he asked. “You have five prior retail fraud and one prior larceny convictions, do you plan to shoplift to support your family?”

“Your goals seem pretty incredible to me when I look at your background,” the judge in reference to the fact that Carter only has a sixth grade education. “You should get your education taken care of and get a job before you jump into starting a family. You also have to give up meth, drugs and children are mutually exclusive, they don’t mix.”

 

Amanda Nicole Phillips, 43, of Center Street in Dowagiac, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and was given credit for 41 days served and $1,548 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred July 19, 2023 in Dowagiac. She was arrested after midnight that day when she was found dumpster diving near the Dollar General store in Dowagiac. She told police that she had found the meth in a purse she got from the dumpster.

“The typical meth person wouldn’t throw her purse away,” Judge Herman said. “I wasn’t born yesterday, that’s pretty preposterous.”

“You say you want to open a safe house for young people,” he said. “That’s admirable but I don’t know how you expect to do that. I think it’s commendable if you actually can accomplish that, but how can provide safe services if you don’t make sure you’re away from people who do that.”

 

Martha Tricia-Ann Cramer, 46, of Marcellus, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to two years probation, credit for three days served and $2,268 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred July 21, 2023 in Jones. She was stopped after police saw her driving with improper plates. Police found meth, a pipe and a syringe in the car.

“You’re 46 years old, you should be old enough to appreciate the impact drugs can have on your life,” the judge said. “You have nine children, six of them minors. You have to look at the example you’re showing them, you can’t expect them to not use drugs if you’re using. You’re letting meth ruin your life and the lives of your children.”