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CASSOPOLIS — An Edwardsburg man was sentenced to probation Friday for meth possession in Cass County Circuit Court.

Mitchell Dale Quesinberry, 33, of Metcalf Court in Edwardsburg, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to two years probation, credit for eight days served and $2,828 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred May 1 in Edwardsburg. Police made contact with Quesinberry when they saw his vehicle leave the road and go into a field. According to statements made in court, Quesinberry wouldn’t step out of the car and reached for a firearm in the backseat before being removed from the car. He later kicked the inside of the police car.

“He absolutely dodged a bullet in this matter,” Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said. “Guns were involved and normally he would get a year in jail. He’s lucky here, I don’t think he deserves it. He has no prior record but guns and drugs were involved.”

Defense attorney Robert Kardatzke said his client is taking the matter seriously and has gotten treatment on his own. Quisenberry apologized for his actions and said he had acted foolishly.

Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman told Quisenberry that he needs to know the law and the consequences if he drives around with a firearm. A search of the car uncovered a meth pipe, meth, scales and baggies as well as the firearm and bullets, the judge added.

“The whole mess started because you pulled off the road to play a game on your phone,” the judge said. “Carrying a firearm is no game, meth is no game, resisting police is no game and trying to damage and destroy a police car is no game … Your actions were atrocious, you put yourself and the officers in danger.”

Judge Herman denied a request from the defense to allow him to keep the charge off his record if he completes his probation. “If you’re good and have no problems in the future, you can seek expungement,” he said. “You’re lucky you’re not headed out the back door today (to jail).”

“You’re a grown man and making your own choices,” he added. “I don’t know why you think meth is something to get involved with. If you don’t quit, we will see you back. Nobody’s life ever gets better with meth.”