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NILES — A Niles man is going back to prison on a weapons charge after being sentenced Monday in Berrien County Trial Court at the Niles courthouse.

     Jeremy Michael Grierson, 38, of Niles, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an ineligible person and was sentenced to 14 months to five years in prison. He also pled guilty to use of meth and was sentenced to a concurrent 90 days in jail. He has credit for two days served and must pay $248 in fines and costs.

     The incident occurred April 26 in Niles Township.

     His past record includes a 14 month prison sentence for a June 25, 2021 conviction for possession of ammunition by a felon in Berrien County and an 18 month prison sentence for a July 10, 2016 conviction for felonious assault in Cass County. He was released from parole on Feb. 13, 2024.

     Defense attorney Justin Workman acknowledged that Grierson has a long criminal history but noted that he has been clean since April and is working two jobs. “He’s made a lot of progress, we’re asking you to consider probation and hold additional incarceration over him if he violates,” he said.

     Berrien County Trial Court Judge Jennifer Smith said that while Grierson thinks he’s in a good place, he’s back in court on drug and weapon charges after getting off parole. “You made a choice to have a gun,” she said. “Looking at the whole of your record, I have to take into account your whole history. Your record is terrible.”

     Judge Smith said she couldn’t overlook that Grierson had a weapon. “I might take a chance and put you on probation if it was just the meth,” she said.

     Other area residents received jail sentences.

Michael Todd Folino, 46, of New Buffalo, pleaded guilty to altered registration plates and possession of forged plates and was sentenced to 45 days in jail with credit for 27 days served and $198 in fines and costs. He was given a concurrent jail term of 45 days in jail with credit for 13 days served for contempt of court.

     The incident occurred July 28, 2023 in Galien.