CASSOPOLIS — A Dowagiac teen who beat up a boy and stole his iPod is heading to jail.

Marcus Smith, who pleaded guilty to larceny from a person in February, was sentenced to eight months in jail and two years of probation in Cass County Circuit Court Friday.

The offense took place in October of last year when Smith and a friend assaulted a boy in a parking lot next to Depot Drive in Dowagiac and took his iPod Touch.

Prosecutor Victor Fitz said Smith punched the victim in the mouth, knocking out a tooth.

Fitz said the crime was “brazen yet cowardly” and labeled Smith a “baby thug” who showed “no remorse whatsoever.”

“His true colors showed when he was bragging about it at school,” Fitz said.

The offense took place at 2:30 a.m., causing Fitz to also question what Smith was doing out so late.

For his part, Smith denied talking about the incident at school.

He also said when the victim’s friends attempted to “jump him” later, he avoided the confrontation.

Judge Michael Dodge said Smith had six prior misdemeanor juvenile convictions.

“And you’re not getting off to a good start as an adult,” Dodge said.