A former Niles woman who cashed a fraudulent check for $795 at Crocker’s Party Store, 1702 Broadway, must spend the next 180 days in jail, with credit for 50.

Berrien County Trial Court Judge Dennis Wiley Monday also ordered Debra Danee Jones, 33, of South Bend, to pay $3,283, including a $750 fine for the uttering and publishing offense on Sept. 10.

Jones was caught on Sept. 23 when she tried to cash another check for $681.

Police found marijuana when she let them search her vehicle.

According to police reports, Jones needed money for bills and acted out of desperation.

Jones also pleaded guilty to the 93-day offense of contempt of court for failing to appear for sentencing on Nov. 21, 2011.

“I’m sorry for not showing up to court,” she said. “Losing my dad threw me off. I’ve seen the person I don’t want to be. I can be a successful citizen.”

“Truthfully,” Wiley said, “the bottom line is you haven’t been compliant. You do what you want. I won’t hesitate to send you to prison.”