Kept girlfriend from leaving apartment, took her phone away

A Niles man with a hearing impairment was sentenced to 180 days in jail on charges stemming from a drunken altercation with his girlfriend in September.

Todd Edward Wilson, 50, was placed on probation for two years, but must first serve 180 days in Berrien County Jail. The sentence was handed down by Judge Dennis Wiley Monday in Berrien County Trial Court in Niles.

Wilson pleaded guilty earlier to the two counts for which he was sentenced: interference with electronic communication and resisting and obstructing a police officer.

According to court documents, Niles police were dispatched to an apartment in the 500 block of South Third Street at around 2 a.m. Sept. 21. The victim told police that her boyfriend, Wilson, was drunk and throwing things around the room. When the victim tried to leave, Wilson put a chair in front of the door and told her she wasn’t going anywhere, according to court documents. Wilson then took a phone away from the victim when she attempted to contact police. Wilson eventually let the victim leave about 45 minutes later, but resisted police when they showed up, according to court documents.

Wilson communicated with the aid of a sign language interpreter at Monday’s sentencing hearing.

He told the judge that he wants to stay sober.

“There is only one person that can keep you straight and sober and that’s you,” Wiley said. “If you do not address these issues at this time you will not leave me much choice except to incapacitate you for a very long time either in jail or prison.”

Wiley said Wilson has numerous prior alcohol or alcohol-related offenses.

Also Monday:

• Jacob Walkden, 22, of Buchanan, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for breaking and entering a building with the intent. The offense was committed while Walkden was on probation.

• Alexandra Kollars, 28, of South Bend, was sentenced to 60 days in jail for writing a check with no account.