A repeat Dowagiac offender has been given one last opportunity to stay out of prison, after being convicted of writing a fraudulent check of more than $500.

Cass County Circuit Judge Michael Dodge sentenced Joshua Wayne Larock, 20, to 200 days in jail and two years of probation during his sentencing hearing Friday, on charges of forgery and breaking and entering. Larock had previously pleaded guilty to the two charges during an earlier appearance in court, on Jan. 5.

The Dowagiac man was arrested and charged for an incident that occurred back on Sept. 9. On that day, Larock entered the home of Steve McLaughlin, located on Crystal Springs Street, without his permission, stealing a checkbook from his home.

“Later, you forged his name on one of his checks for $550, made it out to you, and presented it,” Dodge said. “You cashed it the Fifth Third Bank.”

Upon discovery the forgery, McLaughlin decided to press charges against Larock, with police issuing a warrant for his arrest. Larock learned of the warrant while applying for food stamps with his fiancée, prompting him to turn himself to the authorities.

“I understand what I did was bad,” Larock said. “I told Mr. McLaughlin that I would pay him back after I got my taxes back, which should be coming soon, within the next week or so.”

Larock had previous run-ins with law enforcement, both as a juvenile and as an adult. He was serving a probation sentence under the Holmes Youthful Training Act for attempted malicious destruction of property when he committed his latest round of offenses, Dodge said.

“He needs to understand this community will not tolerate this continued criminal behavior,” said Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz. “It’s up to him to do the right things, hang out with the right people, listen to people who give you good advice, and life will be well. If not, this community will provide him with another place to stay, for many, many years.”

Despite his record, the judge accepted the plea agreement between the defendant and the prosecution, where he would serve less than a year in jail, sparing him from a trip to a Michigan penitentiary. Dodge warned, however, that the penalties for violating probation a second time would be harsh.

“You’re burning a lot of bridges behind you, and the opportunities are fast disappearing for you to avoid a prison term,” Dodge said. “If there were ever a time to get things straightened out, now is it.”

Larock was given credit for 81 days already served. He will also be able to serve the last 120 days of jail sentence at the Twin County Probation Center.

Also sentenced Friday:

• Thomas James Holycross, 46, of South Bend, to 19 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine.

• Robert Dale Whetstone, 17, of Edwardsburg, to one year of probation for the distribution of a controlled substance.

• Jacob Alexander Smith, 19, of Bremen, Indiana, to two years of probation for possession and distribution of marijuana.

• Wayne Alan Richey, 51, of Cassopolis, to one year of probation for possession of a firearm by a felon.

• Bryan Allen Sult, 44, of Edwardsburg, to 300 days in jail and two years of probation for operating while intoxicated and fleeing from police.

• Quincy Glenn-Alexander Murray, 39, of Eau Claire, to one year of probation for possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license.