A Niles man said he is determined to pay back the $25,000 worth of scrap metal he embezzled from Niles manufacturing company Modineer.

“I feel I owe that to them,” said Scott Grice, who was sentenced Monday in Berrien County Trial Court to 30 days in jail and five years on probation.

According to court documents, a Modineer executive contacted police in October after discovering Grice, an employee at the time, had sold more than $25,000 worth of company scrap metal to a local recycling company over a period of five years.

When interviewed by police, the 35 year old admitted to selling the scrap and depositing the money into his own bank account.

“It’s called biting the hand that feeds you,” said Judge Dennis Wiley.

Grice pleaded guilty earlier this year to embezzlement of between $1,000 and $20,000 — a felony carrying a five-year maximum penalty.

Two people representing Modineer asked the judge not to give Grice any jail time.

Grice’s attorney, Jack Banyon, said his client comes from a good family and that costs associated with a divorce might have contributed to his client’s poor decision.

Banyon also explained that his client had been given permission to sell some scrap metal, but that Grice eventually did it without permission.

“He realizes he made a huge mistake and crossed the line,” said Banyon. “He is determined to pay back every penny while he is on probation.”

Grice must also perform 120 hours of community service.

“I am very sorry for my actions,” Grice said.

He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $25,601.34.

Including fines, cost and restitution, Grice owes nearly $28,000.