Despite an extensive prior criminal record, a Dowagiac man will be given the opportunity to forgo another stint in prison after using a stolen credit card to rack up nearly $200 in fraudulent charges.

Judge Michael Dodge sentenced Corey Devon Roddy, 37, to 150 days in jail and two years of probation during his sentencing Friday morning in Cass County court, on charges of possession of a financial transaction device and illegal use of a financial transaction device. He pleaded guilty to the charges on Jan. 5.

According to the court, Roddy’s arrest stems from a series of transactions he made last spring, using a debit card belonging to Angela Jaggers without her permission. He made nine purchases within the city using the card, spending a total of $196, Dodge said.

“In essence, as you admitted, you were stealing the money and/or the bank which held the card, which causes a lot of credit problems for the victim as well,” Dodge said.

In his statements to the judge, Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz admonished the defendant for his actions, saying that a prison sentence would be justified in this case.

“This is very serious stuff,” Fitz said. “The defendant recognized that it was ignorant and stupid, but it’s more than that. It’s a continuing pattern of criminal behavior.”

The prosecutor pointed out Roddy has been in trouble with the law since 1995, getting involved with drug activities and sales, sex offenses and other criminal behavior. In 2007, he was sentenced to serve 45 months in prison for assault and intent to do great bodily harm.

Despite his record, Roddy’s attorney, Daniel French, pointed out that the Dowagiac resident has maintained a clean record since his release from prison prior to committing credit card fraud. He came clean about the theft to authorities and feels remorse for what he has done as well, French said.

“As much as the prosecutor makes a point of his prior record, I want to point out he’s spent eight years conviction free,” he said. “This offense does not come close to those crimes. This was a property offense.”

Roddy spoke on his own behalf during the hearing as well, pointing out that he currently has a job with Postle Aluminum and is working to provide for his children and fiancée, who has undergone two hip surgeries over the last six months.

“I’m truly, truly sorry for what I’ve done,” Roddy said. “I’m willing to pay back 10 times what I took. I’m asking you to be lenient toward me, so that I can hold my job down so I can take care of my own.”

After handing down his sentence, Dodge expressed that he had no objections toward allowing Roddy to serve his jail time under work release.

He was given four days credit for time already served.

Also sentenced Friday:

• Thomas Lee Clemons, 27, of Elkhart, to 10 years in prison for multiple counts of armed robbery.

• Kara Jolene Tucker, 27, of Mishawaka, to two years of probation for possession of methamphetamine.

• Bradley James Lowe, 30, of Hartford, to 240 days in jail for breaking and entering.

• Peter Allen Starrett, 34, of Dowagiac, to two years in prison for domestic violence.

• Matthew Todd Velthouse, 30, of Dowagiac, to one year of probation for obtaining property by false pretenses.

• Martha Tricia Cramer, 36, of Marcellus, to five years of probation for welfare fraud.