By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – Career criminal Michael Curry was released from prison May 18, 2006.
But the five-time felon wasted little time buying a ticket back to prison.
Within 24 hours of his release, he had already committed two more felonies – forgery and uttering and publishing.
A 12-person Cass County Circuit Court jury returned a verdict of guilty as charged on both counts after deliberating for an hour and 20 minutes Tuesday.
The crime happened May 19, 2006, at the H.B. Mini-Mart on Spruce Street in the City of Dowagiac.
Curry's prior convictions included breaking and entering a coin-operated device, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possession of cocaine, non-sufficient funds checks and uttering and publishing.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz, who tried the case, said Wednesday, "Unfortunately, certain individuals are career criminals and a continuing danger to people and property. Mr. Curry is a prime example of this.
"The Department of Corrections needs to be very cautious in its release policies. There is now talk of releasing over 5,000 prisoners early to balance the budget. That would be a terrible mistake. It would put the public and their property in greater peril," Fitz said.
Curry, 46, of Dowagiac, is scheduled for sentencing by Circuit Judge Michael Dodge on March 30. He faces up to life in prison due to his career criminal status.