CASSOPOLIS — A 45-year-old Illinois man’s effort to throw undue influence at the Cass County justice system came to no avail in a courtroom earlier this week.

And a .29 blood-alcohol level on his drunk driving charge didn’t help.

Following his arrest for operating while intoxicated, the male told Officer Kaycee Huston of the Ontwa Township/Edwardsburg Police Department that he would get out of the charge because he had a lot of money.

Wednesday, after only 25 minutes of deliberation, a Cass County jury sent Stephen Crane, of Naperville, Ill., a message that it’s not all about the money when they found him guilty of drunk driving.

Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Sytsma tried the case for the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office.

At trial, Huston testified she was patrolling in the Regal Place Subdivision in the early morning hours of May 9, 2010, when she saw a vehicle driving without headlights.

Huston followed the vehicle and watched as the driver made a wide turn onto Elkhart Road, crossed the center line on Elkhart Road, made a wide turn onto Fox Crossing Road and drove on the wrong side of the road.

Crane evaded Huston’s lighted patrol car until he turned into the driveway at his father’s residence.

At that time, he told Huston he just wanted to go inside.

Not so fast.

In addition to smelling alcohol and observing Crane’s bloodshot and watery eyes, Huston testified the defendant failed three dexterity tests.

Testimony from Huston and fellow Officer Brian Robinson established that Crane was transported to Edwardsburg Ambulance Service for a blood test.

Testing of the blood sample revealed a .29 blood-alcohol content — more than three and a half times the legal threshold of .08.

Crane did not testify at the trial.

Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Victor  Fitz commented Thursday, “In Cass County we will treat you fair.  We will treat you like anyone else.”

Operating while intoxicated carries a penalty of 93 days and/or $500 fine.

Fourth District Judge Stacey Rentfrow presided over the trial.

She sentenced Crane to five days in jail, $1,000 in fines and costs and six months probation.