By AARON MUELLER

Niles Daily Star

CASSOPOLIS — Cass County Circuit Court Judge Michael Dodge has sentenced a lot of criminals in his time on the bench, but Jeffery Owen’s 160-point prior record score was something he had never seen before.

“Your past record can only be described as horrible,” Dodge told Owen. “It’s the highest score I’ve seen.”

Owen has six prior felonies and 15 misdemeanors, including three previous domestic violence offenses.

His prior record, combined with charges of possession of methamphetamine, domestic violence and possession of marijuana led to a 29-month to 15-year prison sentence for the Dowagiac man Friday.

The incident took place June 16 when he and his girlfriend got into an argument after they had both been drinking. Owen struck her in the head, which led to her chipping her tooth.

When police officers arrived, they discovered methamphetamine and marijuana in the home.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Frank Machnik described Owen as a “career criminal” and said the court should “protect society” from him.

“He is 44 years old and has shown no benefit from years of incarceration,” he said. “His record shows he cannot be rehabilitated.”

Defense attorney Carol Bealor argued Owen has not been able to be rehabilitated because he hasn’t gotten the proper help.

“Incarceration alone will not solve the problem,” she said. “Until he has a full treatment program, it is unknown if he can be rehabilitated.”

Owen has admitted he is an addict and is taking meth diversion classes, which is a “good first step,” according to Bealor.

Bealor also requested the no contact order between Owen and his victim be lifted at the victim’s request, which Dodge granted.

For his part, Owen simply asked for “a fair shake.”

Dodge encouraged Owen to learn from his time in prison.

“There is still hope for you,” Dodge said. “You can change your life. It’s never too late.”

Also on Friday, a Union man caught a break with a three-year probation sentence on a laundry list of drug-related convictions. The first 90 days of his sentence will be spent on tether.

Angelo Lentine, 29, had a long list of offenses — operating and maintaining a meth lab, possession of meth, possession of psilocin (mushrooms), possession of Xanax without a prescription and possession of marijuana.

But a limited prior record, several letters of support, attending rehabilitation classes and recent acceptance into the Family Treatment Court helped his case.

Defense attorney Philip Harrison said his client “has made a tremendous reversal” and is attending classes six days a week.

Lentine said he is on the path to rehabilitation.

“Ever since this happened, my life has been about recovery,” he said. “I’ve got rid old friends, not really friends, drug acquaintances.”

Dodge said positive reports from his rehab classes gave him substantial and compelling reasons to deviate from the sentencing guidelines that called for prison.