CASSOPOLIS — Stepbrothers Kyle Kelley and Matthew Bricker, involved in a string of breaking and enterings in Milton Township, are heading to jail.

Cass County Circuit Court Judge Michael Dodge sentenced the Niles residents, both 18 years old, to two-year probation terms Friday.

Bricker was given 150 days in jail with credit for 106 days already served.

Kelley, who has a more lengthy criminal history, was handed a 300-day sentence with credit for 113 days already served.

The home invasion spree occurred the night of Feb. 23 and the early morning hours of Feb. 24 when the step brothers broke into and stole property from several barns and sheds near Follmer Road in Milton Township.

Dodge said, according to the victim impact statements, the “property loss seemed to be the least of their concerns.”

“The loss of privacy and feeling of security in their homes” is what has really hurt them, said Dodge.
Lawrence Quigley, defense attorney for Bricker, said despite his mistake, his client has a “promising future.”

“Wake-up calls are cliche in this courtroom,” Quigley said. “But in this case, it’s quite true. His eyes have been opened.”

Kelley’s defense attorney, Dale Blunier, said his client has a lot of family support. His mother paid the restitution to the victims up front.

Dodge warned Kelley and Bricker that if they don’t comply with probation, they could end up in prison.
For his part, Bricker was remorseful.

“I want to apologize to everyone impacted. I hope you give me an opportunity to turn my life back around,” he said.

Kelley declined to speak in court.