CASSOPOLIS — Curtis Johnson may be considered a child based on his age, but he is very much an adult according to the criminal justice system.

Johnson, a 16-year-old Dowagiac resident, has such an extensive criminal record that he has exhausted all the services the juvenile justice system could provide.

So he was waived up to adult court Friday for his sentencing in connection to a breaking and entering in Dowagiac earlier this year.

Judge Michael Dodge sentenced the teen to 19 months to 10 years in prison with credit for 61 days already served, but he didn’t object to Johnson’s participation in the boot camp program.

The offense occurred in May when Johnson broke into the Encore Dance studio in downtown Dowagiac and stole a pair of boxing gloves.

When police arrived, Johnson resisted arrest and attempted to flee. Backup was called in and he was arrested.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Frank Machnik described Johnson as a “hardened criminal” and a “sociopath.”

“He has no concern for anyone in society but himself,” Machnik said.

Defense attorney Carol Bealor disagreed with the prosecutor’s assessment.

“You can’t classify him a ‘hardened criminal.’ He’s 16 years old,” she said. “He’s had a lot of time to realize his situation sitting in jail.”

For his part, Johnson was apologetic.

“I would like to say I’m sorry for my actions,” he said. “I understand I should be punished and all. But I don’t think prison will help me. Boot camp would be beneficial and teach me respect.”