A former Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg police officer has pleaded “no-contest” and now faces 20 years in prison for home invasion.

Jesse Holmes, 23, had only been working for the department for approximately six months when he responded to a medical call on Christmas Day at a private residence.

He allegedly stole painkillers from the home near Eagle Lake.

“Ex-officer Holmes is a young man that had or has a problem,” Edwardsburg Police Chief Kenneth Wray said. “A position of authority he does not deserve. He is very intelligent, but made a very flawed mistake in his thinking, that he will now have to pay for, for many years. I’m just hoping that his indiscretion does not bring bad light on all police officers.”

Holmes pleaded “no-contest” to first degree felony home invasion, which is being treated as a guilty plea according to Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz.

In exchange for his plea, Fitz’ office has dropped felony firearm and larceny charges against Holmes.

Sentencing has been set for June 27.