A Berrien Springs man charged with strangling a woman will spend a minimum of 18 months to a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Matthew Kusmiez, 30, was sentenced Monday in Berrien County Trial Court and sentenced by Judge Angela Pasula.
According to police records, authorities met with the victim to talk about an incident that happened Dec. 6. The woman was at a home on U.S. 31 that day when she was awakened by Kusmiez hitting her in the face with her cell phone and strangling her, she explained.
He also made threats to her and said that he was going to cut off her head.
Talking to police a week and half later, the woman still had noticeable injuries on her neck and forehead, records stated.
On Dec. 17, police identified Kusmiez during a traffic stop when he was pulled over for defective equipment. He was placed in custody, where he denied the allegations made by the victim.

He did confess to authorities that he had smoked meth and that he is a former opioid addict, according to official court documents.
On Monday, Kusmiez pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation.
Kusmiez has prior convictions of domestic violence and driving while license suspended, records stated.
The victim was present during the sentencing, but said she did not wish to address the court.
Before the judge, Kusmiez said he hoped to get help for the anger problems he said he struggles with.
“I just want to accept responsibility for my action,” he said. “I know what I did was wrong and I do have anger problems. I really need to get that under control. I want to take classes. I am sorry for everyone involved, especially my kids.”
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jerry Vigansky said it is imperative that Kusmiez learn to manage his anger.
“He is going to end up killing someone if he does not control his anger and his rage,” Vigansky said.
Judge Angela Pasula said the man’s behavior in the past showed he was making the same mistakes repeatedly.
“You say you need classes,” Pasula said. “That probably is correct. At this junction, you are 30 years old and you are repeating the same behavior over and over again. You need more than that (classes). [These] criminal offenses are all about power and control and exercising it over someone else.”
She went on to say Kusmiez does not have the right to push, shove or hit anyone. The victim is also the mother to their children.
“Perhaps next to your own mother, that is one of the people you should respect the most,” Pasula said.
Kusmiez has credit for 80 days served so far.