A Dowagiac man will spend the next several years on parole for larceny and drug crimes he committed in the city this past summer.

On Friday, Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman sentenced Jerimia Walter Johnson, 38, to two years on the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation program, on charges of controlled substance of methamphetamine, breaking and entering a building with intent, and larceny in a building. In addition, Johnson was sentenced to 102 days in Cass County Jail, with credit for 102 days already served.

Johnson pleaded guilty to the charges in a Sept. 14 court appearance.

The charges stem from an incident that took place on June 6 on Division Street in Dowagaic, when Johnson broke into a garage and stole a weed trimmer and a table saw.

“It boggles my mind when I see someone steal a used weed eater and a table saw,” Herman said at sentencing. “What are you going to do? Sell it for $50, $60, $100? It boggles my mind when I see this over and over, [stealing] something like this and [risking] everything for a few bucks.”

Police identified Johnson as a suspect in the theft in July and issued a search warrant for Johnson’s home. Johnson was reportedly cooperative with police and revealed the location of the stolen items to authorities.

While searching through Johnson’s home, police found a bag of white powder that tested positive for methamphetamine.

After the initial investigation, Johnson was recommended for the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation program.

The Swift and Sure program places Johnson on probation with the stipulation that if he does not successfully complete the program, he will go to prison. The program requires close monitoring as well as frequent drug and alcohol tests.

Cass County prosecutor Tiffiny Vohwinkle said she was against the recommendation to enter Johnson into Swift and Sure.

“I do hope he’s successful [in the program],” Vohwinkle said. “However, I do have some concerns on behalf the of the people about him entering this program.”

One of the concerns Vohwinkle cited as her reason for opposing the recommendation was Johnson’s past history with theft, with him having two previous documented larceny offenses.

“I think there is no greater property offense than breaking into somebody’s home,” Vohwinkle said. “So, I have some real concerns about him entering the Swift and Sure program.”

Herman shared some of Vohwinkle’s concerns, citing previous probation violations and a 2006 bad-check hearing where Johnson failed to appear in court 14 times.

“When I look at your record, I am skeptical,” Herman said. “I have serious concerns whether or not you can be successful in the program.”

In a letter to the judge, Johnson asked Herman to sentence him to probation in the Swift and Sure program, saying that he and his wife currently have custody of his grandchildren, who he would like to set a good example for.

Herman adhered to the recommendation to sentence Johnson to the Swift and Sure program, warning Johnson that he would need to step up in order to be successful in the program.

“I’ll give you the chance to show me [that you are a changed man],” Herman said. “But rest assured that you will regret it if you are not a man of your word.”