NILES — A man who was found with methamphetamine in his possession during a sting operation was sentenced for the crime Monday in Niles Berrien County Trial Court. 

Harley David Jackson, 38, of Hoyt Drive in Niles, pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2018, to the felony offense of possession of meth, second offense.

Judge Charles LaSata sentenced Jackson to serve 16 to 240 months in a Michigan state prison. Additionally, he was ordered to pay $198 in fines and costs.

The crime occurred on July 25, 2017. The Michigan State Police SWET conducted an undercover operation on S. 11th Street. At that time, Jackson was found to be in possession of 1.1 grams of meth, according to court records.

Jackson was represented by defense attorney Scott Sanford who asked that his client is permitted to serve time in any penal institution.

When it was Jackson’s turn to speak, he said he acknowledges the mistakes he had made. 

“I understand whatever jail time you give me today and I want to thank you for that,” Jackson said.

Additionally, he said he wanted the opportunity to be part of a program that would help him address his substance addiction. He added that he intends never to return to the courtroom and hopes to be a positive part of society.

“I will be the best man I can be. I will not be the same tomorrow as I am today,” he said.

But LaSata was critical of Jackson’s record, which includes pending charges in Indiana and Cass County. He said Jackson would be serving his time in Michigan and not in any penal institution as requested. 

“It’s unfortunate that you are committing crimes in multiple jurisdictions,” LaSata said. “This has been going on with you for almost two decades. Your first meth conviction was in 2001.”

With his record, LaSata said Jackson had been given opportunities to be part of programs for treatment but had “washed out.”

Jackson has credit for 208 days served.