Niles man gets probation for Niles Township home invasion

Published 1:46 pm Monday, December 11, 2023

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NILES — A Niles man was sentenced to probation Monday in Berrien County Trial Court on home invasion charges.

Jacob Alexander O’Brien, 26, of Niles, pleaded guilty to third degree home invasion and was sentenced to two years probation in Drug Treatment Court, 90 days in jail with credit for 55 days served and $1,488 in fines, costs and restitution.

The incident occurred Feb. 8, 2023 in Niles Charter Township.

Defense attorney Kaitlin Locke said O’Brien is exactly the type of individual who would benefit from drug treatment court and knows that more jail or prison could be in his future if he fails to take advantage of the drug court services.

“He’s been struggling and needs to get a handle on his drug addiction,” she said. “If he doesn’t, I don’t know where he will end up. They (drug court) help to provide the tools he will need when he is triggered.”

“I hope that the program is a good choice for you,” Berrien County Trial Judge Jennifer Smith told O’Brien. “It’s not magic, it will take work on your part. You need to find a motivation to change your life. If you continue to use and don’t take advantage of it, you will find yourself in prison.”