Niles man gets probation for gun, drug possession

Published 5:00 pm Sunday, January 7, 2024

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CASSOPOLIS — A Niles man who was stopped having possession of a gun and cocaine was sentenced Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.

James Austin Lane, 57, of East Bertrand Road in Niles, pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and possession of cocaine and was sentenced to 18 months probation, credit for one day served and $2,298 in fines and costs.

        The incident occurred March 13, 2022 at Redfield and Conrad Roads in Edwardsburg when police stopped his car for expired plates. He admitted to police he had a gun in the car and both he and a passenger had cocaine on them.

        Judge Herman noted that this was Lane’s first formal criminal convictions, that he has been married for over 30 years and has a long and fairly consistent work history. He also acknowledged receiving numerous letters of support for Lane.

        Lisa Marie Roddy, 49, of Broadway in Cassopolis, was convicted by a jury in July of resisting and obstructing police and was sentenced to 18 months probation, credit for 41 days served and $2,088 in fines and costs.

        The incident occurred April 13, 2022 on Amerihost Drive in Dowagiac when she was intoxicated and refused to leave a residence.

        “You spent 41 days in jail, I hope you’ve learned something from the incident,” Judge Herman said. “You could have gone home and slept it off but now you have a felony on your record. If somebody asks you to leave, just leave.”