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CASSOPOLIS — A Jones man who took part in break ins and thefts last year was sentenced to probation and jail Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.

Matthew Charles Swan, 31, of Bair Lake Street in Jones, pleaded guilty to larceny of firearms and attempted breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny and was sentenced to three years probation, 120 days in jail with credit for two days served, $3,256 in fines and costs and $5,385.70 in restitution.

The incident occurred Aug. 5, 2023 at a property in LaGrange Township. Police found the doors to a pole barn pulled open and over $40,000 worth of items stolen.

“You only had one misdemeanor before this, but you went big this time,” Judge Herman said. “You’ve said you had back injuries from a car accident and took medication for your pain. Your pain certainly didn’t interfere with the strenuous activities associated with stealing all these heavy items and then unloading them at your home.”

“Actions speak louder than words and your actions speak mountains,” he added. “Crime doesn’t pay and you’re finding out just how much it costs. If you’re thinking about going out drinking with someone and then stealing property, maybe it’s better to stay home. Look at how one to two hours of that is costing you months of your life.”

In other sentencings:

• Dale Roger Judd, 50, of Elkhart, pleaded guilty to interfering with electronic communications and was sentenced to 18 months probation, credit for three days served, $2,088 in fines and costs and $271.48 in restitution. The incident occurred Sept. 1 in Cassopolis.
• Heather Michelle Truelove, 49, of Edwardsburg, pleaded guilty to possession of meth and was sentenced to three years probation, credit for 61 days served and $3,128 in fines and costs. The incident occurred Sept. 7, 2023 in Cassopolis.
• Troy Dean Warren, 61, of Buffalo Road in Buchanan, pleaded guilty to possession of meth and was sentenced under a delayed sentencing to 11 months probation, credit for two days served and $1,548 in fines and costs. If successful on probation, the charge will be reduced to use of meth. The incident occurred Aug. 26, 2022 in Edwardsburg.