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NILES — An Illinois woman who stole a car in Illinois before ending up being stopped in Berrien County was sentenced Monday in Berrien County Trial Court at the Niles courthouse.

Quantina Washington, 32, of Illinois, pleaded guilty to third degree fleeing and eluding police and receiving, concealing or possession of a stolen vehicle and was sentenced to concurrent terms of seven and 11 months in jail with credit for 83 days served. She must pay $326 in fines and costs.

      The incident occurred Dec. 18, 2024 in Galien.

      Defense attorney Carri Briseno reported that Washington is on felony probation in Cook County, Illinois. She said Washington had taken Ecstasy drugs within 48 hours of this incident and was having a panic attack.

      “She took a car in Illinois and drove here,” Briseno said. “She said she was trying to get away from people here. I’m asking you consider a lesser sentence of even time served. I think it’s better that their (Illinois) tax dollars are spent serving her.”

      Berrien County Trial Court Judge Gordon Hosbein called the incident troubling. He wished Washington well in the future including finding the location of her children.