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NILES — Area residents received probation and jail terms Monday at the Niles courthouse.

Tyshon Lamareon Newman, 23, of Benton Harbor, pleaded guilty to three counts of identity theft and possession with intent to deliver forged or counterfeit identification cards and was sentenced to two years probation in the Swift & Sure Sanctions Program, 300 days in jail with credit for 53 days served and $802 in fines and costs.

The incidents occurred in late 2023 at locations around the county including in Niles.

Berrien County Assistant Prosecutor Jerry Vigansky argued against probation and for a prison sentence. Vigansky cited Newman’s past record and past failure on probation.

      Defense attorney Joseph Fletcher said his client made poor decisions and hopefully can turn his life around. Newman apologized for and took responsibility for his actions, adding that he’s not a bad person.

      Judge Hosbein said that identity theft can have a significant effect on the victims, with it taking a long time for them to get their identity back. “These offense can be very harmful to people,” he said. “… I believe you can come out of this a better person, I hope you take advantage of this probation.”

      Amanda Jo Holcomb, 45, of Benton Harbor, pleaded guilty to use of methamphetamine and receiving, concealing or possession of a stolen vehicle and was sentenced to credit for 47 days served on the meth charge and three years probation, 304 days in jail with credit for 47 days served and completion of the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program.

      Holcomb must pay $598 in fines and costs and $21,500 in restitution.

      The incident occurred July 27, 2024 in Niles.

      “It’s pretty safe to say that she would not be here except for meth,” defense attorney Daniel French said. “She didn’t steal the vehicle but she was in the vehicle.”

      “I didn’t know the vehicle was stolen and I’m sorry to the family,” Holcomb said. “I do have an addiction to meth and need help for that.”

      Jennifer Lynn Wood, 46, of Dowagiac, pleaded guilty to breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny and was sentenced to 300 days in jail with credit for 163 days already served. She must pay $198 in fines and costs.

      The incident occurred May 17, 2024 in Berrien Township. Wood also faces charges in Cass County and can serve this jail sentence in any penal institution.

      In other sentencings:

• LaTosha Marie Banks, 42, of Niles, pleaded guilty to attempted carrying a concealed weapon and was sentenced to credit for two days served and $258 in fines and costs. The incident occurred Feb. 12 in Niles Township.
• Nickolas Phin Patterson, 32, of Niles, pleaded guilty to use of methamphetamine and attempted carrying a concealed weapon and was sentenced to two years probation, credit for three days served and $708 in fines and costs. The incident occurred Feb. 1 in Niles Township.
• Casey Rae Thomas, 43, of Niles, pleaded guilty to attempted carrying a concealed weapon and was sentenced to credit for two days served and $383 in fines and costs. The incident occurred Nov. 22, 2024 in Niles.