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NILES — Local residents were sentenced to jail and probation Monday in Berrien County Trial Court.

Joni Elaine Baggett, 41, of Niles, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 days in jail with credit for 89 days served and $198 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred Sept. 5, 2023 in Niles Township.

Defense attorney Shayne Williams said that she felt a probation term would set Baggett up for failure, Baggett disagreed and said she had changed.

Berrien County Trial Court Judge Gordon Hosbein said that Baggett had been given the tools to change her life with past probation sentences.

“Probation has given you all the tools you need but you have refused to use them, you know what you have to do,” he said. “I hope you get help and get better. I’m not going to place you on probation, there is nothing left they can teach you.”

Chelsy Lisa Penley, 32, of Niles, pleaded guilty to tampering with an electronic tether/monitor and was sentenced to 300 days in jail with credit for 106 days served and $198 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred Feb. 19, 2024 in Bertrand Township. She also faces charges in Indiana.

Penley acknowledged that she had cut off her ankle monitor because she was going places where her probation wouldn’t allow her to go. “I’m hoping to get back on the right path,” she said.

Cory Allan Whitman, 34, of South Bend, pleaded guilty to delivery of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 365 days in jail with credit for 73 days served. He must pay $348 in fines, costs and restitution.

The incident occurred June 17 in Oronoko Township.

“I made a stupid decision,” he said. “I’ve spent 72 days in jail when I have a family to support. I understand that I made a bad decision.” 

William James Housand, 72, of Niles, pleaded guilty to third offense drunk driving and was sentenced to two years probation, 180 days in jail with credit for three days served, 480 hours of community service and $1,578 in fines and costs.. He can spend most of his jail term on tether after serving 30 days.

The incident occurred April 15 in Niles Township.

Defense attorney Alexandru Stancu said that Housand, a Vietnam veteran, has gotten inpatient services with the Veterans Administration and hopes to get more counseling with Riverwood. Stancu said there had been more than 10 years since Housand’s last drunk driving conviction.

Housand apologized for his actions and said he had been sober for seven years before this incident.

Judge Hosbein noted that Housand would be going to prison on this charge except for the fact that there had been a 10 year gap between convictions which lowered the sentencing guidelines.

Kayli Dawn Horton, 31, of Niles, pleaded guilty to second offense possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to two years probation in Drug Court, completion of the Tri-Cap program, 150 days in jail with credit for 84 days served and $658 in fines and costs. She can be released to Tri-Cap as soon as a bed becomes available.

The incident occurred May 19, 2023 in Niles.

“This is an opportunity for you to change your life,” Judge Hosbein said. “This is the time and opportunity for you to do it. Choose yourself and this opportunity.”