NILES – A man from Niles was sentenced to jail by the Berrien County Trial Court in Niles on Monday while three others were sentenced to probation.
Chad Robert Manigold, 40, of Silverbrook Avenue in Niles, pleaded guilty to receiving, receiving or possessing a stolen motor vehicle and was sentenced to 16 months to five years in prison. He has credit for a day already served and must pay $198 in fines and costs. Restitution will be determined later for damage to the vehicle.
The incident happened on February 27 in the town of Niles.
“He accepts responsibility and makes no excuses for the wrong choices he made, including drug use,” defense attorney Carri Briseno said.
She noted that Manigold is employed and has also started his own lawn construction and maintenance business. She said he only had one year left in college to get a business degree and was taking advice. She admitted he had business going on in Indiana.
She asked the judge to consider sentencing Manigold to the Swift & Sure probation program, noting there would be serious consequences, including jail time if he violated it.
Manigold apologized to the victim and said he had a drug problem. “I changed my life…I want to maintain my business,” he said.
Judge Schrock noted that the charges pending in Indiana are serious, including a criminal harassment charge. “You’ve been this new Mr. Manigold for 60 days, it’s easy to do that when you face what you face,” he said.
“I’m sure people get to the point in life that they think enough is enough, but it doesn’t make much sense to put you on probation when you’re facing serious charges in Indiana,” he said. he declared.
In other convictions:
- Morton Dykema II, 50, of Clark Street in Buchanan, pleaded guilty to resisting and obstructing police and disturbing the peace and was sentenced to two years probation, credited with serving four days and $658 in fines and costs for the resisting charge and four days served credit for disturbing the peace. The incident happened on May 10 in Buchanan Township.
- Jack Curtis Hicks, 37, of Marcellus, pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to three years probation, 49 days credit served, 120 days of restraint and $598 in fines and costs. The incident occurred on January 20 in Niles Township.
- Allen Witt, 21, of Buchanan, pleaded guilty to resisting and obstructing police and was sentenced to two years probation, 57 days credit served, 90 days of restraint and $808 in fines, costs and compensation. He was credited with 57 days served for domestic violence. The incident happened on September 2, 2021 in Berrien Springs.
