Dowagiac man gets jail, probation for The Twirl robbery

CASSOPOLIS — A Dowagiac man who robbed the Cassopolis Tastee Twirl shop last February was sentenced to jail and probation Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.

      Mathew Aaron Crider, 39, of Maple Street in Dowagiac, pleaded guilty to unarmed robbery as a habitual offender and was sentenced to three years probation, 365 days in jail with credit for 268 days served and $2,128 in fines and costs.

      The incident occurred Feb. 14 at the Cassopolis Tastee Twirl on Broadway in Cassopolis. He entered the shop which was closed for renovations and assaulted and robbed the owner.

      He also pleaded guilty to a probation violation from a 2023 conviction for possession of methamphetamine. His probation was revoked in that case and he was sentenced to 365 days in jail with credit for 268 days served.

      Cass County Prosecutor Victim Fitz noted that Crider has a considerable record with six prior felony and 12 prior misdemeanor convictions. He said his office had secured the agreement with Crider’s attorney after consulting the victim in the case.

      Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman noted that Crider is digging himself a deep hole. “The prosecutor agreed to a one year jail term even though you could go to prison for 12 years,” the judge said.

      “If you violate this time, you will more likely be in your 50s when you have a chance for parole,” he added. “If you want to throw away the next 10, 11 or 12 years of your life, that’s what we’re looking at here today. It’s going to take some real deep soul searching and commitment on your part.”

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