By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
NILES, MI – Three area residents were sentenced to prison Monday in Berrien County Trial Court, including a Buchanan man who assaulted his girlfriend and then tried to get her to recant her testimony.
Terry Lee Anderson, Jr., 45, of Buchanan, pleaded guilty to aggravated stalking, third offense domestic violence, and bribing or intimidating a witness–all as a habitual offender and was sentenced to three concurrent prison terms. He must also pay $464 in fines and costs.
He was sentenced to 36 months to 90 months in prison on the domestic violence and aggravated stalking charges as well as credit for 105 days served on the witness intimidation charge. He also received a prison sentence of 20 months to 60 months and had his probation revoked for a probation violation from an earlier domestic violence incident. The domestic violence incident occurred March 29, 2026 in Buchanan while the stalking and witness intimidation incidents occurred May 9, 2026. The sheriff’s office recorded over 1,000 calls that Anderson made to the victim from jail as well as threats he made against Buchanan police.
Berrien County Assistant Prosecutor Myrene Koch noted that Anderson was on probation for domestic violence when the new incidents occurred. “He made 1,049 calls and then another 309 calls to the victim asking her to not cooperate,” she said. “He failed miserably on probation before.”
Defense attorney Stephanie Teeple said that Anderson initially did well on probation in the earlier case. “He’s a smart man; he’s been remorseful,” she said. “He has some cognitive issues and addictive behaviors, and we ask for the lower end of the guidelines.”
Anderson said he was very sorry. “To say I showed abusive behavior is putting it mildly,” he said. “That’s not the person I am. I had been in a relationship with her for 20 years and I had separation anxiety. I apologize for my actions; I take full responsibility. I will work on myself to improve myself and not be here again. I’m ashamed. I’ve learned my lesson.”
Berrien County Trial Court Judge Gordon Hosbein recognized that Anderson has worked some to change his life but noted that his actions warranted a prison sentence. “You showed gross indifference to the boundaries of the law and toward your ex-girlfriend,” he said. “Actions do have consequences. I find the prison sentences to be appropriate and proportionate.”
In another sentencing, a Niles man already in prison was given another prison sentence.
Brendan Andeanea Brown, 27, of Niles, pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon in an automobile and operating with a high blood alcohol content and was sentenced to 14 months to five years in prison on the weapon charge and credit for time served on the high blood alcohol charge. His weapon was forfeited and he must pay $1,483 in fines and costs.
The incident occurred Jan. 3, 2026 in Niles. He is currently in prison for violating his probation from a 2022 conviction in Cass County for assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. Teeple reported that Brown has gotten his high school diploma while incarcerated and completed other classes. She acknowledged Brown’s one previous felony conviction and noting that it was a “big one.” She asked for a sentence at the low end of the guidelines.
Brown said that his time incarcerated has been an eye opener. “I recognize my mistakes and the impact they’ve had on me, my friends, and my family,” he said. “I’ve learned that time is very valuable and you don’t get it back.”
Judge Hosbein said he considered a probationary sentence since this case didn’t involve hurting someone like his previous conviction had. “But actions have consequences, you can’t carry a weapon and drive around intoxicated,” he said.
Daquarius Kmauria Crump, 25, of Niles, pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to 24 months to 48 months in prison for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and 365 days in jail for the concealed weapon charge. He has credit for 104 days served and must pay $456.
The incident occurred Jan. 30, 2024 in Niles.
Koch noted that Crump had threatened to kill the victim and also threatened her mother in the incident in which the victim was pistol whipped.
Defense attorney Carrie Briseno said Crump is remorseful. She noted that he has mental health issues and had treated them with alcohol, marijuana, and meth, rather than taking his medications.