South Bend man sentenced on weapons charge

NILES — A South Bend man was sentenced on a weapons charge Monday in Berrien County Trial Court.

Jason Robert Miltroka, 47, of South Bend, pleaded guilty to attempted carrying a concealed weapon and was sentenced to 10 days in jail with credit for two days served and $258 in fines and costs. His firearm was forfeited.

The incident occurred Jan. 5 when a car he was a passenger in was stopped by police in Bertrand Township. According to statements made in court, he was in Michigan to buy marijuana.

Defense attorney Scott Graham said this was Miltroka’s first felony conviction and that his client has a stable residence and a job he hopes to be able to keep. Graham said that Miltroka’s previous convictions had been drinking and driving related. He had been drinking in this incident but was not driving.

Miltroka said he didn’t realize the difference in laws between Indiana and Michigan when it comes to weapons.

Berrien County Trial Court Judge Jennifer Smith said she appreciated that fact that Miltroka wants to keep his job but that carrying a weapon is a responsibility.

“You said you didn’t know the difference in laws regarding weapons,” she said. “What struck me is that you did know the difference in laws when it comes to marijuana. You were coming to Michigan to get marijuana because it’s illegal to have in Indiana.”

“You were coming into Michigan and there were open beers in the car,” she added. “Then you used marijuana and alcohol while you were on bond. There was a whole lot more going on than bringing a gun into Michigan.”

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