WARSAW — David Allen Baker, 53, 221 S. Brook St., Mishawaka, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years at the Department of Corrections after attempting to break into an ATM.

On Feb. 14, a North Webster police officer was called to an attempted burglary to an ATM machine at the North Webster American Legion. She found the front of the machine had been pried at in several different areas, including the area where money was located. However, no money was obtained.

A member of the American Legion told police around 6 p.m. he saw a man standing in front of the ATM. An employee of the organization stated around 7 p.m. attempts to pry open the machine were noticed. Officials with Mutual Bank, owners of the ATM, took possession of the money and secured the machine.

A review of the Legion’s surveillance video shows a man standing in front of the ATM making motions appearing to be prying on the machine. He is also seen on his knees with the same type of prying motion. A legion member identified the man as the same one seen standing in front of the machine at 6 p.m. The man was also recognized as an individual brought to the Legion and signed in by another individual. The register showed Baker’s name.

During his sentencing Baker addressed the court, “I’m not going to argue with my criminal history, it’s pretty lengthy. I know my history is bad but I’m trying to change. I don’t think prison is the answer this time.”

Judge David Cates sentenced Baker to 2 1/2 years at the Department of Corrections. Baker also must pay restitution to Mutual Bank of $8,051.