Harvey receives suspended sentence/probation
Pleaded to maintaining drug house
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HOUGHTON -- A 51-year old Houghton County man was sentenced to 18 months probation on meth charges Monday.
David Harvey Jr. pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a drug house. Two other charges, delivery and manufacture of methamphetamine, as well as using a computer to commit a crime, were dropped by the Houghton County Prosecutor Dan Helmer.
The sentence was handed down in 12th Circuit Court by Judge Brittany Bulleit, she said Harvey's meth use became an issue within the last two years and she cannot ignore the fact he used the mail to receive the drugs.
"By being part of a situation with the sale of that substance, you're not just putting yourself in danger; you're putting others in danger too," she said. "Furthermore, receiving it [meth] through the mail puts a significant amount of people in danger.
Bulleit noted the drugs travelled from as far as Colorado before Harvey received them.
Harvey's attorney, Cameron Herrington said his client already served more than four months in jail and if he faced further jail time, he could lose his home.
"If he's sentenced to additional jail, he probably will lose his home," he said. "He's been working to stay up with his rent but it's pretty much out of his ability unless he where to get out and commence working."
Helmer said he agrees with the sentencing guidelines, which were 0-17 months for the charges presented.
Harvey apologized during his comments to Bulleit and said he will go to impatient substance abuse rehab to get help for his addiction.
"I screwed up. Please give me this opportunity to show you I can change and be a respectful and good citizen for this community," he said.
Bulleit said there were positives and negative aspects to Harvey's case. She noted he was apologetic and took responsibility for his actions. She also said he has had a long history of legal trouble for substance abuse.
Bulleit handed down a suspended jail sentence of eight months. Harvey would face his sentence if he were to violate the terms of his 18-month probation. She said Harvey could be discharged from his probation after six months for good behavior.
Harvey has six months to appeal the sentence.