By NORMA LERNER
Vigilant/Argus

CASSOPOLIS-Thirty-one-year-old David Dobrzykowski has been on drugs since he was 13 years old, which has now landed him a prison term.

Dobrzykowski was sent to prison for three to 30 years Friday in Cass County Circuit Court for operating and maintaining a methamphetamine lab.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said Friday that the defendant is a danger to the community. “He had repeated opportunities to clean it up. None seemed to rectify his problem,” he said.

Dobrzykowski made the meth at his mother’s house, Fitz said, noting he also had troubles in Berrien County with drug activities and has been on drugs since he was 13.

This shows how our drug millage and programs do seem to be working. Our (county’s) meth numbers are not rising. I think it’s due to having law enforcement, prosecution and treatment programs.” Fitz added that Dobrzykowski is a danger and has had past related drug offenses. Fitz asked for four years.

Dobrzykowski’s attorney James Jessie said he represented him in Berrien County and one positive thing was that he did a “great job” in jail trying to deal with his problem. “He accepts responsibility for his own actions,” he said.

Dobrzykowski said in addressing the court counseling has helped him, and he has been clean for nine months. He said he learned about himself and drug addiction. He never had a father for a role model and made poor choices. He said he didn’t want to ruin his life with his family and daughter that he cares about.

Judge Michael Dodge recounted it was Nov. 26, 2008, when the Cass County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at his mother’s residence on Finch Road on a tip about a strong chemical odor coming from the house. Police found many components involved with meth. Dodge said he was also in possession of a residue of meth and a small quantity of marijuana. He noted he had numerous felony convictions, one resulting in a prison term in Berrien County where there is an outstanding warrant regarding meth.
Dodge noted, however, that his offenses would be resolved. “That’s good you will have everything wrapped up.” He also noted the jail meth diversion program has benefited Dobrzykowski. He said he took this into account in giving him the low end of the guideline range at 36 to 75 months. He also received credit for time served of 276 days for possession of methamphetamine and 90 days credit for possession of marijuana. His costs amounted to $1,104.

Dodge will consider boot camp for Dobrzykowski if he qualifies for the program that would give him an early release if he completes it.

In other sentencings Friday:

• Hilary Schreuder, 21, got 18 months probation for uttering and publishing on Aug. 11, 2008, for cashing a fraudulent check for $3,910.46 at Bank of America in Dowagiac and depositing it into her account. The check belonged to an Indian tribal member for payment to him from a casino payment. Her costs amounted to $1,108 plus restitution of $3,910.46.
Jason Wyatt, 37, got 270 days jail for resisting and obstructing a police officer on June 14 and 93 days jail for domestic violence. Wyatt was drinking at his girlfriend’s mother’s house on Bertrand Road in Milton Township. He became upset and was riding in the car with his girlfriend on Ironwood Road and slugged her in the mouth and pulled her hair. She called 9-1-1 and when officers arrived Wyatt continued to be out of control. His blood alcohol was 0.34 percent. He is to pay $181 costs.

Jaime Lee, 41, of Arizona got five years probation and 90 days jail for failing to pay child support to his ex-wife in support of his three children.

He was ordered to pay $48,000 in arrears to the Friend of the Court, $1,178 in costs and extradition costs of $1,085.