By AARON MUELLER
Cassopolis Vigilant

Cass County Circuit Court Judge Michael Dodge said it’s become quite a trend – meth turning good people down a destructive path.

Scotty Johnson knows that all too well.

Johnson, who had a clean criminal record before his arrest on three methamphetamine charges in February, was sentenced to two to 20 years in prison on Friday.

Dodge said despite his good record, he had no choice but to send Johnson to the Michigan Department of Corrections. The state sentencing guidelines for meth charges call for a prison sentence.

Sadly it’s happening all too frequently. People with no prior record get involved with meth and boom you are going to prison,” Dodge said.

On Feb. 26, Johnson and two others were discovered in an Edwardsburg home on Elkhart Road where meth was being cooked in the attic.

Prosecutor Victor Fitz referred to the residence as a “meth hot house.”

Co-defendant Carroll Mead was sentenced last week to 3 to 20 years in prison.

Dodge said Johnson received a more lenient sentence due to his clean criminal history, cooperation with law enforcement, participation in a meth diversion program and his remorseful attitude.

Johnson, who broke into tears during the sentencing, was apologetic.

“I’m ready to take control of my life and display myself as a positive role model for my children,” he said. “I look forward to changes I will make to become a productive member of society.”

Dodge was hopeful that Johnson will turn things around.

“I have no objections to boot camp,” he told Johnson. “It’s a great opportunity to salvage something out of this situation. Keep up the good work and maintain this attitude.”