CASSOPOLIS — Everyone in the Cass County courtroom likely had the same question on their minds Friday.

What were Charles and Deborah Harley, a long-time married Marcellus couple, doing there?
Charles, 55, and Deborah, 54, both have spotless criminal records, good reputations and high school education.

This led to both Prosecutor Victor Fitz and Judge Michael Dodge to ask: “What the heck are you doing here?”

But Fitz said there is a darker side to the couple, rooted in drug addiction.

The Harleys both received two-year probation sentences on possession of methamphetamine and maintenance of a drug house charges Friday.

Deborah admitted to authorities she had been experimenting with amphetamines since 1982, while Charles said he has struggled with marijuana and cocaine since his 20s.

The Harleys were arrested Oct. 27 when detectives with the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team executed a search warrant on their property. The search warrant was granted due to the couple’s regular purchase of pseudoephedrines, a component of meth, as seen on purchase logs at area businesses.

The Harleys claimed the purchases were for allergies.

Fitz said the couple needs to start being honest with themselves.

“If she is not honest with herself, she will be back here again looking at mandatory prison guidelines,” he said.

Dale Blunier, defense attorney for Charles, said his client was “embarrassed” to be in court.

“He’s really learned his lesson from this,” Blunier said.

Deborah’s attorney, James Miller, had similar sentiments.

“I’m confident that this time in jail has made a difference,” Miller said.

During their comments, the Harleys were remorseful.

“You’re never too old to be foolish,” Charles said. “I apologize to the court and my family.”