By By NORMA LERNER / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS -- A Dowagiac man who wanted to save money by growing his own marijuana instead of buying it caused more trouble than what it was worth.
Jeremy D. Brinegar, 26, of 30500 M-62, Dowagiac, will spend six months in jail for growing the illegal plant and will have to report to the court for two years while on probation.
Brinegar, who was convicted of delivery and manufacturing marijuana and maintaining a drug house, told Judge Michael E. Dodge Friday morning in Cass County Circuit Court that he did not realize the seriousness of the crime.
He did a lot of damage to his home life and self-esteem, he said.
He said he has never been so scared in his whole life. "I have had a problem with marijuana since I was 16. I would like to put this behind me. I will never do this again."
Defense attorney Dale Blunier said Brinegar lost his job and home.
He did have a good job, he said.
Dodge recalled that on Oct. 17 Cass County Drug Enforcement officers discovered 55 marijuana plants and assorted growing apparatus.
Dodge imposed his six-month jail term in the middle of his guideline range of zero to 17 months and gave him two years of probation for manufacturing the substance and for maintaining a drug house, he received a concurrent 60 days in jail.
He was also ordered to pay $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund and $60 for DNA testing.
His driver's license was also suspended for 180 days.
In other sentencing, Thomas A. Routley, 26, of 12666 Pioneer St., Marcellus, received one year in jail for each conviction of failing to register as a sex offender, second-offense operating a vehicle while under the influence of liquor and resisting and obstructing a police officer on Feb. 7 in Marcellus.
His terms are to run concurrently.
He must pay $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund, $60 DNA testing, $350 costs and restitution of $73.
Michelle Renee Linley, 29, of 2147 Lewis Drive, Niles, received 154 days in jail with credit for time served for one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle on Nov. 6 and 154 days in jail with credit for 98 days served for a second count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle on Nov. 21.
She is to pay $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund for each count and $60 DNA testing.
Gustavo Deleon Jr., 25, of 28230 Elm Street, Dowagiac, received one year in jail for each of three convictions for possession of cocaine, carrying a concealed weapon and resisting and obstructing a police officer on July 14 in Dowagiac. His terms are to run concurrently, and he must pay $60 to the Crime Victims' Rights, $60 for DNA testing and restitution of $2,841.