By By NORMA LERNER / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS - Sentenced to prison Friday was James Smith, 29, of 12645 U.S. 12, White Pigeon, for four methamphetamine-related convictions.
Sept. 14 Cass County sheriff's officers investigated a complaint from Smith's landlord about drug use.
Officers found evidence of possession of marijuana and attempted to arrest Smith when he resisted. A Taser gun was used to subdue him.
Officers also found methamphetamine, cocaine and components of manufacturing methamphetamine and operating a lab in the presence of three minor children.
Smith has no record, Circuit Judge Michael E. Dodge said, but his activities "were extremely serious business. It's a scourge on the community."
Dodge noted that in the presence of minor children, it is a 20-year maximum.
He said the court will deviate, but not to the extent that defense attorney William McNeil requested of probation and a jail term.
Dodge sentenced Smith two to 20 years for operating/maintaining a lab in presence of minors; two to 10 years for possession of methamphetamine; two to four years for resisting and obstructing a police officer; credit for time served of 88 days for possession of marijuana; and 18 to 24 months for maintaining a drug house.
Court costs were $810.