By NORMA LERNER
Dowagiac Daily News

CASSOPOLIS – Thirty-one-year- old David Dobrzykowski has been on drugs since he was 13 years old, but this time he got in big trouble.

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

The good news is that Judge Michael Dodge will consider boot camp for Dobrzykowski if he qualifies for the program that would give him an early release if he completes it. Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said Friday that the defendant is a danger to the community and has been doing drugs since he was 13 years old. “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.

“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. He told him that if he continues, he will receive hard times. 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 that counseling has helped him, and he has been clean for nine months. He said he learned about himself and drug addiction.
He said 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.
Dodge recounted it was Nov. 26 when the Cass County Sheriff’s Office 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.”