Pubdate: Fri, 20 Apr 2007
Source: Grand Rapids Press (MI)
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1177080330244350.xml&coll=6
Copyright: 2007 Grand Rapids Press
Contact:  http://www.gr.mlive.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/171
Author: Scot Van Solkema
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

LAX SENTENCES FOR METH OFFENDERS

I am curious why a couple who were making one of the most dangerous 
drugs for humans only got 30 days and 60 days in jail respectively 
("Ex-supervisor's wife gets 60 days," Press, April 14). The state of 
Michigan lists manufacturing methamphetamine as a 20-year felony 
and/or a $25,000 fine. Even possession of methamphetamine is a 
10-year felony and/or $15,000 fine.

Using methamphetamine is a one-year misdemeanor and/or $2,000 fine. 
With the amount of news coverage meth receives and the damage that 
methamphetamine causes to people's lives, one would think that people 
who make it should get longer than a month or two in jail. Especially 
people who have a position of trust in the community, as supervisor 
of a township in which the county is having to continually battle the 
methamphetamine problem.

Not only is the drug dangerous to the users, it also is dangerous to 
anyone living nearby, the houses and places where meth is "cooked" 
are considered hazardous material dump sites, and special precautions 
are needed to clear a meth house.

 From what I have read and seen in the news about this case these 
people got off extremely lucky for such a major problem in Allegan 
County and the overall United States. The judge has opened the door 
to appeals from the next person sentenced for methamphetamine 
offenses, should that person receives a proper punishment required 
for the crime.

-- Scot Van Solkema

Ada Township