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