Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The judge called the man’s actions stupid.
YOUNGSTOWN — A city man has been placed on two years’ probation for allowing a friend to manufacture methamphetamine in his garage in exchange for drugs.
David T. Evans, 29, of Richview Avenue appeared Tuesday for sentencing before Judge John M. Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
A county grand jury originally indicted Evans on felony charges of illegal manufacturing of drugs, but, in an agreement with prosecutors, he agreed to plead guilty to a reduced charge of possession of drugs.
In exchange for the plea, prosecutors agreed to stand silent on any sentencing recommendation.
Atty. Sebastian Rucci, representing Evans, told the court his client has been addicted to drugs for years and made a stupid decision to allow a friend to use his garage to produce methamphetamine, an addictive stimulant.
He said his client, since his arrest in 2008, has made efforts to clean up his life, including going back to school and taking steps to get completely off drugs.
Evans, in a statement before sentencing, echoed the comments made by his attorney.
“It was just a bad decision on my behalf. I have been on drugs all my life. ... It was a bad choice,” he said.
Judge Durkin took into account Evans’ past drug use and evidence pointing to Evans not selling drugs before passing sentence.
“This is an incredibly dangerous drug both in its manufacture and in its use. You stupidly let your garage be used by someone else and, in return for that, you got a small amount of this drug to use,” the judge said. “You are not a dealer. You are not a manufacturer. You are a drug addict, and I am going to give you one shot.”
In granting the two-year probation, the judge gave Evans a stern warning to remain out of trouble. Evans could have been sentenced up to five years in prison.
The man convicted of manufacturing the methamphetamine in the garage, Jason D. Deshetler, 28, of Johnny K Boulevard, Hubbard, appeared for sentencing earlier this month before Judge Durkin.
The judge placed him on three years’ probation, fined him $1,000, and ordered him to serve 200 hours of community service. Deshetler could have faced up to eight years in prison.
jgoodwin@vindy.com