A Sugar Grove man was sentenced to state prison for drug-related offenses during Warren County court proceedings last Friday.
Judge Maureen Skerda sentenced Bradley Morris Smith, 23, 15 Pleasant St., Sugar Grove, to 22 months to 5 years in a state correctional institution for possession with intent to deliver and criminal use of a communications facility.
Smith was also ordered to pay $3,450 in fines and fees, $320 in restitution, DNA testing, drug and alcohol evaluation and follow all recommendations.
Defense attorney Bernard T. Hessley said his client has admitted wrongdoing. After dropping out of school in the ninth grade, prospects for employment were limited.
"He turned to this as a method of supporting himself," Hessley said. "It was not appropriate."
While still a young man, Hessley said his client has committed to turning his life around. Oftentimes he sees cases where people get into serious trouble early on and it serves as a turning point.
Skerda questioned whether Hessley had read Smith's prior record. All of the cases included where non-violent, Hessley said, and the most serious one was a third-degree misdemeanor.
However, Skerda said that only referred to his adult record.
"Mr. Smith is a heroin salesman," District Attorney Ross McKeirnan said.
Although he turned to selling drugs to support his habit, Smith said he wasn't selling to everyone. Instead, he was just helping a friend out but is now trying to turn his life around.
Right now, Skerda said, it is a little too late for that, but it is certain Smith needs help.