HARRISVILLE — John Sherwood, 37, was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison with 322 days credit for five counts related to drug delivery and possession on Wednesday at the 23rd Circuit Court in Alcona County.

Count one was controlled substance delivery/manufacture methamphetamine, count two controlled substance delivery/manufacture less than 50 grams of narcotics, count three controlled substance delivery/manufacture less than 50 grams of narcotics, count four possession of a controlled substance 25 grams or more but less than 50 grams for narcotics, and count five controlled substance delivery/manufacturing of methamphetamine with a habitual fourth offender notice.

Sherwood was found guilty on all five counts by a jury in June. Sherwood was represented by Attorney Bill Pfeifer, and Prosecuting Attorney Tom Weichel represented the people of the State of Michigan with Judge Laura Frawley presiding.

“This defendant is responsible for destruction in Northeast Michigan,” Weichel said in an opening remark.

Sherwood has four prior felony convictions. The criminal justice system has given him the chance to seek help. Sherwood was part of a rehabilitation program in Alpena that he was “promptly kicked out” of, Weichel said.

Sherwood’s actions have impacted families and children in Northeast Michigan.

“The destruction to the community by his actions is immense,” Weichel said. “The people would be asking for 15 to 30 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.”

Pfeifer argued for a sentence of 12 years.

Sherwood has battled drug addiction since he was 15 years of age, Pfeifer said. He has had a very difficult time trying to get off it.

He was addicted to opioids and heroin, and later got swept up in the meth craze, Pfeifer said.

Sherwood spoke up for himself.

“I’ve been battling addiction,” he said. “It’s been a hard road.”

He said he takes full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Frawley gave the final verdict.

She said she has not seen effort from Sherwood to get help. While battling his own addiction, Sherwood has enabled others in the community to become addicts by delivering and selling drugs.

While there can be a certain amount of compassion extended for Sherwood’s battle with addiction, there is no excuse for making a living off of the addiction and sorrow of others, Frawley said.

Frawley sentenced Sherwood to 15 to 30 years in prison for count one, 76 months to 30 years for counts 2 and 3, 46 months to four years for count four, and 15 to 30 years for count 5. Sentences will be served concurrently.

“I hope you will turn things around and have some sort of meaningful life after this,” Frawley said to Sherwood.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.