News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Derek Hartman exits the courtroom after being sentenced to Alpena County Circuit Court on Monday.

ALPENA — Derek Hartman, 33, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, stemming from a series of incidents he was involved in last year, in 26th Judicial Circuit Court in Alpena on Monday.

Hartman pled guilty to several charges, including two counts of resisting arrest, one count of domestic violence, and one count of methamphetamine possession.

During his sentencing hearing, Judge Ed Black imposed multiple sentences that will ultimately see Hartman spend 30 months to 15 years in incarceration, reflecting a plea deal reached between Hartman and the prosecution. This agreement included downgrading a more serious charge of methamphetamine delivery to possession.

The charges against Hartman involved multiple offenses.

On Sept. 17, Michigan State Police responded to an incident where Hartman resisted and obstructed a police officer.

Between Dec. 26 and 29, Hartman committed domestic violence, assaulting his girlfriend during an argument and attempting to take her phone to prevent her from calling for help.

In a separate incident on Sept. 18, police discovered Hartman in possession of methamphetamine, leading to the possession charge he pleaded guilty to.

Defense attorney Bill Pfeifer, representing Hartman, emphasized his client’s willingness to cooperate with authorities.

“Every bit of evidence in this case was because he called upon and asked them to help him,” Pfeifer said.

He also requested the court consider Hartman’s mental health needs and his efforts to confront the charges.

Hartman’s plea deal included a reduction of the methamphetamine charge, along with an agreement on the sentencing guidelines. He received a 36-month sentence for the possession of methamphetamine charge, with additional sentences for other charges, including 28 months for interference with electronic communications and 30 months for resisting arrest. These sentences will be served concurrently.

The court acknowledged Hartman’s past, including previous time served and his military background, which the defense argued contributed to his circumstances. However, Black stated the importance of adhering to legal standards, highlighting the balance between justice and rehabilitation.

Hartman will receive credit for time served in county jail as part of his sentence, which also includes mandatory assessments and fines related to his charges.

Also in court Monday:

Shane Tomcheck, a 41-year-old Alpena man facing charges related to an alleged home invasion, had his request for bond denied, and his trial is set for Aug. 28 to 29 in the 26th Circuit Court.

Tomcheck is charged with first-degree home invasion, use of methamphetamines, and malicious destruction of personal property. The charges stem from an incident where Tomcheck allegedly broke into the home of Alpena resident Hunter Nichol while under the influence.

During the probable cause hearing, Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski presented evidence, including testimony from Nichol, who described the frightening encounter. Nichol stated that Tomcheck had forced his way into the residence, prompting him to retrieve a shotgun for protection.

Additionally, a Michigan State Police trooper testified about Tomcheck’s alleged admission of intent to harm Nichol upon entry. This testimony, along with other evidence, led 88th District Court Judge Alan Curtis to find probable cause for the charges and bind the case over to circuit court.

Tomcheck’s trial will address these serious allegations, with the denial of bond indicating the court’s concern over the nature of the charges and potential risk to the community.

Temi Fadayomi can be reached at 989-358-5693 or tfadayomi@thealpenanews.com