Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
CODY DURANT and his attorney, James Bucknell, appear in Gogebic County Circuit Court for a sentencing hearing Tuesday. Durant was sentenced to six months in jail and two years probation by Circuit Judge Michael Pope. The six months will be reduced if Durant is able to be placed in a 90-day rehabilitation program.
BESSEMER - A Bessemer man was sentenced to jail time for breaking and entering with intent to steal Tuesday in Gogebic County's Circuit Court.
Cody Lyle Durant, 23, was sentenced to six months in jail and two years probation by Circuit Judge Michael Pope, although Durant can be released into a 90-day substance abuse treatment facility as soon a space opens up.
Durant was credited with 104 days of jail time served.
The sentence came after Durant pleaded guilty to the 10-year felony charge on April 5. Court records show the charge stems from a Dec. 21 break-in of a Curry Street, Ironwood, property where several marijuana plants were stolen.
In exchange for Durant's guilty plea, it was agreed the potential maximum penalty would be capped at one year.
Pope said sentencing guidelines in the case recommended a sentence of zero to six months.
During the hearing, the defense requested rehabilitation be a part of the sentence, rather than further jail time.
"We believe (a treatment program) is going to help more than incarceration at this point in time," said Durant's attorney, James Bucknell. "Hopefully, if he goes to a treatment program, he'll be able to deal with this problem that he has and hopefully become a productive member of our society."
Durant addressed the court, expressing regret for his actions and the desire to turn his life around. "One of the biggest regrets of my life is the ridiculous amount of time I have spent using drugs," Durant said, reading from a statement. "This is the longest I've been clean in years, and honestly it feels great.
"I'm done living the way I have been for far too long. It is time for me to grow up, stay sober and do something with my life."
He also told the court he would soon be a father and wanted to accept that responsibility.
In addition to the jail and probation, Durant was ordered to pay $18,498 in fines and other costs. That number includes $17,250 in restitution, which both Durant and co-defendant Jonathon Heisz are responsible for.
Heisz was sentenced April 5 to 12 months in jail, two years probation and an option of a 90-day treatment program. Pope said Tuesday Durant received a lighter sentence because of his lack of a prior criminal record.
