COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – One of five suspects arrested last October during a drug bust on South Polk Street in Coldwater was sentenced Monday in Branch County Circuit Court.
38-year-old James Scott Royer was given a nine month sentence after he entered a no contest plea to a charge of maintaining a drug house as part of a plea bargain with prosecutors. In exchange for his plea, a possession of methamphetamine charge was dismissed.
All time over six months was suspended and Royer was given credit for two days already served. If he qualifies, Royer can serve his time in a work release program.
All of the suspects were arrested following a Coldwater Police Department investigation into alleged heroin and methamphetamine activity.
Defense attorney J.R. Colbeck said Royer was not part of the drug culture in the house but Judge Bill O’Grady questioned Royer’s judgement for allowing three persons with criminal pasts into his home.
Coldwater Police were assisted by the Michigan State Police and the Branch County Sheriff’s Department.
