Meth dealer gets 16-40 year prison sentence

Bafford
– OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) photo.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

MANISTEE – A 31-year-old Manistee County man described by law enforcement as the “tip of the spear” in relation to the growing methamphetamine problem in the area received a 16-40 year prison sentence this week in 19th Circuit Court.

Isaac Jerome Bafford was found guilty by a jury of three counts of delivery/manufacture of meth. Bafford was arrested last December by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) after attempting to sell meth to an undercover officer, said D/Lt. Andrew Ambrose.

“His arrest and conviction will make a significant improvement to the meth community,” Ambrose said. “He’s responsible for teaching several people how to make meth. His sentence imposed by Judge David Thompson sends a strong message to meth offenders. He was the tip of the spear in relation to meth manufacturing and distribution.”

Ambrose said meth and heroin use are on the rise in Manistee, Mason and Oceana counties. There have been 11 suspects arrested and convicted on meth charges in Manistee County alone since last January.

“It’s a progression,” Ambrose said, regarding meth. “They start as a user; then they learn the process and start cooking meth; and they begin teaching others how to cook meth.”