Meth crimes lead to prison, boot camp possible.

James Walkley with his attorney, David Glancy.

Meth crimes lead to prison, boot camp possible.

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By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 27-year-old Ludington man was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 1, to a minimum of three years in prison for two methamphetamine convictions, with a possibility of serving his time in the Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) program or “boot camp.”

James Anthony Walkley, 27, who pleaded guilty to operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine and meth possession, received concurrent terms of three to 20 years and three to 10 years with credit for 212 days served in jail.

Walkley and his brother, Mitchel Jarred Walkley, were arrested by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) last April after they were seen walking outside Walmart in Pere Marquette Township where a backpack that contained meth-making materials was found in the nearby woods, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. The backpack contained Sudafed and several other products used in meth production.

James Walkley has been incarcerated in the Mason County Jail on a $75,000/cash/surety bond since his arrest.

Mitchel Walkley, 26, was sentenced to concurrent terms of three to 20 years and 17 months to 10 years for the same convictions as his brother. According to the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), Mitchel Walkley was assigned to boot camp. He is scheduled to be released in two weeks, according to James Walkley’s testimony Tuesday.

Judge Susan K. Sniegowski said James Walkley has three prior felonies and six prior misdemeanors. James Walkley’s history shows “issues with controlled substances,” Sniegowski said. The brothers were making meth in a public place, which increases the danger to the public, she added. The judge said she did not object to boot camp if the Michigan Department of Corrections recommends it.