Shelby man pleads guilty to heroin delivery.

Hector Vasquez-Melchor, left, with attorney Rick Prysock.

Shelby man pleads guilty to heroin delivery.

#OceanaCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART – A 21-year-old Shelby man pleaded guilty in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Nov. 4, to possession with intent to deliver less than 50 grams of heroin.

Hector Francisco Vasquez-Melchor, of 101 S. 72nd Ave., was arrested by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) Aug. 7 Grant Township.

Vasquez-Melchor originally faced a felony of delivery/manufacture of heroin 50-224 grams, which was dismissed when he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.

In exchange for his plea, Vasquez-Melchor faces a prison term not to exceed 24 months, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

Vasquez-Melchor’s attorney, Rick Prysock requested that his client receive Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) or “boot camp.” Judge Robert D. Springstead said he will make decision at the time of sentencing whether he approves SAI.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 13 at 9 a.m.

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 19-38 months.

Vasquez-Melchor testified that he and two other men were pulled over by police on US 31, and 2-3 ounces of heroin were in the trunk. He testified that neither the heroin nor the car were his. He said that they were on their way to Philadelphia to sell the drugs.

Vasquez-Melchor was on probation in connection to the cock fighting ring that was raided in June of 2018 in Hart Township. He was placed on a 10-month delay of sentence and would have been able to withdraw plea and plead to a misdemeanor had he made through his probation. In light of his arrest last August, he was sentenced for a felony of attending an animal fight.

Judge Springstead sentenced him Monday to three days in jail with credit for three days served. He was also ordered not to own or possess any animal of any species for five years. His probation violation was dismissed.

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