Heroin delivery nets prison term.

Hector Vasquez-Melchor with attorney Rick Prysock.

Heroin delivery nets prison term.

#OceanaCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART – A 21-year-old Shelby man was sentenced to two to 20 years in prison Monday, Jan. 13, in 27th Circuit Court for a conviction of possession with intent to deliver less than 50 grams of heroin.

Hector Francisco Vasquez-Melchor, of 101 S. 72nd Ave., may be able to serve his time in Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) or “boot camp.”

Judge Robert D. Springstead said he did not oppose boot camp if the Michigan Department of Corrections approves it.

Vasquez-Melchor pleaded guilty, Nov. 4. He was arrested by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) Aug. 7 Grant Township.

He originally faced a felony of delivery/manufacture of heroin 50-449 grams, which was dismissed when he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.

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.

He 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 his plea and plead to a misdemeanor had he made it through his probation. In light of his arrest last August, he was sentenced to three days in jail with credit for three days served for a felony of attending an animal fight. He was also ordered not to own or possess any animal of any species for five years.

“I truly believe he is sorry for what occurred,” said his attorney Rick Prysock. “He would benefit from boot camp and would be successful on parole.”

“I do apologize and accept responsibility for what happened,” Vasquez-Melchor said. “I just need to put it behind me.”

“I think you need to engage in some self reflection and what got you here in the first place,” said Judge Springstead. “You seem like a nice enough guy.”

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 19-38 months.

He received credit for two days served in jail.

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