CASSOPOLIS — Deciding to go to trial turned out to be very costly for an Edwardsburg man caught with meth, guns and a homemade bomb in his home in February 2012.

Scott Blaisdell, 55, was sentenced to four years in prison Friday in Cass County Circuit Court. He received two years for operating a meth lab with a firearm, and another two years for a felony firearm charge.

A jury found Blaisdell guilty of these and several other charges April 10.

Judge Michael Dodge said Blaisdell’s wife/co-defendant faced similar charges, but instead of going to trial, she pleaded guilty. In exchange for the guilty plea, the prosecution dropped the felony firearms charge. Dodge estimated that Blaisdell’s wife would be facing around two years.

Blaisdell would have likely benefitted from a plea deal as well, Dodge said.

“You took your chances with the jury and now you’re stuck with the consequences,” Dodge said.

Prosecutor Victor Fitz described Blaisdell’s home as a volatile and explosive crime scene containing 22 long guns, two handguns and a bomb. The improvised explosive device was found inside a safe in Blaisdell’s guest bedroom.

“This was a meth manufacturing madhouse,” Fitz said. “It was a tragedy waiting to happen. Fortunately there were no injuries, but there was the potential.”

In addition to meth and a meth lab, police also found a marijuana plant in the home.

At least 12 people came to Friday’s sentencing hearing in support of Blaisdell. They were identified as family, friends and co-workers.

Blaisdell’s attorney described Blaisdell as family man with a good job and a nice home who, along with his wife, made the unfortunate decision to start using meth.

Blaisdell was an avid sportsman and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps.

His only prior conviction was for a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in 2005.

Blaisdell receives credit for 46 days served.