CASSOPOLIS — Kimberly and Bryan Burkett were homeless, unemployed and living out of their car when they were arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine earlier this year.
The Edwardsburg couple is now heading to prison.
Cass County Circuit Court Judge Michael Dodge sentenced Kimberly to 30 months to two years in prison Friday with credit for 53 days already served. Her husband Bryan received a seven- to 40-year term due to his lengthier prior criminal history.
The Burketts were arrested in July after a detective with the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team found components and chemicals for producing meth in a storage shed that the couple was renting at All Secure Self Storage in Edwardsburg. Officers also discovered scales and baggies, evidence of trafficking the drug.
“Methamphetamine has taken you to rock bottom,” Dodge told Kimberly. “You don’t have your kids, your home or a job.”
Dodge said he is encouraged by Kimberly’s involvement in the jail meth diversion program so he sentenced her at the bottom end of the guidelines and didn’t object to bootcamp.
Her husband was a different story.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Frank Machnik said Bryan has 10 prior felonies on his criminal record and has “very slim to no chance of rehabilitation.”
“The court needs to look at punishment and protection of society,” Machnik said.
For his part, Bryan was remorseful and said meth has ruined his life.
“This drug’s wrecked my life,” he said. “I’m a high school graduate. I never got in trouble as a kid, got good grades in school. I just want some help.”
Dodge told Bryan he felt “terribly” for him.
“But I can’t deviate from the sentencing guidelines because I feel sorry for you,” Dodge said. “What a tragic day.”