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CASSOPOLIS — A 72-year-old man will have the chance to keep a felony conviction off his record if he’s successful on probation.

     Gary Wayne Fletcher, 72, of Edwardsburg, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 18 months probation, credit for three days served and $2,648 in fines and costs Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.

     The incident occurred April 13 when police stopped him in Ontwa Township near Edwardsburg. A search of his car uncovered 3.5 grams of meth.

     Judge Mark Herman noted that Fletcher started using meth less than a year ago. “You told police you had been using the last six months and had gotten it from a friend,” he said. “Some friend, I’m sure he will help you pay your fines and costs … Friends like that are a dime a dozen.”

     “I had a lady before me who started using crack at age 68 or 69, but you broke the record,” the judge added. “You have adult children, an associate’s degree in auto tech and you’ve worked your whole life. I doubt this is the way you thought you would end up.”

     “With the 7411 probation, you have a chance to get the charge dismissed,” he said. “But if you violate, you will spend some time in jail to get the point across. You’re old enough to know better. What kind of role model do you want to be for your grandchildren? You need to put this behind you and not be back here again.”