A Baraga County man will spend the next four to seven years in prison after being sentenced Tuesday for delivering methamphetamine.
Lawrence Rodney Dowd Jr., 40, received a sentence of 51 to 85 months in the 12th Circuit Court. The conviction marks his fourth offense. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed a fourth habitual offender status from the delivery charge.
Baraga County Prosecutor Joseph O’Leary noted Dowd’s significant support during the sentencing hearing.
“I have also reviewed the two letters that came in in support of Mr. Dowd and I find them frankly encouraging. I’ve also known Mr. Dowd for very long time and the things I’m seeing now are good signs to me. It’s unfortunate that it’s happening now, but it is happening and I hope it continues,” O’Leary said.
Judge Brittany Bulleit acknowledged Dowd’s positive steps while addressing the severity of his criminal history.
“You took responsibility for your actions. You just did now, as you have before. Those are all going to be factors for you to be able to make the changes necessary for you to be able to move forward positively after incarceration,” Bulleit said. “But Mr. Dowd, there are negatives here. You have an extensive criminal record. It dates back over 20 years. The court counted 27 entries with nine related substances or alcohol.”
Bulleit also noted that Dowd was on probation in Ontonagon County at the time of his arrest in Baraga County for the methamphetamine delivery.
Dowd will serve a minimum of 51 months with 122 days credited as time served. His sentence could extend to 85 months depending on his behavior in prison. Under court order, Dowd has up to six months following his sentencing to file an appeal.
