Branch man sentenced for growing marijuana

LUDINGTON — A Branch Township man was sentenced to one year in the Mason County Jail today in 51st Circuit Court. On April 23, Larry Cress, 50, pleaded guilty to growing over 20 but less than 200 marijuana plants in his house at 8946 E. U.S. 10.

Cress was arrested May 28, 2013 by the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs Enforcement Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for a felony of controlled substance – delivery/manufacture.

According to his attorney, John Spillan, law enforcement was at Cress’ house investigating Cress’ nephew and they found a jar of marijuana seeds. Spillan said Cress uses marijuana to help him with a variety of physical and mental ailments.

Originally, Cress was scheduled to appear in court last June. However, he left the state. He was later arrested in Marshal County, Kansas and extradited back to Ludington.

He faced 7 years in prison or a $500,000 fine for the felony charges. He also faced second offense charges based on a 1989 conviction of a previous controlled substance offense, doubling the sentence.

Cress will serve 4 months up front with the balance to be served at the court’s discretion; he has 82 days credit served. He was placed on probation for 18 months and must pay restitution of $1,150 along with court costs and fines.