Dowagiac man faces 20 years in prison for possession of meth

CASS COUNTY, Mich. -- A Dowagiac man who was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine, faces up to 20 years in prison as a habitual offender, according to the Cass County Prosecutor's Office.

Harley Jacobs was found guilty on Wednesday of possession of methamphetamine and driving without a valid operator’s license following a one-day trial.

Jacobs was parked on a Jefferson Township road with a flat tire in December 2018 when a Cass County Sheriff's deputy arrested him after learning he had no driver's license and a warrant from a previous drug crime.

A meth pipe was found in his vehicle, reports said.

Experts testified the substance Jacobs possessed was methamphetamine.

Jurors deliberated for less than an hour before returning guilty verdicts on both charges.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz indicated after the verdict that "We are fortunate to have the perpetual vigilance of law enforcement in these matters.”

Jacobs faces up to 20 years in prison for possession of methamphetamine as a habitual offender one prior felony, and up to ninety days in jail for driving without a valid operator’s license.

Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2019.