ALPENA — Robert Gierszewski, 61, was sentenced to 34 months in prison for one count of possession of methamphetamine, to be served concurrently with a 34-month sentence for one count of third degree arson prior conviction, and a 30-month sentence for one count of arson – preparation to burn property with a value of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.

Gierszewski was sentenced on Monday morning at the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena by Judge Benjamin Bolser.

Attorney Dennis Grenkowicz, Gierszewski’s legal counsel, argued that Gierszewski’s sentence should be reduced to one year in the Alpena County Jail. Upon release, he would enter residential treatment and a term of probation.

Grenkowicz argued that Gierszewski has made a lot of progress through the programs offered at the Alpena County Jail, including the IGNITE program. He is also working on earning his GED.

“He is trying to turn his life around,” Grenkowicz said. “…He’s got the right attitude.”

Gierszewski apologized for his actions.

“I am guilty and would like to say I’m sorry to the people I’ve injured,” Gierszewski said.

Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski argued that the thought and preparation Gierszewski put into destroying another’s property through arson shows that he is not yet deserving of a lighter sentence.

Bolser agreed with Muszynski.

“I looked at your previous record; it seems to me I wouldn’t want you to be my neighbor,” Bolser said. “Your use of drugs and alcohol is no excuse for your behavior… I believe you are a danger to society.”

Gierszewski has 42 days to appeal his sentence.

ALSO IN COURT MONDAY

— Gabriel Wikaryasz, 30, appeared for sentencing Monday, on charges of one count of police officer assaulting/resisting/obstructing and one count of controlled substance possession of methamphetamine. More time was needed on his case, and his sentencing was moved to May 19.

— Jaimie Morey, 37, pleaded no contest on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of police officer assaulting/resisting/obstructing, and one count of domestic violence. One count of police officer assaulting/resisting/obstructing and one count of interfering with electronic communications were dismissed. She will be sentenced on June 2.

— Jakob Hirschenberger, 18, was scheduled for a status conference. He will have a continuing status conference on May 19. Hirschenberger is charged with one count of larceny in a building.

— Larry Deleon, 49, is charged with two counts of controlled substance delivery or manufacturing and one count of controlled substance possession of methamphetamine. Judge Bolser denied the defense’s motion to quash the bind over to circuit court. Deleon’s next appearance in court will be on June 16 for a hearing for a motion in limine, so the prosecution and defense can come to an agreement on whether certain text messages used as evidence in Deleon’s preliminary exam are admissible evidence.

— Steven Frank, 43, had a motion hearing for two counts of failing to pay child support. Frank was able to make a $500 payment in child support in the past month. He will need to make a $1,000 payment by May 19 or his bond will be revoked.

— Henry Marshall II, 36, had his arraignment hearing for one count of possessing a dangerous weapon, and two counts of assault or assault and battery. Marshall pleaded guilty to count one and count three. Count two was dismissed. He will be sentenced on June 2.

— Ericka Hill, 34, charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of police officer assaulting/resisting/obstructing, will be sentenced on June 2 after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine and pleading no contest to the assault charges.

— Brittany Ferrell, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of police officer assaulting/resisting/obstructing, one count of operating while intoxicated, and one count of failure to stop after collision. She will be sentenced on June 2.

— Paul Walchak, 57, had a status conference for charges of one count of assault with great intent to do bodily harm less than murder, one count of obstructing/resisting/assaulting police, and one count of assault or assault and battery. He will have a continuing status conference on May 5.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.