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MANISTIQUE — A pharmacist from Manistique who stole narcotics for his own drug addiction while working at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital was ordered to pay $946 in fines and costs during his sentencing in Schoolcraft County Circuit Court on Thursday.
Daniel Joel Michalik, 48, was also placed on probation for 12 months, during which time his sentencing will be put off if he follows his probation conditions. In a year, the court will consider removing from his record the criminal charges of possessing and using narcotics, to which he pleaded guilty.
Judge William Carmody presided over Thursday’s sentencing, saying, “Addiction knows no boundaries. Everybody and anybody is susceptible to the problem.”
The judge told Michalik his clean record speaks for itself and the evidence shows he took the drugs for his own personal use.
“I’m pleased you’re addressing the problem. There’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Carmody added.
Prior to sentencing, Michalik’s attorney Sara MacGregor said her client is undergoing treatment for his addiction and was trying to reimburse the hospital for the less than $1,000 worth of drugs he took.
“It really was an addiction,” MacGregor said, explaining Michalik was originally prescribed medicine for a back issue and he became dependent on the drugs.
The attorney also noted Michalik’s professional license will not be affected and he has received a job offer to go back to work.
Michalik lost his job at the hospital following his arrest.
Schoolcraft County Prosecutor Tim Noble told the court that drug addiction can affect anyone.
“It can happen to any of us at any time,” said Noble, noting this case was a perfect example of how drugs can get out of control.
Noble also said he wanted to make it “crystal clear” so the “public can rest assured” there was no evidence Michalik was dealing drugs, but was using them for his own personal use and addiction only.
“It is an addiction,” said the prosecutor, also noting drug addiction is a real problem in the local area.
“He is an outstanding member of the community,” added Noble. “I’m glad to see Mr. Michalik is getting the help he needs… I’m glad this will not ruin his career.”
Michalik was arrested in September and charged with possession of and use of the narcotic Methadone, which he illegally obtained from Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital where he worked as a pharmacist, according to Manistique Public Safety, the investigating agency.
On June 11, police found several prescription drugs including Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Methadone while executing a search warrant on Michalik’s home during an investigation into a child custody dispute.
Upon further investigation, officers determined the narcotics confiscated from the home had been taken by Michalik from his workplace. Manistique Public Safety arrested Michalik on Sept. 21, charging him with the following two counts of controlled substance: possession of less than 25 grams of narcotics (Methadone), a four-year felony; and use of a narcotic (Methadone), a one-year misdemeanor.
Michalik posted a $25,000 personal recognizance bond after serving one day in jail and was released from police custody. He was ordered to have no alcohol or illegal drugs.
The following week, Michalik was arraigned in Schoolcraft County District Court and officially charged with the felony and the misdemeanor. He later waived his right to a preliminary hearing in district court and the charges were automatically bound over to circuit court where he pleaded guilty to the two counts on Oct. 19.
During Thursday’s open court hearing, Judge Carmody sentenced Michalik to a delay of sentencing and 12 months probation on the narcotics possession charge. He was sentenced on the narcotics use charge to 90 days in jail, which he does not have to serve under Section 7411 if he meets his probation conditions.
According to the Section 7411 law, upon a defendant’s violation of a probation condition, the court may enter a guilty plea and proceed with sentencing; upon a defendant’s fulfillment of the court conditions, the court shall discharge the individual and dismiss the proceedings.
According to the Section 7411 law, all court proceedings under this section shall be open to the public but the record of the court proceedings during the period of deferral shall be closed to public inspection.