An Ottawa man who bought marijuana with jewels and cash last spring in Ottawa went to prison last week, but not before asking the judge to look into his heart.

Calvin L. Myers pleaded guilty Oct. 2 to delivery of 10 pounds of marijuana. He did not have a plea deal in place, but another charge of harassing a witness was dropped. On Thursday, Circuit Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. sentenced Myers, 57, to five and a half years in prison. With good behavior and credit for 206 days spent in custody while his case was pending, Myers could leave prison in less than two years. He was represented by Sycamore attorney Richard Amato.

Between his guilty plea and his sentencing, Myers sent a letter to Ryan in which he apologized and asked for a break.

"Hope you can find it in your heart to have mercy," Myers wrote.

Myers also expressed regret for causing trouble to his family and noted he has developed medical problems since his arrest. He added he embarrassed his fellow union laborers and would be prohibited from working state jobs in the future. Myers pointed out that as a laborer, he "built many landmarks in the area."

The Tri-County Drug Enforcement and Narcotics Team set up a sting in which on April 10 Myers bought marijuana from an informant for $4,000 cash and purported emeralds valued at $10,000. The deal took place in the parking lot of an Ottawa bar. Myers then gave the marijuana to Theodore J. Szafranski of rural Seneca.

Neither man was arrested at that time. The next day, Myers entered the home of a man who worked with police against Myers and attacked him, according to court documents. Myers then was arrested on the harassment charge, posting $5,000 bond. Two days later, Myers was arrested on the marijuana charge, remaining in custody. Of the bond, $4,500 was returned to Myers; the circuit clerk's office kept the $500 for the administrative fee.

Myers had prior convictions in La Salle County for trespass, possession of a firearm without a firearm owners identification card, theft (twice) and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

Szafranski, 57, recently pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and was sentenced to 30 months of probation, to pay a $1,000 fine, to undergo alcohol and drug counseling and, if needed, to testify against Myers. Szafranski also was given permission to leave Illinois for work.