A sentence of up to 60 years in prison has been handed down to a man convicted of several felony charges relating to an April 2017 arrest.

George Hettinga, 66, of Pella appeared in Marion County court Thursday morning. He was found guilty at trial, and while out on bond, was arrested last month on new charges including one count of distributing schedule I or II drugs to a minor, two counts of possession of a controlled substance – second offense, and possession of marijuana, second office–all four counts listed as class B felonies, as well as keeping premises of a vehicle for a controlled substance violation and drug tax stamp violation. His bond was revoked after the most recent arrest, but he was hospitalized and on Monday underwent a hernia operation.

Defense Attorney Lucas Taylor argued for a continuance while his client recovers, but Judge Patrick Greenwood determined he was well enough to appear in court and could proceed. Taylor also sought a new trial on the grounds the jury was shown prejudicial information, including prior legal matters involving his client as well as his intake photo. He also argued separate charges for each of the five firearms recovered in the April 2017 arrest was redundant; but Judge Greenwood ruled they were permissible under Iowa law.

Hettinga spoke on his own behalf, and says he provided marijuana to those recovering from other addictions as a way to help them out; he also says many of the guns in his possession were inherited, and most were antiques which have been disabled. But the court ruled his actions in this case and his explanation were insufficient, and that state statutes call for incarceration on these counts.

He received 30 years in prison for the Class B felony, which is automatically doubled to 60 years, as Hettinga was determined to be a habitual offender; he could receive reduced time for good behavior and become eligible for parole, but not before a mandatory three year sentence. He’ll be sent to a state medical facility in Coralville for evaluation, due to his condition and age.

In February, Hettinga was also charged in Mahaska County with unlawful possession of prescription drug, two counts of possession of a controlled substance – 2nd offense, and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. He has pled not guilty.