90-year-old drug courier from Indiana gets 3-year prison sentence in Detroit on birthday

Leo Sharp walks toward U.S. District Court before his scheduled sentencing, Wednesday, May 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Indiana man, who turned 90 on Wednesday, was convicted of hauling more than a ton of cocaine to Michigan for drug dealers. (AP Photo/Ed White)

DETROIT — A 90-year-old Indiana man who hauled more than a ton of cocaine into Michigan for a Mexican drug cartel has been sentenced to three years in prison on his birthday.

Leo Sharp says he’s “really heartbroken” over his crimes. Detroit federal Judge Nancy Edmunds says age and World War II service aren’t enough to keep Sharp out of prison. She calls the case “difficult and disgusting.”

Sharp of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced Wednesday, seven months after pleading guilty. Prosecutors had recommended five years in prison, a substantial break from the guidelines.

Defense attorney Darryl Goldberg says Sharp has dementia and will do poorly in prison. He says prison is “not how we honor our heroes.” Sharp was awarded a Bronze Star in World War II.