BULLHEAD CITY — The grief of losing a child became a central focus during a December 2 sentencing in a Bullhead City drug case, where a local man was granted probation instead of prison time.

Authorities said Tyler Sada, 29, was found with 59 grams of methamphetamine after a Department of Public Safety traffic stop on September 16 in Bullhead City. Sada later entered a guilty plea to a reduced charge of attempted transportation of dangerous drugs for sale.

During sentencing, defense attorney Gregory Pridham told Judge Megan McCoy that Sada turned to drugs in an attempt to cope with the death of his child, leading to addiction and drug-related crime. Pridham asked for probation, claiming his client needs support to recover and rebuild his life.

Prosecutor Carlos Lopez argued for a minimum prison sentence of two years due to the amount of methamphetamine involved.

Judge McCoy chose probation, sentencing Sada to five years of supervised probation and 78 days in jail, with credit for time already served. No additional jail time was ordered.

Recognizing his loss, Judge McCoy encouraged Sada to pursue recovery and honor his child through sobriety.