YOUNGSTOWN — Michael L. Nakley, 34, of Stewart Street, Struthers, said during his sentencing on a drug charge Wednesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court he is “going to do my best to change” and engage in programs while in prison so he can overcome his substance- use issues.

Judge John Durkin sentenced Nakley to two years in prison after Nakley pleaded guilty to cocaine possession, a third-degree felony. It was amended down from a first-degree cocaine trafficking charge. Nakley also pleaded guilty to two low-level aggravated drug possession charges.

If Nakley had been convicted of the cocaine trafficking, he could have received 10 years in prison.

Part of Nakley’s plea involves forfeiture of $1,647 seized by law enforcement as proceeds of Nakley’s crimes. Nakley’s charges alleged he had at least 27 grams of cocaine, but less than 100 grams. Nakley’s offenses were committed Jan. 18 in Struthers, according to court documents.

Durkin, who runs the drug court program, said sometimes a short prison sentence is enough for someone to say, “What in the world have I done?’ For everyone, rock bottom is different.”

The judge said he is aware Nakley needs treatment for a substance use disorder. He said if Nakley comes back in a year asking for a judicial release, which is an early release from prison approved by a judge, he will probably require Nakley to obtain treatment.

Joe Maxin, county assistant prosecutor, said the prosecution and defense jointly recommended the two-year prison sentence. He added the prosecution will not oppose judicial release after a year served in prison as long as Nakley does not violate prison rules.