BLOOMINGTON - A man described as "part man, part boy" by prosecutors was sentenced to eight years in prison Monday for possession of more than 15 grams of cocaine.

Kendall Emery, 21, of Normal, has been in jail since his arrest a year ago on the drug charges.

Along with the drugs found in Emery's pocket, police also found a scale, $700 cash and 100 small bags in Emery's apartment, prosecutor Pablo Eves told Judge Charles Reynard.

"This isn't a very good story. I don't have a happy ending for Kendall Emery as far as the state is concerned," said Eves. The state asked for a nine-year prison term.

Defense lawyer John Wright said Emery's completion of his GED and attendance at Bible study in jail point to efforts to change his behavior. He asked for six years.

In a statement to the court, Emery said a negative home environment added to his problems. Donald Emery, who is Emery's older brother and a co-defendant in the case, is serving 14 years for drug possession.

Reynard held Emery responsible for the offense.

"They're his choices. He has to be responsible for them," he said.

With credit for jail time served and good time credit in prison, Emery could serve about three years.