John Matthew Cook

HOUGHTON — A man who pleaded guilty in connection with a January 2025 drunk driving crash that seriously injured two people was sentenced Thursday in Houghton County Circuit Court.

According to a press release from Houghton County Prosecutor Dan Helmer, John Matthew Cook was sentenced to 3 to 10 years by 12th Circuit Court Judge Brittany A. Bulleit.

Cook previously pleaded to operating with a high BAC (blood alcohol concentration) causing serious injury and operating while intoxicated, 3rd offense on Dec. 8. He was remanded to the Houghton County Jail at that time to await sentencing by Judge Bulleit. He has been incarcerated since the time of his plea.

According to the release, Cook was not offered a plea agreement in regards to his sentence, due to the seriousness of the crash and his prior history.

“Mr. Cook’s blood alcohol level was .21, almost three times the legal limit – yet he chose to drive. Mr. Cook’s criminal history is littered with alcohol offenses, including three prior drunk-driving convictions – yet he again chose to drink and drive,” said Helmer, in explaining why the defendant was not offered a plea agreement. “His selfish choices didn’t just impact his own life – they almost took the lives of two innocent Houghton County residents. Enough is enough. Let this be a reminder to anyone who thinks about getting behind the wheel while drunk in Houghton County.”

Helmer thanked the court for imposing the sentence, Michigan State Police Trooper Colin Pennala who investigated the case, as well as the entire Michigan State Police – Calumet post.

Cook will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least the minimum (three years) of his sentence.