SHORT TAKES : DeBarge Given Drug Sentence

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —  Thomas DeBarge, a member of the DeBarge family band that scored hits with “Who’s Holding Donna Now?” and “Rhythm of the Night,” was sentenced to 2 1/2 to 20 years in prison on a drug charge.

While acknowledging DeBarge’s talents, Kent County Circuit Judge Donald Johnston suggested Monday that “perhaps success came too quickly” for the 32-year-old Grand Rapids native.

DeBarge pleaded guilty in February to possession with intent to deliver cocaine after being arrested by an undercover officer. He asked that his sentence be delayed until he completes a drug-treatment program, but the judge refused because it was DeBarge’s second cocaine-related conviction in four years.