Pelkie Woman: She served federal time for bath salts distribution in the Marquette area – and now is suspected of dealing meth; arrested with her man in St. Ignace, MI

Update: 3-25-18 5 p.m. ET

U.P. Breaking News has identified the second suspect arrested in Pelkie meth probe:

Ronald Francis Thompson lived with Kristin Bergeron and lived with her in Puuri Rd in Pelkie. Both are suspects in a meth investigation:

Ronald Francis Thompson

Ronald Francis Thompson

 

One Baraga County resident remains jailed in the eastern Upper Peninsula, whereabouts of other suspect unclear – as police investigate the couple for allegedly distributing meth – the female half already served time for being part of bath salts ring

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Baraga County, MI) – At least one member of a Baraga County couple jailed in the eastern U.P. for suspected meth distribution served time for dealing a powerfully addictive drug with an extreme amphetamine-like buzz called bath salts – one of several drug epidemics that have swept the U.P. since the 90s.

Kristin Ellen Bergeron

34-year-old Kristin Ellen Bergeron of Pelkie, MI was one of two people arrested on Wed., March 14, 2018 in Mackinac County by troopers from the Michigan State Police St. Ignace Post.

Bergeron and her “civil union” partner – also 34 years old – are expected to face meth distribution-related  charges in Baraga County. Detectives also confiscated a weapon.

Federal prosecutors got a guilty plea from Bergeron in 2014  for being involved in a bath salts ring. She was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison – no parole. (scroll down to read press release).

Federal agents worked hard with U.P. drug teams to wipe out the bath salts epidemic that swept the U.P. in the late 2010. Another big epidemic that swept northern Michigan was CAT – or methcathinone. The drugs all provided a speed like buzz – with ghastly side-effects.

Why meth is worst so far: God Bless our drug teams but they do not have the funding and manpower to make a dent in the problem including funds for massive operation  going after those who ship ephedrine to the U.P. – or drive it here

All these highly-addictive drugs happened to otherwise good people in the Upper Peninsula, where family values still have a credible meaning.

The drugs simply changed them – consuming the lives of the addicts – though rehab helps. That’s another problem

If there were more treatment facilities in the U.P. lots more people could become healthy instead of choosing the abyss. Remember if you love the person, do not be judgmental- as addicts already know what they have done.
The meth epidemic and the drop in heroin prices have led to the worst of the epidemics so far – due to the vast number of users (and poverty) – versus relatively small police drug teams.

The drug teams could use twice the funding and manpower to really make a bigger effect – more if you want to end it for all practical purposes.
However our readers say that China is pumping ephedrine into the U.P. (a critical component of meth) – and so are dealers from bigger Midwestern cities.

With the large epidemic under way in U.P. history – its important to wipe out meth by turning in dealers and providing treatment to others (yes they are victims).

“Bath Salts”

Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiphenone, commonly known as alpha-PVP, and pentylone.

The term “bath salts” refers to a group of substances containing synthetic cathinones that all have similar chemical properties. These substances have a powerful amphetamine-like effect on the central nervous system when consumed. Synthetic cathinones are chemically similar to the natural drug cathinone, a drug that comes from khat plants in east Africa.

Kristin Ellen Bergeron

Kristin Ellen Bergeron

In Mackinac County, the pair are charged with operating under the influence of drugs and possession of methamphetamine.

During the raid, UPSET “seized several more grams of methamphetamine, as well as scales, packaging for distribution, and a firearm.”

Press release by federal prosecutors on May 14, 2014:

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN – U.S. District Judge R. Allan Edgar sentenced three people for their involvement in distributing two powerful “bath salts” – alpha-pyrrolidinopentiphenone, which is commonly known as alpha-PVP, and pentylone – for human consumption in the Upper Peninsula.

Scott Bernard Will, age 56, of Mass City, Michigan, received a sentence of 137 months (11 ½ years) in federal prison. Last December, a federal jury in Marquette found Will guilty of distributing and conspiring to distribute alpha-PVP and pentylone in Baraga and Houghton Counties. In imposing the sentence, Judge Edgar commented on Will’s extensive criminal history, noting that Will was a “walking crime wave.”

Also sentenced were Derrick John Guzek, age 34, also of Mass City, and Kristen Ellen Bergeron, age 31, of Pelkie, Michigan. Guzek received a sentence of 16 months in prison while Bergeron was sentenced to 18 months.

The term “bath salts” refers to a group of substances containing synthetic cathinones that all have similar chemical properties. These substances have a powerful amphetamine-like effect on the central nervous system when consumed. Synthetic cathinones are chemically similar to the natural drug cathinone, a drug that comes from khat plants in east Africa.

The evidence presented at trial showed that Will began selling bath salts in the Marquette area in 2011. He was jailed for his activities from June 2011 until November 2012. But, upon release from jail, he went back to selling the substances. Will’s sales of alpha-PVP and pentylone in Baraga and Houghton Counties in early 2013 drew the attention of the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

An undercover officer made a number of purchases of these substances from Mr. Will and his co-conspirators in March and April 2013. He and his co-conspirators were arrested in April 2013. Guzek and Bergeron pled guilty and testified for the government. Will went to trial in Marquette on December 9, 2013.

As part of its case, the government presented testimony from users who said that the bath salts sold to them by Will were extremely powerful and addictive. They reported staying up for days after injecting the substances, and experiencing psychosis, paranoia and suicidal thoughts. Judge Edgar noted that the users were “physically wrecked by these drugs.”

The evidence at trial showed Will specifically targeted people with drug problems by offering the substances for free. Once the user was hooked, Will charged up to $200 per gram.

This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police as part of the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maarten Vermaat and Paul D. Lochner prosecuted the case.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2014_0515_SWill_etal.html

On Thursday, March 15, 2018 – agents from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement team (UPSET) raided the couple’s home near Pelkie, MI. UPSET executed a search warrant at the couple’s residence on Puuri Road in Baraga County.

Bergeron’s 34-year-old male partner was jailed in Mackinac County – but is no longer listed as an inmate.

Baraga County is among the growing number of  U.P. counties who refuse to publicly release info on booked suspects – so it is unclear if he is out on bond – or has been transferred.

If you know the other suspect’s name (partner of Bergeron) please contact U.P. Breaking News.

Bergeron is a native of Dearborn Heights, according to her Facebook page.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2014_0515_SWill_etal.html

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00009/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00009-10

UPSET Commander Lt. Timothy “Tim” L. Sholander and the entire UPET team hope you will turn in meth dealers – as it is a scrounge that has ruined thousands of U.P. families – along with the other easy-to-get highly addictive drugs like heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.

Do you have information about illegal drugs in your community?
Contact UPSET at 906-228-1002 or leave an anonymous tip on the UPSET website at http://www.upsetdrugs.com

Valentines Day Rescue: Two rescued with their dog after their vehicle crashes through the ice on Huron Bay in Skanee, MI – A rescuer was also injured

URGENT URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-14-18 – 1 p.m. ET

Vehicle drops through Lake Superior Ice about half a mile from shore – Occupants rescued, one first responder slips and badly injures hip

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Skanee, MI) – A man, woman and their dog are safe, however a rescuer has been injured, in a dramatic ice rescue on Huron Bay after their vehicle fell through the ice in Skanee, MI.

67-year-old Clyde Francis Selden, Jr. of Skanee, MI and 59-year-old Silvia Froschin of Baraga, MI were hauling a trailer with fishing equipment. Both are Baraga County residents with more addresses in L’Anse and Baraga.

The submerged vehicle was about a half a mile offshore from Witz’s Marina & Campsite that’s located 16 miles northeast of L’Anse, MI in small town of Skanee, MI.

The first word came in sounded ominous “vehicle through the ice with two souls” on board. Then both victims made it to the roof of their vehicle, which was reportedly a Geo Tracker, with a 4-by-6 trailer with lots of fishing equipment. Initial reports indicated the vehicle was pulling a snowmobile trailer, but there were no snowmobiles involved.

One of the victim then got back onto the ice. A snowmobile and a 4-by-4 went to the scene as other  emergency vehicles rushed to the scene. Then word – both were safe and being brought to shore along with their dog – and a hurt rescuer.

Responding rescuers likely got a lump in their throat when the terrible info came that one of theirs was hurt. One rescuer on the scene may have broken her hip during the event. The victims were all wet and extremely cold but did not sustain life-threatening injuries although broken hips can be extremely painful with a long recovery.

Among those responding to the incident were Michigan State Police, Baraga County Sheriff’s Department, Arvon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Baraga Fire Department, and the L’Anse Fire Department.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a chopper – however it was not needed as the rescue happened quickly once the emergency personnel reached the scene.

Bays on Lake Superior are particularly dangerous for unstable ice – as four snowmobilers were lucky not to died when their sleds recently went through the ice on Munising Bay. Shifting currents, winds and warmer temps can make ice travel treacherous. Walking today is even bad due to ice left from melting snow.

4,000 gallon diesel fuel/gas spill – huge clean up effort – and victims remembered – U.S.-41 is one lane over bridge with help from alternating stop lights – HAZMAT: Extremely terrible crash in Chassell, MI closes U.S. Highway 41 – At least one person killed, other people are trapped, hurt – in crash involving four vehicles and one is an overturned leaking semi-tanker fuel truck

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-4-18 8 p.m. ET = some more details on terrible crash:

Accident caused huge fuel spill

Over 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel/gas spilled – and much of the oily mass dumped in the Sturgeon River – will require a lot of remediation – and the clean up is underway now

Names of those involved in the accident have been released:

Accident victim 45-year-old Christine Juntunen of Hubbell, MI

The victim was 45-year-old Christine Juntunen of Hubbell, MI

45-year-old Christine Juntunen of Hubbell, MI

The driver that attempted to pass the tanker but lost control of her Toyota RAV SUV and slid on ice is 40-year-old Jennifer Jennings-Shaud of L’Anse, MI.

Toyota RAV SUV struck the southbound Honda CRV driven by Juntunen.

The tanker driver is 50-year-old David Hooper from Green Bay, who was transporting diesel fuel and gasoline from Green Bay. Hooper was not injured and as is standard in semi wrecks was required to submit a blood test.  Alcohol is not a factor.

Toyota RAV driver 40-year-old Jennifer Jennings-Shaud of L’Anse, MI and her nine-year-old son Ephraim taken by ambulance to Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital. Jennings-Shaud was transferred last night to the trauma center at U.P. Health System – Marquette.

The southbound Audi was driven by 40-year-old Eric Trapp, and included two passengers 43-year-old Amanda Galetto and her 12-year-old son Brady Galetto, all from Hancock, MI. The three escaped injury.

The above photo was taken by Eric Trapp, who shared it and gratefulness to be alive on Facebook.

——–

2-3-18 Update – 9:48 p.m. ET:

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Chassell, MI) – The four-vehicle crash happened about 10 a.m. Saturday on U.S.-41 at the Sturgeon River Bridge near Chassell and claimed the life of a Hubbell, MI woman.

A Green Bay trucker was heading north in his semi-tanker truck hauling 9,000 gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline.

As the trucker approached the bridge, the female driver of a Toyota RAV SUV tried to pass the tanker truck but lost control on the snow and ice covered highway.

A southbound Honda CRV driven by a female was struck head-on by the driver attempting to pass.

The Honda CRV slid into the northbound lane and was hit on the driver’s side by the fuel truck.

A Hubbell woman driving the Honda was ejected and killed instantly.

A fourth vehicle – headed south near the crash – was struck by at least one of the vehicles.

The male driver of that fourth vehicle had two passengers in his Audi. All were uninjured and from Hancock, MI.

The driver and passenger in a Toyota RAV were treated at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital – before the driver was transferred tonight to the trauma center at U.P. Health System-Marquette.

No names have been released.

The tanker truck leaked an untold amount of fuel into the Sturgeon River and onto the ice. UIS.-41 was closed for over 11hours. Its been reopened to one lane on the bridge with a traffic light for alternating traffic.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality are overseeing the cleanup.

No indication how bad an effect the spill will have on the wildlife in and on the river.

The cleanup is going to take a while.

Among those assisting were and are:

• The U.S. Coast Guard spill containment unit
• Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
• Chassell Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders
• Hurontown Township Volunteer Fire Department with the Jaws of Life
• Calumet Township Volunteer Fire Dept. and Rescue provided fuel containment
• The Ironwood Public Safety Fire and Rescue containment unit
• Mercy Ambulance
• Bay Ambulance Service
• Michigan State Police
• The Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Unit in Iron Mountain
• Houghton County Emergency Management
• Superior Service Wrecker
• Gregg’s Wrecker Service from Ironwood, MI
• Numerous volunteers
• Plus Environmental cleanup teams from two companies: Calumet/Brian Bonen Construction and an unidentified Bark River company

There was an undetermined amount of fuel spilled from that overturned, punctured gas/fuel tanker.

Alcohol was not a factor in the crash. All victims were wearing seat belts.

Scroll down for further information.

9:12 p.m. 2-3-18

After being closed for about 11 hours – U.S-41 in Chassell, MI is re-opened to one lane (bridge only) – with stoplight for alternating traffic on the Sturgeon River bridge. An official on the scene said that the flashing signs will also warn people of temp traffic lights – and it will be one lane for about one day – or a day and a half.

——-

Update 5:50 p.m. ET – 2-3-18

Down to one lane soon on U.S.-41 over the bridge – and truck driver headed to Green Bay

It may sound optimistic, but MDOT official believe they can have the Sturgeon River Bridge reopened in an hour or so.

U.S.-41 will be reopened to one lane on the bridge – temporary stop lights will be put up to allow the alternating traffic to run in both directions.

Its like when you cross a bridge under repair.

MDOT is using sand to sop up the last of the fuel oil on the bridge.
Then it can be re-opened – but down to the one lane.

Also – the tanker truck driver has left the U.P. – after being treated for minor injuries at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital – and getting blood draws for police.

The trucker told officials his company had arranged for another blood test in Green Bay – and he was ordered to get there pronto

—

2:15 p.m.

Rappelling equipment has been called to the accident scene.

The Chassell Township Fire Chief has requested mutual aid from Calumet  Township Volunteer  Fire Department and its rappelling equipment and team.

Officials want to rappel off the Sturgeon River bridge – and determine the stability of the ice – so they can assess how much fuel spilled into the river and ice.

Apparently a significant amount of fuel did leak into the river and atop the ice.

The tanker was carrying 9,000 gallons.

Update 1:40 p.m. ET

Authorities have notified the family of the person who died in the crash.

At least one “blood draw” has been taken and maybe a second. A blood draw is routine in 18-wheeler wrecks.

As matter of procedure and law, all truckers involved in an accident are given a required blood draw.

It is still going be a very long time before highway is re-opened.

—

12 noon ET

All surviving victims have been taken from the scene to hospitals, one fatality. Houghton County Medical Examiner called. He had to change clothes because his clothes smelled like gas after leaving the scene. All people will have to be properly cleaned up after dealing with this wreck and its fumes, spillage.

Accident reconstruction experts are on the scene. The highway is closed until further notice.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Soo is handling efforts to stop the leak that is (or was) going into the river.

Officials are off-loading the tanker truck – that is holding 9,000 gallons of fuel.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has been notified.

11:42 a.m. Update

A sander has been called to build a berm on the Sturgeon River bridge to help stop the fuel leaking into the Sturgeon River.

Keweenaw Petroleum is sending crews to the scene to help deal with leak.

Plus traffic is reported “bumper to bumper.”

Traffic is slowly being rerouted thru Tapiola, MI – and sanders have been called to make side roads easy to maneuver as traffic will be rerouted for hours.

10:43 a.m. ET

HAZMAT: At least one killed, two hurt, people trapped in about four vehicles including overturn semi-tanker fuel truck that is leaking – U.S. Coast Guard MAZMAT containment crew summoned

uipm

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Chassell, MI) – U.S.-41 in Chassell, MI has been closed due to an extremely bad multi-vehicle crash has claimed at least one life – and includes a leaking semi-tanker fuel truck.

Expect U.S.-41 in Chassell, MI to be closed for most of today.

The U.S. Coast Guard MAZMAT containment crew has been summoned due to leaking fuel into the Sturgeon River.

A HAZMAT crew is being summoned due to the leaking fuel semi-tanker truck.

The crash was reported about 10 a.m. ET, this morning, Feb. 3, 2018.

The wreck is on the top of the Sturgeon River Bridge on U.S.-41 in Chassell, MI.
It is said to be a rollover with entrapment involving three passenger vehicles and a semi-tanker truck that has overturned.

One victim died after being ejected from one of those passenger vehicles.

Others are reported hurt including an unknown number of people trapped in the mangle wreckage.

Numerous fire departments and other emergency vehicles have responded.

This includes the Hurontown Volunteer Fire Department and two rigs and paramedics from the Bay Ambulance Service, Michigan State Police, and law enforcement from numerous agencies in Baraga and Houghton counties.

Two homes in Baraga County destroyed in Saturday morning fires

Frigid weather and snowstorm braved by firefighters as they battled two house fires that destroyed homes in Baraga and L’Anse

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Baraga, MI) – Baraga firefighters helped L’Anse Fire department with an early morning fire, and just a few hours later the favor was returned.

The fires were battled in frigid below zero wind-chills and during a Winter Storm Warning that is dumping snow.

About 7:30 a.m. today a fully engulfed structure fire was reported at 502 S. Railroad St. in Baraga.
The blazing two-story home is close to the American Legion and two other homes.

All the occupants of the home managed to escape without injury.

Firefighters were warned about explosions due to a large amount of ammunition on the first floor of the residence.

The temperature at 8 a.m. today, Sat., Dec. 30, 2017 in Baraga is 4 degrees with winds at 8 MPH.

The cause of the fire is not known.

Early this morning a home in L’Anse was destroyed.
Read our story:

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin- 12-30-17 – 3:30 a.m. ET – Numerous U.P. fires in 24 hours – Rekindle in L’Anse early today destroys home – firefighter hurt falling on ice

L’Anse rekindle leaves home in flames – firefighter hurt in first call falling on ice

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

L’Anse and Baraga firefighters fought the same house fire twice this morning in subzero wind-chills and along Keweenaw Bay.

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/12/30/lanse-rekindle-leaves-home-in-flames-firefighter-hurt-in-first-call-falling-on-ice

L’Anse rekindle leaves home in flames – firefighter hurt in first call falling on ice

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin- 12-30-17 – 3:30 a.m. ET 

Numerous U.P. fires in 24 hours – Rekindle in L’Anse early today destroys home – firefighter hurt falling on ice

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

L’Anse and Baraga firefighters fought the same house fire twice this morning in subzero wind-chills and along Keweenaw Bay.

About 12:30 a.m., firefighters were called to 805 Bay Shore Drive in L’Anse for a ceiling fire. They left an hour later.

The fire comes in the last hours of the year on Sat., Dec. 30, 2017.

Then about 3 a.m. today, firefighters were called back on a much more serious rekindle. Bay Ambulance Service is on standby. Other first responders are on the scene at this hour.

L’Anse – and all of Baraga County – are under a Winter Storm Warning – and trhe windschil is below zero. At 2 a.m. the temp was 6 degrees in L’Anse with a 11 MPH west wind.

“The house has rekindled,” the dispatcher told L’Anse and Baraga firefighters responding to the blaze at a home they had been at an hour earlier.

“It is fully involved,” she said of the home that had flames shooting out the roof.

At the first fire, a L’Anse firefighter was treated by paramedics on the scene after falling on the ice. He was not seriously hurt but took a couple very hard falls on the ice – always a danger in frigid weather as water used to fight the blaze coats everything in a layer of ice.

 

Our first story:

U.P. Breaking News Advisory – 12-30-17 2:10 a.m. ET – A L’Anse firefighter was injured early today when he fell on ice this frigid morning during a fire in the ceiling at a residence at 805 Bay Shore Drive.

The L’Anse and Baraga fire departments answered the call along with L’Anse Police. This was one of several structure fires over about the past 24 hours across the U.P.