Five busted in Manistique, MI drug raids and undercover buys – plus recent drug arrests in Marquette and Escanaba area

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-0-18 – 9:44 p.m. ET

Manistique drug raids and undercover buys net five arrests – and recent busts for drugs in Escanaba and Marquette areas

Daniel Joe Baker

Shane Henry

27-year-old Dimitri Mishko of Manistique, MI

Angie Jean Gwaltney

Katy Marie McGinnis

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

(Manistique, MI) – Drug raids and undercover buys  in Schoolcraft County resulted in the arrest of five Manistique area residents on controlled substance sales charges ranging from meth to Vicodin to Suboxone.

Arrested on drug charges were Manistique area residents 47-year-old Daniel Joe Baker, 30-year-old Katy Marie McGinnis, 43-year-old Shane David Henry, 27-year-old Dimitri Mishko and 26-year-old Angie Jean Gwaltney.

Daniel Baker

Shane Henry

Dimitri Mishko

Angie Jean Gwaltney

Katy McGinnis

McGinnis, Baker, and Henry  are charged with being habitual offenders – ranging from second to fourth offense.

All but Gwaltney are charged with the seven-year felony delivering/manufacturing suboxone.

Baker is charged with manufacture/delivery of Vicodin, a 20-year-felony.

Gwaltney was charged with delivery of methamphetamine.

Witnesses tell U.P. Breaking News that officers searched a home – after a lengthy investigation into repeated allegations of drug dealing at the house.

One source says two other people were sent to prison a few years ago – after allegedly dealing pills out of the home.

“It’s a known drug house with previous arrests of people living there and staying there,” sources  say.

Related links:

Schoolcraft County Sheriff Paul W. Furman

www.schoolcraftcounty.net/PDF/Sheriff.pdf

www.schoolcraftcounty.net/departments_1.php?go=Sheriff

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30-year-old Chayse Beauchamp of Escanaba, MI was booked into the DCDC at 11:20 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 8, 2018 and released on bond just before 6 a.m. Friday (today) morning.
Beauchamp is charged with operating under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

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18-year-old Anthony Jordan Bukowski of Escanaba, MI was booked into the DCDC about midnight on Tues., Feb. 6, 2018.
Bukowski is charged with two controlled substance offenses – possession of analogues and possession of marijuana.
Bond has not been set for Bukowski.

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Elizabeth Hollko

30-year-old Elizabeth May Holkko of Ishpeming. MI was booked into the MCJ at 1:19 a.m. on Fri., Feb, 2, 2018.

Holkko is charged with possession of Schedule I, II, II narcotics, and a second-offense controlled substance charge involving driving with a revoked/suspended driver’s license.

Hollko is jailed with a $7.500 bond.

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40-year-old Michael Lamb of Marquette, MI was booked into the MCJ at 3:24 p.m. on Mon., Feb. 5, 2018.
Lamb is charged with two counts of use of marijuana.
Total bond is set at $1,500 for Lamb.

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Two big heroin cases set to be tried in Marquette federal court with jury selection next week – You won’t believe the tons of heroin dealing records just released by federal prosecutors as they prepare for trial next week in Marquette for two separate heroin distribution cases in Chippewa and Marquette counties – More arrests expected in the case of “Bam” the alleged drug man

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 1-29-18 – 2:22 p.m. ET

Separate federal heroin distribution cases set for jury selection next week in Marquette followed by separate trials – cases involve selling lots of heroin in Marquette and Chippewa counties

Read the actual in-depth heroin sales/distribution records, and audio/video tapes just released by federal prosecutors – a five hour read at least

27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Colorado Springs, Colorado  and Sault Ste. Marie, MI: Just pleaded guilty and will testify against Tobias next week

Set to stand trial 30-year-old Jessica Lynn Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI

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

(Marquette, MI) – Its the federal court version of who will blink.

In Marquette federal court, prosecutors have just filed a gigantic amount of information about two unrelated heroin distribution cases – one suspect in Marquette County and the other from Chippewa County.

Its either on the brink of blink – or both go to trial.

Those set federal court trial beginning next week are 42-year-old Derrick “Bam” Garrel Samuels of Gwinn, MI and followed by the trial of 30-year-old Jessica Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

In the past week, federal prosecutors flexed their muscles by filing hundreds of pages of information including cell phone records, wire recordings and much more in the cases.

In the Tobias case, the prosecutors have released a “voluminous” amount of information including heroin drug deal telephone records. The various motions against Samuels and Tobias to show they are serious – and ready to go to trial.

Both cases are slated for jury selection next week – followed by separate trials in Marquette, MI during the first week or two of February 2018.

In fact, a co-defendant in the Tobias case just pleaded guilty – and that ups the prosecution hand. Just last week guilty plea from 27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Colorado Springs, Colorado – and Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Gravelle will testify against Tobias.

One reason its a who will “blink” first situation is both suspects face likely harsh sentences if convicted – and federal time is hard time – no early parole. Prosecutors are likely open to plea deals – but will go to trial if required.

Prosecutor prefer plea deals for many reasons including the huge costs of a trial. Trials are very expensive and involve many witnesses and lawyers on both sides – so that’s why so many plea bargains are reached with prosecutors.

Time is running out for an early resolution – because the selection two juries in the separate trials are set to start on (a week from today) Mon., Feb. 5, 2018 at U.S. District Court in Marquette, MI.

The potential jury pool for both trials have been told to show up at 9 a.m. on Mon., Feb. 5, 2018.

Tobias is accused of one count of dealing heroin in Chippewa County from October 2011 to November 2012.

Samuels is charged with five heroin distribution related-charges in Marquette County.

In fact, the only record we are not releasing includes lot of secret undercover information (do not want to put cops lives in jeopardy. That record names all the people who helped him deal heroin in Marquette County. Additional federal indictments are expect against those named and soon more arrests.

The Gravelle/Tobias indictment accuses the pair of “knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with each other, and others, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.”

The pair were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 2017 on one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin in Chippewa County. Gravelle pleaded guilty last week and is set to be sentenced in April – and faces up to 30 years in prison and a one million dollar ($1,000,000) fine.

Of the gigantic amount of information released prosecutors said:

“In this case, law enforcement officers obtained telephone records as part of their investigation. These telephone records are voluminous, consisting of hundreds of pages. Government agents have reviewed these records and produced summaries based on these records.”
Both Tobias and Samuels cases have numerous federal witnesses testifying for the government.

On January 18, 2018, the government filed a notice of intent to call an opinion (expert) witness against Tobias on drug distribution methods and organizations, to help explain the records. The defense objected, but the judge ruled for the prosecution.

Bam the alleged drug man – Derrick Garrell Samuels a/k/a “Bam”

Derrick Garrell Samuels is represented by Marquette defense attorney Karl Numinen.

The federal prosecutors in the cases are Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat and U.S. Attorney for Western District of Michigan Andrew Byerly Birge

 Instead of making this story longer – here are a couple dozen links labeled on each case and the records are available for you to read or download:

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United States District Court Western District of Michigan Northern Division

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27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Colorado Springs, Colorado – and Sault Ste. Marie, MI

27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Colorado Spring and Sault Ste. Marie, MI: Just pleaded guilty and will testify against Tobias

Joseph Gravelle

27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Colorado Spring and Sault Ste. Marie, MI: Just pleaded guilty and will testify against Tobias

Federal witness and confessed heroin dealer

27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Colorado Springs, Colorado – and Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Confessed heroin dealer working with prosecutors testify and help convict Tobias:

Gravelle is scheduled to be sentenced at 4 p.m. ET on April 11, 2018 in Marquette, MI before U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney. Faces up to 30 years in prison and a one million dollar ($1,000,000) fine.

Gravelle was convicted on state felony charges in Kent County, MI on May 20, 2015 and sentenced on Sept. 5, 2015  to one to six years in prison.

Gravelle pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle with presence of a controlled substance and Possession of a narcotic – Cocaine < 25 Grams 

Count 1: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin
Maximum penalty: Not more than twenty years and/or $1,000,000 fine Supervised Release: Not less than 3 years and up to life

Count two: Distribution of Heroin
Maximum penalty: Not more than twenty years and/or $1,000,000 fine
Supervised Release: Not less than 3 years and up to life

Count three: Distribution of Heroin
Maximum penalty: Not more than twenty years and/or $1,000,000 fine
Supervised Release: Not less than 3 years and up to life [18 U.S.C. ‘ 3583] (Class C Felony, 18 U.S.C. ‘ 3559)
Probation of not less than one nor more than five years

Timeline:

Conspiracy to distribute heroin indictment returned against both on June 20, 2017 by a federal grand jury sitting in Marquette, MI

Charge: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin

Gravelle signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors on December 21, 2017. Agrees to testify against Tobias.

Gravelle pleaded guilty on January 22, 2018

Jury trial for Tobias jury selection set to begin on February 5, 2018 in Marquette, MI on the one-count indictment

Jury trial for Samuels begins with jury selection on Monday, February 5, 2018 in Marquette, MI on the five-count indictment

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30-year-old Jessica Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Set to stand trial 30-year-old Jessica Lynn Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Set to stand trial 30-year-old Jessica Lynn Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Count 1 – Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin
Maximum penalty: Not more than twenty years and/or $1,000,000 fine
Supervised Release: Not less than 3 years and up to life. Probation of not less than one nor more than five years – Submitted on June 20, 2017 by federal prosecutor Paul D. Lochner in Marquette

June 20, 2017 Indictment Penalty Sheet Joseph Gideon Gravelle and Jessica Lynn Tobias

June 20, 2017 Indictment of Joseph Gideon Gravelle and Jessica Lynn Tobias

Jan. 4, 2018 Gravelle plea agreement

Jan. 4, 2018 Gravelle plea agreement

Jan. 11, 2018 Judge sets Samuels, Tobias jury selections, trial dates

Jan. 11, 2018 Judge sets Samuels, Tobias jury selections, trial dates

Jan. 19, 2018 – Judge order on Tobias, jury selection Feb. 5, 2018

Jan. 19, 2018 – Judge order on Tobias, jury selection Feb. 5, 2018

Jan. 24, 2018 Proposed Verizon Business Records Certification

Jan. 24, 2018 Heroin phone records, summaries of voluminous writing

Jan. 24, 2018 Heroin phone records, summaries of voluminous writing (1)

Jan. 24, 2018 Heroin phone records, summaries of voluminous writing (2)

Jan. 24, 2018 Proposed Verizon Business Records Certification

June 20, 2017 Indictment of Joseph Gideon Gravelle and Jessica Lynn Tobias

June 20, 2017 – Indictment Penalty Sheet Joseph Gideon Gravelle and Jessica Lynn Tobias

June 20, 2017 Indictment of Joseph Gideon Gravelle and Jessica Lynn Tobias

June 20, 2017 – Indictment Penalty Sheet Joseph Gideon Gravelle And Jessica Lynn Tobias

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42-year-old Derrick Garrel Samuels of Gwinn, MI

Photo not available – please send us photo

Derrick Garrell Samuels a/k/a “Bam” Indictment:

Maximum penalty for each count if convicted is not more than 20 years in prison on each count and a $1,000,000 fine. Supervised Release: At least three years and not more than life.

Four federal felony counts of delivery of heroin and one count of attempted delivery of heroin

Samuels is accused of distributing heroin from 2012 to  June 29, 2017.

June 12, 2017 Samuels penalty sheet

June 12, 2017 Samuels penalty sheet

July 18, 2017 Three-count heroin indictment filed against Samuels

July 18, 2017 Penalty sheet for three-count heroin indictment

July 18, 2017 Three-count heroin indictment filed against Samuels

July 18, 2017 Penalty sheet for three-count heroin indictment

Sept. 20, 2017 Superseding Samuels indictment that adds two more charges

Sept. 20, 2017 Penalty sheet for superseding Samuels indictment, two more charges

Sept. 20, 2017 Superseding Samuels indictment that adds two more charges

Jan. 3, 2018 – List of government expert witnesses against Samuels

Jan. 3, 2018 – List of government expert witnesses against Samuels

Jan. 21, 2018 Motion in Limine #1 and  #2

Jan. 21, 2018 Government’s motion to admit certification of Samuels lack of IRS filing records

Jan. 21, 2018 Memorandum of law in support of government’s motion to admit certification of lack of record

Jan. 21, 2018 Certificate in accordance with local criminal rule 12.4 and admin. Order 15-rl-78

Jan. 21, 2018 Memorandum of law in support of government’s motion to admit certification of lack of record

Jan. 21, 2018 Government’s motion to admit certification of Samuels lack of IRS filing records

Jan. 21, 2018 Certificate in accordance with local criminal rule 12.4 and admin. Order 15-rl-78

Jan. 23, 2018 Government’s proposed voir dire for Samuels jury

Jan. 23, 2018 Government’s proposed voir dire for Samuels jury

Jan 27, 2018 Government’s proposed preliminary Samuels jury instruction

Jan 27, 2018 Government’s proposed preliminary Samuels jury instruction

Jan. 28, 2018 Government’s Samuels trial brief

Jan. 28, 2018 Proposed Samuels Jury Instructions

Jan. 28, 2018 Government’s Samuels trial brief

Jan. 28, 2018 Proposed Samuels Jury Instructions

Jan. 28, 2018 Government’s preliminary exhibit list against Samuels is 10 pages

Jan. 28, 2018 10 pages Government’s preliminary exhibit list

The exhibit list includes:

• Heroin allegedly sold by Samuels
• “Baggie containing a chunk of heroin” and baggie of heroin.
• Copies of “buy” money – record of cash made before and after purchase
• Drug packaging material
• Undercover surveillance notes
• Photos of text messages from undercover informant aka “CI” (cooperating informant
• Numerous transcripts of audio tape recorded of Samuels during a “buy” and “attempted buys” using undercover agents /CI – recorded purchasing heroin with a “wire.” Video and audio of attempted buy
• Numerous videos and audio of Samuels allegedly selling heroin
• Photos in Samuel’s residence immediately after agents raided his home with a of search warrant
• Photos from traffic stop when Samuels was arrested on July 11, 2017
• Business records
• GPS tracking video
• Digital scale
• Security system
• Seized cell phones “flip phone” belonging to Samuels and others plus the phone downloads with lots of data including photos
• Copy of Samuels prior felony conviction

 

Dealing Meth Across From Menominee High School: Enhanced charges filed today reflect seriousness of the accusations against suspects

URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin: 1-23-18 – 10 p.m. ET –

Enhanced charges mean even longer prison terms for suspects allegedly caught dealing crystal meth across from Menominee High School

Leslie Tuokata Yang of Menominee, MI.

Jacob Lucas Martin of Menominee, MI.

David Gerald Martin of Menominee,MI

Brittany Lynn DeGayner of Marinette, WI

Heroin user Scott Miller of Menominee, MI

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

(Menominee, MI) – Dealing meth across the street from a high school is not something Upper Peninsula prosecutors or drugs agents take lightly.

Today in Menominee, enhanced charges were filed against three of the suspects in a meth bust., according to Menominee County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey T. Rogg. The suspects now face even larger prison terms if convicted, Rogg said.

Menominee County Prosecutor’s Office is taking this case seriously because dealing meth will not be tolerated – but especially not across from a school, Rogg said.

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Heroin user Scott Miller, Menominee, MI

Meanwhile a fifth suspect, Scott Miller, recently pled guilty and sentenced to 60 days in jail for use of heroin and disorderly person.

Leslie Tuokata Yang of Menominee, MI.

Brittany Lynn DeGayner of Marinette, WI

Jacob Lucas Martin of Menominee, MI.

David Gerald Martin of Menominee,MI

The other suspects arrested are:
26-year-old Leslie Yang, 34-year-old Jacob L. Martin, 36-year-old David Gerald Martin, all of Menominee, MI; and 29-year-old Brittany DeGayner of Marinette, WI

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Charges:

Jacob Lucas Martin of Menominee, MI.

34-year-old Jacob Lucas Martin of 1912 22nd Avenue, Apt. 5 in Menominee, MI.

Delivery of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of the Menominee High School. Charge carries two to 60 years in prison and a $75,000 fine.

Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of the Menominee High School. The charge carries a sentence of two to 40 years in prison and a $75,000 fine.

Possession of meth within 1,000 feet of the Menominee High School
Charge carries eight years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

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Brittany Lynn DeGayner of Marinette, WI

29-year-old Brittany Lynn DeGayner of 1461 Newberry Avenue in Marinette, WI
Delivery of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of the Menominee High School. Charge carries two to 60 years in prison and a $75,000 fine.

Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of the Menominee High School. The charge carries a sentence of two to 40 years in prison and a $75,000 fine.

Possession of meth within 1,000 feet of the Menominee High School. Charge carries eight years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

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Leslie Tuokata Yang of Menominee, MI.

26-year-old Leslie Tuokata Yang of 1912 22nd Avenue, Apt. 5 in Menominee, MI.

Maintaining a drug house in which to intentionally sell or store drugs. Carries a maximum prison sentence of two years and a $25,000 fine.

Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of the Menominee High School. The charge carries a sentence of two to 40 years in prison and a $75,000 fine.

Possession of meth within 1,000 feet of the Menominee High School. Charge carries eight years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

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David Gerald Martin of Menominee, MI

36-year-old David Gerald Martin of Menominee, MI

Possession of Methamphetamine

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Details:

Jacob Martin, Brittany Degayner and Leslie Yang were living at the apartment across from the high school. Yang’s name was on the lease.

David Martin, Possession of Methamphetamine, is unchanged; Scott Miller has already pled guilty as charged previously and has been sentenced.)

Jacob Martin has also been charged with a separate and unrelated count of Delivery of Methamphetamine on School Property for an incident alleged to have occurred on October 31, 2017, at the same 1912 22d Ave., Apt. 5., locale.

Jacob Martin has a Preliminary Examination scheduled for 1 p.m.CT tomorrow, Wed., Jan. 24, 2018.

David Martin and Brittany Degayner have Probable Cause Conferences scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow, Wed., Jan. 24.

Leslie Yang has a Probable Cause Conference scheduled for 8:45 a.m. CT on February 9, 2017

Witnesses in the case include Menominee Police officer Jacob Lauren, Menominee PD Sgt. James Harper and Menominee officer Jamie Rivett.

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Previous story on U.P. Breaking News 1-9-18:

Names Released: Four people busted for alleged selling heroin and meth across the street from the Menominee High School.
The four were arraigned in Menominee County District Court on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, according to Menominee County Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Rogg.
The four Menominee, MI residents arrested are:
26-year-old Leslie Yang
29-year-old Brittany DeGayner, also lived in Marinette, WI
34-year-old Jacob L. Martin
36-year-old David Gerald Martin

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/09/drug-busts-meth-pill-arrests-across-the-u-p-houghton-menominee-and-wakefield

Violating the RICO Act: Delta County lawsuit against big pharma and chain pharmacies due to Opioid Crisis – as did Chippewa County and others

Delta County and Chippewa County join federal lawsuit telling big pharma and chain pharmacies to stop killing Upper Peninsula residents with opioids

There have been numerous drugs overdoses overnight including two in Marquette County. NarCan was used on one victim who regained consciousness in Ishpeming, MI

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

(Delta County/Marquette, MI) – Delta County And Chippewa County have joined others cities and counties across Michigan and Wisconsin – charging big pharma and chain pharmacies of creating the opioid epidemic that has killed many Upper Peninsula residents – and hundreds of thousands in deaths across the USA.

In fact, the civil suits alleged these companies are a crime organization – The Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act – aka the RICO Act.

That’s a heavy weight charge usually used on the mob and others in  organized crime.

Read or download the Delta County lawsuit:

Delta County vs Big Pharma, Chain Pharmacies (1)

Delta County vs Big Pharma, Chain Pharmacies (2)

 

The alleged bad guys:

Purdue Pharma L.P.
Cephalon, Inc.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
Endo International PLC
Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Insys Therapeutics, Inc.
Mallinckrodt PLC
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Allergan PLC
Actavis LLC
Actavis Pharma, Inc.
Watson Laboratories, Inc.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
AmerisourceBergen Corporation
Cardinal Health, Inc.
McKesson Corporation
Omnicare Distribution Center LLC
Masters Pharmaceutical, Inc.
CVS Health Corporation
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Rite Aid Corporation
Costco Wholesale Corporation

“As in communities across the country, the adverse effects of opioid addiction radiate across the County of Delta. When workers in the County of Delta become addicted, it decreases their productivity and their earning power, and ultimately harms the local economy. “

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT OF DRUG RELATED RISKS AND OUTCOMES: UNITED STATES, 2017, at 41-42 (2017

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/pubs/2017-cdc-drug-surveillance-report.pdf

Delta County “households fall victim to the opioid epidemic, the children that rely on them fall victim as well—increasing the strain on social-service providers. The opioid epidemic has, perhaps, its most pernicious effects in neighborhoods where drugs are sold. The illegal drug trade often invites violence and decimates the quality of life for innocent families living nearby. Many choose to leave. The opioid epidemic has contributed to the destabilization of communities and neighborhoods in the County of Delta and elsewhere, and, in turn, has deprived the County of
Delta of tax revenue and increased the costs of delivering public services.”

Plaintiff, the County of Delta, accordingly brings this civil action to eliminate or, at a minimum, reduce the imminent threat to public health and safety in the County of Delta caused by the opioid epidemic, to abate the nuisance caused thereby, and to recoup monies spent to address the harm that resulted from: (1) the false, deceptive and unfair marketing of prescription opioids by Defendants, and from (2) Defendants’ failure to stop plainly suspicious orders of opioids, as defined below. The economic damages suffered by Plaintiff were caused by the use of opioid products that were foreseeable to Defendants and were sustained through Defendants’ patterns of activity directly resulting from their reckless, intentional and unlawful acts and omissions

Chippewa County goes after drug companies and national pharmacy chains that make addictive opioid drugs that have killed Upper Peninsula residents – joins other Michigan and Wisconsin governments

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin and Public Safety Advisory – 12-21-17 – 7:45 a.m.

The federal civil papers alleging crimes such as violation of the RICO Act have been filed by Chippewa County in federal court in Marquette

Chippewa County “has been uniquely and disproportionately impacted by the scourge of opioid addiction”

U.P. Breaking News has links that enabled the downloading or reading the actual lawsuit – which cost us a pretty penny. However, the crisis is so large – the money in federal court fees seems unimportant.

Opioid drugs from Hell kill tens of thousands in U.S. each year.

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

(Chippewa County/Marquette, MI) – In federal civil filing, Chippewa County explains why it joined the many cities and counties across Michigan and Wisconsin who have joined national lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies.

Allegations made against defendants: (1) Public Nuisance; (2) Negligence Per Se; (3) Negligence; And (4) Violations Of The Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organization Act (RICO Act).

Get your own copies of federal suit  – download or read:

Chippewa County joins lawsuit against drug companies, pharmacies (1)

Chippewa County joins lawsuit against drug companies, pharmacies (2)

In Michigan, Chippewa County joins numerous other cities and counties suing the pharmaceutical companies that have cost thousands of lives including well over 100 deaths in the U.P. in recent years.
In Wisconsin, 20 counties are suing pharmaceutical companies over the massive and crooked marketing of prescription opioid painkillers that has caused a drug epidemic across the United States.

“According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2010 the County of Chippewa had a population of 38,520. It was also estimated that, in 2016, 37,724 persons live in the County of Chippewa.,” the suit states.

The devilish painkillers at issue include OxyContin, MS Contin, Dilaudid/Dilaudid HP, Butrans, Hysingla ER, and Targiniq ER Percocet, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, and hydrocodone, opioids Nucynta and Nucynta ER; prescription opioids Actiq and Fentora; prescription opioids Kadian and Norco, a generic version of Kadian, and generic versions of Duragesic and Opana – and many more that makes the companies and pharmacies hundreds of billions of dollars annually while cause tens of thousands of deaths each year across the USA.

“Plaintiff, County of Chippewa, has been uniquely and disproportionately impacted by the scourge of opioid addiction,” Chippewa County officials declared in the lawsuit.

Chippewa County is the second largest county in the State of Michigan.

Chippewa County “has been highly affected by the tidal wave of opioids addiction that has swept through the nation,” the suit states. “The County is being forced to expend county resources combating the opioid epidemic and its cascading effects.

“As a direct result of Defendants’ corporate malfeasance, the County’s medical professionals and first responders must now prioritize combating drug overdoses, including opioid overdoses,” the suit declares. Chippewa County “law-enforcement officers are engaged in a pitched battle against the heroin trade, and against criminal enterprises illegally trading in prescription opioids. The County’s medical professionals must now spend their time and resources combating the multifaceted harms that drug addiction imposes on families, children, and infants.”

The national pharmacies targeted are CVS Health Corporation (“CVS”), Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (“Walgreens”)m Rite Aid Corporation (“Rite Aid”) and Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco”).

“The opioid epidemic has contributed to the destabilization of communities and neighborhoods in Chippewa County,” the suit states. Chippewa County has “been deprived” of “tax revenue and increased the costs of delivering county services.”

Chippewa County files the “civil action to eliminate or, at a minimum, reduce the imminent threat to public health and safety in Chippewa County caused by the opioid epidemic, to abate the nuisance caused thereby, and to recoup municipal monies spent to address the harm that resulted from:
(1) the false, deceptive and unfair marketing of prescription opioids by Defendants, and from
(2) Defendants’ failure to stop plainly suspicious orders of opioids, as defined below. The economic damages suffered by Plaintiff were caused by the use of opioid products that were foreseeable to Defendants and were sustained through Defendants’ patterns of activity directly resulting from their reckless, intentional and unlawful acts and omissions.

Ironwood, MI Meth Probe – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin: Gogebic County methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin case goes federal

Numerous federal charges expected from huge meth probe in Gogebic County including indictment from a grand jury sitting in Marquette, MI – includes heroin, cocaine and weapons

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
1-906-273-2433

(Marquette, MI) – A man, who was one of four arrested on state meth charges almost two weeks ago in Gogebic County, was appointed the federal version of a court-appointed defense attorney on Tuesday.

Federal drug agents were among the many law enforcement agencies on the scene for the Gogebic County meth raid that was the announced on Friday. January 20, 2017 by the Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team – better known as “GIANT.” Numerous meth and other drug and weapons charges against an unknown number of people are expected as federal prosecutors in Marquette bring witnesses before a federal grand jury.

On Tuesday, 34-year-old Corey Allan Tutor, who has ties to Gogebic County and Ashland, WI, was given an attorney at no cost by U.S. Magistrate Timothy P. Greeley. Appointed to represent Tutor was an unnamed member of the U.S. Public Defender Office in Marquette, MI. The office is headed in Marquette by Asst. U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth LaCosse – who once was a prosecutor in the western U.P.

Convicted felon 33-year-old Jeremy James Whitebird – whose home allegedly had $50,000 in meth and other drugs when searched by GIANT agents – is one of the main targets of the local, state and federal drug probe. He faces drug charges and two counts of possession of a gun by a convicted felon – that brings serious time in the federal system.

Officials said that Whitebird has an extensive criminal history, however U.p. Breaking News has been unable to find out much about him through online and other sources.

Current state charges against Whitebird include possession with intent to deliver methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

The raid involving state and federal drug agents was conducted by the GIANT drug team, the Gogebic Iron SWAT Team, Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Beacon Ambulance Service stood by the scene just in case.

Police confiscated a large amount of meth, coke, heroin, and pot plus several firearms and ammunition, according to a GIANT press release.

Two others – plus Tutor – were present during the raid at the Whitebird residence. The trio are charged with possession of methamphetamines and a loitering charge for allegedly hanging around a drug house. They are 21-year-old Rebecca Jade Gibbons, 30-year-old Carlos Jordan, 30, and 34-year-old Corey Allan Tutor.

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Meanwhile, another Gogebic County resident was appointed a U.S. Federal Public Defender on Tuesday – Lisa Celeskey of Ironwood, MI. The reason Celeskey needs a defense attorney for federal probe is not known. The Federal Public Defender Office recommended that attorney Sarah Emily Henderson be appointed to represent Celeskey

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Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team

“GIANT”

This is one of several drug teams in the Upper Peninsula that are working to stamp out the methamphetamine problem that has led to countless deaths, plus left hundreds of Yoopers with very hard to beat addictions to meth, and U.P. Breaking News has heard from numerous homeowners who are among those with rental property that got used as meth labs causing millions of dollars of damage to homes across the U.P.

U.P. drug dealers off to federal prison: Rogue medical marijuana dealers 37-year-old Craig Robert Asikainen of Negaunee, 55-year-old Sharon Marie Peltola of Bruce Crossing and 44-year-old Robert Harley Stapleton of Iron River – and prison for morphine dealer 58-year-old Robin Eugene Vore of Kincheloe, MI

Federal prison sentences for rogue medical marijuana dealers Craig Robert Asikainen of Negaunee, Sharon Marie Peltola of Bruce Crossing and Robert Harley Stapleton of Iron River – and morphine dealer Robin Eugene Vore of Kincheloe, Mi

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

(Marquette, MI) – An Eastern U.P. man has been sentenced to prison for distributing a powerful and highly addictive pain medication near a school playground.

Robin Eugene Vore, 58, of Kincheloe, MI was indicted on three federal felony counts of distribution of morphine within 1,000 feet of a playground between March 5-11th, 2015 in Chippewa County.

Under a plea agreement, other charges were dropped against Vore.

Vore was sentenced on Nov. 7, 2016 by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney.

Vore received a year and a day in federal prison followed by six years supervised release.

According to records, Vore also has other addresses across Michigan, Florida and California.

Background on Robin Eugene Vore of Kincheloe:
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/tag/robin-eugene-vore

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

(Marquette/Kalamazoo, MI) – Three of six Upper Peninsula residents who allegedly dealt hundreds of pounds of pot through illegal medical marijuana dispensaries in four U.P. counties have been sentenced to federal prison.

Arrested were Spencer Troy Ward, 56, of Bruce Crossing; Sharon Marie Peltola, 55, of Bruce Crossing; Robert Harley Stapleton, 44, of Iron River, Craig Robert Asikainen, 37, of Negaunee.

Meanwhile, trial is set for this winter for Ward and two others – Byron Hugh Adams and Peter John Jousma.

Asikainen, Peltola and Stapleton each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute 50 or more marijuana plants, and 50 kilograms or more of marijuana. They specifically admitted being part of a conspiracy that dealt over 100 pounds of illegal medical marijuana from Oct. 2014 to Feb. 2016.

• Peltola was sentenced to two and a half years (30 months) in federal prison, fined $2,000 and three years of supervised released after prison.

• Asikainen was sentenced to a year and a half (18 months) in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

• Stapleton was sentenced in Marquette to a year and a day in federal prison on Nov. 9, 2016 by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney.

The three could have received 20 years in federal prison.
The trio were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney – but at different federal court locations.
Peltola appeared before federal Judge Maloney on Nov. 18, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Asikainen appeared before  Judge Maloney on Nov. 8, 2016 in Marquette, MI.

Asikainen was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

The Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs made the arrests as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking on tribal lands across northern Michigan. Ass part of their plea agreements, both must cooperate with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) plus Michigan State Police as the investigation into U.P. drug trafficking continues.

Both entered guilty pleas were accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley in Marquette.
In the August 3, 2016 plea agreement, federal prosecutors dropped the additional charges against Asikainen and agreed not to move forward with forfeiture proceedings.

The federal prosecutor in the morphine and marijuana cases is Assistant United States Attorney Maarten Vermaat on behalf of United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Patrick A. Miles, Jr. in Grand Rapids. The cases were handled by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan Northern Division

Background/previous stories:
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/upper-peninsula-breaking-news-exclusive-feds-tuesday-busted-alleged-u-p-marijauna-conspiracy-after-judge-opens-sealed-indictment-in-marquette-michigan

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/tag/craig-robert-asikainenhttps://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/tag/craig-robert-asikainen

http://michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/topic/50801-multi-million-dollar-pot-growing-ring-plus-several-dispensaries-raided

Federal Prosecutor:
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat

Defense Attorneys:

Spencer Troy Ward
Attorney Timothy C. Quinnell, Osstyn Bays Ferns & Quinnell LLP

Sharon Marie Peltola
Attorney Michael J. Manning

Robert Harley Stapleton
attorney Mark L. Dobias, Mark L. Dobias PC

Craig Robert Asikainen
Robert Eugene Vore
Assistant U.S. Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse

Federal Grand Jury in Marquette returns felony indictment in the Freaky Frosted Flakes Bust by U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Alleged smuggling Meth and Ecstasy into Upper Peninsula in Frosted Flakes Fails Fantastically at the International Bridge Plaza Port of Entry in Sault Ste. Marie, MI

URGENT UPDATE – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin  12-8-16 5:10 a.m. ET

Federal indictment in a major drug bust at the International bridge in the Soo that made headlines around the world

Alleged Frosted Flakes Ecstasy Uber Driver Indicted for allegedly driving into the U.S. With MDMA stashed in Frosted Flakes Boxes

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

(Marquette, MI) – The alleged frosted flakes ecstasy/meth man from Canada has been indicted by a federal Grand Jury sitting in Marquette, MI – in a case that has made national headlines because his alleged delivery of drugs was fouled up by a confused Uber driver

A three-count felony indictment charges Mayooran Rajasingam of Quebec, Canada with possession, sale and conspiracy to sell ecstasy also known as MDMA. He hired the wrong Uber driver whose GPS goof up put his passneger right into the hands of federal authorities.

The suspect vehicle3 was stopped by border patrol agents at the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie on Nov. 9, 2016 and the Uber driver claimed he had no intention of crossing into the United States.

The indictment was returned on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016 in connection with the alleged importation of MDMA/ecstasy – while riding with a Uber driver – claiming he only crossed into the U.S. from Canada because of a GPS snafu.

The exact charges are conspiracy to distribute controlled substance conspiracy to distribute; and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and to sell, distribute, or dispense; possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and import; importation of controlled substances.

The federal prosecutor in the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat of Marquette – on behalf of U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr. in Grand Rapids.

The defense attorney is Asst. Federal Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse.

The indictment doesn’t mention the other alleged drug: almost 6½ pounds of methamphetamine – a super popular clubbing drug allegedly stashed in a Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes box. However, it appears the alleged drugs were ingredients that could be used to make both.

Scroll down to read our previous stories

Filed: 12/06/2016

Chippewa County

Count: 1

Citation: 21:846=CD.F

Offense Level: 4

21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(c)

Conspiracy to distribute controlled substance conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances

Count: 2

citation: 21:841a=cd.f

Offense level: 4

21:841(a)(1), 18:2(a), 21:841(b)(1)(c)

Controlled substance – sell, distribute, or dispense; possess with intent to distribute controlled substances

Count: 3

Citation: 21:952=ci.f

Offense level: 4

21:952(a), 21:963, 18:2(a), 21:960(a) and (b)(3)

Controlled substance – import; importation of controlled substances

Defendant in custody

Defense attorney:
Asst. Federal Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse

906-226-3050

906-273-0070 (fax)

beth_lacosse at fd.org

Federal Prosecutor:

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat

Phone: (906) 226-2500

Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

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An attempt to smuggle meth, ecstasy into Upper Peninsula in Frosted Flakes Fails, feds say

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

(Marquette, MI) – A felony federal criminal complaint has been filed in Marquette, MI against a man who allegedly tried to smuggle a large amount of meth and ecstasy pills into Chippewa County from Canada using Frosted Flakes boxes.

Mayooran Rajasingam is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Rajasingam was busted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent Todd J. Wilton. The suspect and a companion/driver Ali Achou were stopped by U.S. customs agents at the International Bridge Plaza Port of Entry. It is not clear if Achou will face charges.

Officials seized nearly four and a half pounds (2023.8 grams) of meth and just over two pounds of Ecstasy (914.5 grams) – aka MDMA.

More coming soon.

The story the two told officials was like a round the world tour. During questioning by federal agents, the following cities, provinces and countries were mentioned: Sault Ste. Marie, Edmonton Alberta, Quebec, Montreal, Ontario; Canada, Syria, Sri Lanka. Neither person in the vehicle had proper immigration papers/documents.

The case was filed by Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat.

Rajasingam remains in custody and is being represented by court-appointed attorney Monica Mary Lubiarz-Quigley

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Manhunt for Eastern U.P. drug traffickers – and more arrests announced – as the multi-county drug eradication team TRI-DENT spear is poking a big hole in the opiate, amphetamine, morphine and heroin distribution ring

Manhunt for Soo area drug suspects – while two more arrested in ring that included painkillers/opiates, morphine, heroin, and more

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

(Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan) – An ongoing probe into drug trafficking in the eastern U.P. has authorities rounding up suspects and asking the public’s help to find some of the alleged druggies.

The Tri-Dent drug team made numerous undercover buys and previously arrested four suspects (scroll down to read original story).

Among the drugs involved are various prescription painkillers/opiates, heroin, morphine, amphetamines,  and hash oil.

The TRI-DENT Drug Eradication team consists of the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Sault Tribe Police Department, Sault Ste. Marie Police Department and the  Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department.

“The Eastern U.P. is very fortunate to have such dedicated detectives investigating these type of cases,” said Chippewa County Undersheriff Michael D. Bitnar. “Having the local knowledge from so many Taskforce agency members is the key to their success.”

The following is according to a press release from the TRI-DENT drug team and sent by Chippewa County Undersheriff Michael D. Bitnar

Being sought by police are:

Alex Leon Armstrong, 24-years old

8728 S. Mackinac Trail

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Felony Delivery of Amphetamines (20-year felony)

Felony Running a drug house

Bertram Paul Miller, 27-years-old

1504 Superior St.

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Felony Delivery of Heroin (20-year felony)

Felony Delivery of Heroin in a School Zone

Felony Running a Drug House

If you know the location of these suspects please call 911 or your local police asap.

Or call the Chippewa County Central Dispatch 906-495-3312

Also police announced two more arrests:

Brandi Marie Lee, 20-year-old

223 Ashmun St. Apt. 7

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Felony Delivery of morphine (20-year felony)

Ricky Anthony Munoz, 20-year-old

50 Evergreen St.

Kincheloe, Michigan

4 felony counts of Delivery of Heroin (all 20-year felonies)

2 felony counts of Delivery of Amphetamines (20-year-felonies)

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Here is the TRI-DENT Press Release:

Previous Story:

The TRI-D.EN.T Spear – Pain killers bust by the eastern Upper Peninsula Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force
Undercover probe leads to four more arrests for allegedly running an opiates distribution ring in Chippewa County

Prior to the arrest of four suspects with their alleged parts in an painkiller ring, a state and federal drug team in the Eastern U.P. made numerous undercover buys and then raided a home on Maple St. in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, according to a TRIDENT press release from Chippewa County Undersheriff Michael Bitnar.

The opiates bust was made by the eastern Upper Peninsula Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force – better known as Tri-D.EN.T or simply TRIDENT by those afraid of its spear.

The drugs were allegedly procured downstate for sale in the eastern U.P.

One suspect is employed as a cook, the other three unemployed.

Arrested were:

Edward James Willis, Jr., 28, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Adam Scott Glaser, 26, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Krysta Lee Fike, 24, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Kurtis Robert Bruni, 29, Pickford, MI

Read more below:

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U.P. Breaking News Bulletin: Little is known about highly visible state and federal raid at K.I. Sawyer on Friday as parents reported being happy with the highly visible nature of the SWAT-like raid that frightened kids – hopefully making an impact on their view on drugs

SO FAR AUTHORITIES MUM ON FRIDAY’S DRAMATIC K.I. SAWYER RAID

By Greg Peterson

Owner, News Director

U.P. Breaking News

906-273-2433

(K.I. Sawyer, MI) – Few details are known about a dramatic highly visible state, federal and local raid on Friday at least one K.I. Sawyer residence in Marquette County, Michigan – a raid that even frightened local children because of its drama but pleased parents because of its size, execution and message.

State and federal agents – including members of UPSET – wore tactical gear and were heavily armed when they conducted the daylight raid in a Sawyer neighborhood. Numerous K.I. sawyers residents contacted U.P. Breaking News after witnessing the raid.

Its unclear the reason for the raid although its known that Sawyer has been the subject of numerous investigations into a drug pipeline from Midwestern cities like Detroit, Chicago and several in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Drugs like heroin, crack cocaine, suboxone, painkillers, meth and others have become a huge problem across the U.P. That is the fight cops battled daily.

DEA, ATF, FBI, and other federal agents have teamed up with UPSET and other regional drug team to make numerous raids across the U.P. in recent months.

One difference in this raid is how visible it was as U.P. Breaking News has received numerous reports including how it shocked local kids – and was a welcome message from parents who know the issues involving drugs and guns on the former Air Force Base.

U.P Breaking News has reached out to authorities for information but so far nothing has been released publicly.

It’s unclear whether state of federal charges were at stake in this raid.

U.P. Breaking News has confirmed that a federal grand jury sitting in Marquette this past week returned numerous indictments – and its not unusual for indictments to remain sealed until the suspects are in custody.

U.P. Breaking News has examined federal search warrants over the past few years that indicate the drug problem has not escaped the noticed of authorities and future arrests are certain.

We are not sure if other locations were taken down by authorities Friday or today.

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Below is an unrelated UPSET image from one of their shirts – always thought was cool image from an Ishpeming meth raid

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