Habitual batterer and the bloody woman in Marquette, MI: Arrests in past 24 hours include a man just out of federal prison for habitual DV is found with a bloody woman, past Meth dealers in trouble again – and arrests for child abuse and sexual assault

URGENT U. P. Breaking News Bulletin – 3-6-18 – 10:35 p.m.

Violence across Marquette County in past 24 hours: From allegations of child abuse and sexual assault to all kinds of assault and battery, some with meth history- including habitual offender just gets out of federal prison found in a car by Marquette Police with bloody woman

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

(Marquette, MI) – In the past 24 hours, police have dealt with a lot of violence in Marquette County involving women and children – and many have a well-known public history including a habitual domestic violence convict, a meth dealer, and a guy who crashes a car into a Gwinn bar and tried to flee – fought with cops.

Due to the criminal history, some of these guys have longer stories than usual.

——-

A Marquette County man has been arrested again on federal charges supervised release violation charges for yet another incident with a bloody woman – this after going to prison in 2013 for being a “habitual batterer” for beating women including at the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC).

****U.P. Breaking News has been unable to find a photo of Bradley Joseph Hase, and we’d like one. Remember anyone who can provide us a photo – we never, ever reveal sources

Some of his victims were female tribal members – while Hase is white (non-tribal).

47-year-old Bradley Joseph Hase of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 7:12 p.m. ET Monday, March 5, 2018.
Hase apparently was just released from federal prison.
Hase is being held without bond on a federal detainer.

Read the federal documents or download then for details – we paid for them:

Filed 3-6-18 – Hearing set for 3-8-18 for Bradley Joseph Hase

3-5-18 Federal arrest summons for Bradley Joseph Hase

Hase has been ordered to appear for a revocation of supervised release hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley on Tuesday, March 8, 2018.

Hase was arrested by Marquette Police on March 2, 2018 after he was discovered with alcohol in his blood (allegedly .176) – a direct violation of his supervised release conditions after recently being sprung after serving five years federal prison.

Hase denied he attacked a bloody woman in the car – and the alleged victim – Renee Bressette said she was injured falling at Remillard’s Bar and in the front seat of the car.

A passerby had called police to report a man was not allowing a woman to get out of a car. Bressette had injured bloody lips, blood in her hair, and police found blood in the vehicle. Both were intoxicated. Hase had cuts on abrasions on his forehead and hands – that he said resulted in a bar fight with two men a short while earlier.
On Oct.18, 2013, was order jailed following his September 4, 2013 indictment for assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault – habitual offender. The order came from U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley at federal court in Marquette Michigan.

In March 2014, Hase, then 43 years old, was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole and then three years supervised released by U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell in Marquette.

The habitual batterer was charged by federal prosecutors in Marquette under a crackdown on violence against women happening on tribal lands by then U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr.

The Marquette federal prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Lochner who still specializes in these cases with Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee.

On November 6, 2013, Hase pleaded guilty to count two of a federal indictment charging him with domestic assault by an habitual offender.

On February 3, 2013, Hase violently assaulted a KBIC women at a residence in Marquette County on KBIC reservation land. Hase assaulted his girlfriend including grabbing her by the face and throat and pulling out her hair.

At that point, Hase had been convicted twice of domestic violence offenses in the Marquette County 96th District Court and was on probation for one of those offenses at the time of the assault in this case.

The case was investigated by the Marquette FBI office, KBIC Tribal Police and the Chocolay Township Police Department.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2014_0326_BHase.html
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00005/pdf/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00005-0.pdf
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00005/pdf/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00005-1.pdf

——-

A convicted meth dealer who was released from prison about 4 months ago has been busted on a parole violation.

The man has admitted he needs help because Meth is an addictive, terrible, one helluva drug that destroys lives. Meth sucks the life out of its users.

28-year-old Corey Allen Racine of Gwinn, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at a.m. ET Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Racine is booked on an inmate detainer/parole violation.
Bond for Racine is not set
On July 22, 2016, convicted meth dealer Corey Racine was sentenced to three to 20 years in state prison after pleading guilty and admitting meth is a terrible addiction and he wanted help.

Corey Allen Racine

Corey Allen Racine

If he behaved, Racine was eligible to serve time at a state boot camp under the Special Alternative Incarceration program. He pleaded guilty to delivery and manufacture of methamphetamine for an incident on Oct. 12, 2015.

Racine was paroled to Marquette County on Oct. 24, 2017 with two years left on his probation/parole. Racine’s probation was scheduled to run through April 24, 2019.

His supervised release conditions including the usual restrictions like do not do drugs or alcohol, can’t possess weapons or commit crimes, never hang with other convicted felons, and even has a tether provision.

https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=974925

——-

Two men have booking info for the exact same time of arrest – not sure if the cases are connected:

Kirk William Bragenzer

Kirk William Bragenzer

A Gwinn man is back in trouble after making the news when he crashed his car into a bar and then struggled with cops.

27-year-old Kirk William Bragenzer of Gwinn, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 12:10 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Bragenzer is charged with first-degree home invasion, illegal entry, felony firearms weapons charge, convicted felon in possession of a weapon, and possession of marijuana.
Bond is not set for most of the charges against Bragenzer.

In Oct. 2016, Bragenzer, then 25 years old, was arrested on charges of two-year felony assaulting police/resisting arrest and obstructing, and two two-year misdemeanors – operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and unlawful use of motor vehicle.

During the midnight hour on Oct. 13, 2016, Forsyth Township Police were told a vehicle has crashed into the Happy Hour Bar on M-35, in Gwinn. Bragenzer then fled the scene in his green Toyota – but the trashed auto stopped working in a nearby parking lot. Bragenzer had taken the now destroyed car without the owner’s permission.
Meanwhile In Sept. 2015, Bragenzer, then 24, was sentenced to 93 days in jail for a June 18, 2015 arrest for breaking and entering without owner’s permission.

——-

Joshua Daniel Haske

Joshua Daniel Haske

27-year-old Joshua Daniel Haske of Skandia, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 12:10 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Haske is charged with domestic assault.

Bond has not been set for Haske.

Details of the alleged assault have not been released.

——-

35-year-old Pedro Joseph Fermino of Ishpeming, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 11:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Fermino is charged with domestic assault and driving with a suspended/revoked license.

Details of the alleged assault have not been released.

If you have a photo of Fermino please slip it to us.

——-

A Negaunee man, with a meth past, is arrested for the second time in three months – this time for CSC and assault.

27-year-old Tyler Michael Tull of Negaunee, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 10:13 a.m. ET Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Tull is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and assault and battery.
Bond is not set for Tull.
Tull was sentenced to a year in prison in May 2015 for possession of analogues.

http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=971181
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/12/04/accused-of-attacking-a-woman-stealing-two-convicts-one-a-federal-fugitive-and-another-with-a-recent-meth-related-conviction-in-alger-county-busted-on-domestic-violence-and-shopli/

It was only three months ago that Tull was arrested and we did a story:

27-year-old Tyler Michael Tull of Negaunee, MI remains jailed tonight after being booked into the MCJ about 6:30 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 3, 2017.
Tull is charged with one count each of first degree retail fraud and domestic assault. Bond is not set.
Tull is an active parolee/probationer with the state of Michigan in connection with a meth investigation in Alger County.
Tull was sentenced in Alger County in January 2016 and received a “discharged status” on January 10, 2017.
Records conflict but it appears Tull spent a year in prison.

——-

John Roland O'Neill

John Roland O’Neill

46-year-old John Roland O’Neill of Ishpeming, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at p.m. ET Monday, March 5, 2018.

O’Neill is charged with fourth-degree child abuse.

Bond for O’Neill is $5,000.

——-

Eugene Walter Lefler

Eugene Walter Lefler

28-year-old Eugene Walter Lefler of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 5:20 p.m. ET Monday, March 5, 2018.

Lefler is charged with felony aggravated assault.

Bond for Lefler is not set.

In October 2016, Lefler, then 27 and of Gwinn, was sentenced to at least 90 days in jail (and up to one year) for a July 2016 attack involving aggravated assault and domestic violence.

Lefler also received two years probation and $2,100 in fines/costs.

 

——-

fyi
We wre going to report the arrest of two Marquette County men – but decided not to lump them with the violence above – even though they are facing charges that are serious enough.

They are charged with failure to return rental property valued between $200 and $1,000; and the other was felony third offense of drunken driving charge – operating a motor vehicle while impaired (OWI). The second charge being particularly troubling. We also understand Forsyth Township Police are looking for a CSC suspect – more on that later.

Habitual batterer and the bloody woman in Marquette, MI: Arrests in past 24 hours include a man just out of federal prison for habitual DV is found with a bloody woman, past Meth dealers in trouble again – and arrests for child abuse and sexual assault

URGENT U. P. Breaking News Bulletin – 3-6-18 – 10:35 p.m.

Violence across Marquette County in past 24 hours: From allegations of child abuse and sexual assault to all kinds of assault and battery, some with meth history- including habitual offender just gets out of federal prison found in a car by Marquette Police with bloody woman

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

(Marquette, MI) – In the past 24 hours, police have delt with a lot of violence in Marquette County ivolving women and children – and many have a well-known public history including a habitual domestic violence convict, a meth dealer, and a guy who crashes a car into a Gwinn bar and tried to flee – fought with cops.

Due to the criminal history, some of these guys have longer stories than usual.

——-

 

A Marquette County man has been arrested again on federal charges supervised release violation charges for yet another incident with a bloody woman – this after going to prison in 2013 for being a “habitual batterer” for beating women including at the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC).

****U.P. Breaking News has been unable to find a photo of Bradley Joseph Hase, and we’d like one. Remember anyone who can provide us a photo – we never, ever reveal sources

Some of his victims were female tribal members – while Hase is white (non-tribal).

47-year-old Bradley Joseph Hase of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 7:12 p.m. ET Monday, March 5, 2018.
Hase apparently was just released from federal prison.
Hase is being held without bond on a federal detainer.

Read the federal documents or download then for details – we paid for them:

Filed 3-6-18 – Hearing set for 3-8-18 for Bradley Joseph Hase

3-5-18 Federal arrest summons for Bradley Joseph Hase

Hase has been ordered to appear for a revocation of supervised release hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley on Tuesday, March 8, 2018.

Hase was arrested by Marquette Police on March 2, 2018 after he was discovered with alcohol in his blood (allegedly .176) – a direct violation of his supervised release conditions after recently being sprung after serving five years federal prison.

Hase denied he attacked a bloody woman in the car – and the alleged victim – Renee Bressette said she was injured falling at Remillard’s Bar and in the front seat of the car.

A passerby had called police to report a man was not allowing a woman to get out of a car. Bressette had injured bloody lips, blood in her hair, and police found blood in the vehicle. Both were intoxicated. Hase had cuts on abrasions on his forehead and hands – that he said resulted in a bar fight with two men a short while earlier.
On Oct.18, 2013, was order jailed following his September 4, 2013 indictment for assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault – habitual offender. The order came from U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley at federal court in Marquette Michigan.

In March 2014, Hase, then 43 years old, was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole and then three years supervised released by U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell in Marquette.

The habitual batterer was charged by federal prosecutors in Marquette under a crackdown on violence against women happening on tribal lands by then U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr.

The Marquette federal prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Lochner who still specializes in these cases with Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee.

On November 6, 2013, Hase pleaded guilty to count two of a federal indictment charging him with domestic assault by an habitual offender.

On February 3, 2013, Hase violently assaulted a KBIC women at a residence in Marquette County on KBIC reservation land. Hase assaulted his girlfriend including grabbing her by the face and throat and pulling out her hair.

At that point, Hase had been convicted twice of domestic violence offenses in the Marquette County 96th District Court and was on probation for one of those offenses at the time of the assault in this case.

The case was investigated by the Marquette FBI office, KBIC Tribal Police and the Chocolay Township Police Department.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2014_0326_BHase.html
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00005/pdf/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00005-0.pdf
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00005/pdf/USCOURTS-miwd-2_13-cr-00005-1.pdf

——-

A convicted meth dealer who was released from prison about 4 months ago has been busted on a parole violation.

The man has admitted he needs help because Meth is an addictive, terrible, one helluva drug that destroys lives. Meth sucks the life out of its users.

28-year-old Corey Allen Racine of Gwinn, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at a.m. ET Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Racine is booked on an inmate detainer/parole violation.
Bond for Racine is not set
On July 22, 2016, convicted meth dealer Corey Racine was sentenced to three to 20 years in state prison after pleading guilty and admitting meth is a terrible addiction and he wanted help.

Corey Allen Racine

Corey Allen Racine

If he behaved, Racine was eligible to serve time at a state boot camp under the Special Alternative Incarceration program. He pleaded guilty to delivery and manufacture of methamphetamine for an incident on Oct. 12, 2015.

Racine was paroled to Marquette County on Oct. 24, 2017 with two years left on his probation/parole. Racine’s probation was scheduled to run through April 24, 2019.

His supervised release conditions including the usual restrictions like do not do drugs or alcohol, can’t possess weapons or commit crimes, never hang with other convicted felons, and even has a tether provision.

https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=974925

——-

Two men have booking info for the exact same time of arrest – not sure if the cases are connected:

Kirk William Bragenzer

Kirk William Bragenzer

A Gwinn man is back in trouble after making the news when he crashed his car into a bar and then struggled with cops.

27-year-old Kirk William Bragenzer of Gwinn, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 12:10 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Bragenzer is charged with first-degree home invasion, illegal entry, felony firearms weapons charge, convicted felon in possession of a weapon, and possession of marijuana.
Bond is not set for most of the charges against Bragenzer.

In Oct. 2016, Bragenzer, then 25 years old, was arrested on charges of two-year felony assaulting police/resisting arrest and obstructing, and two two-year misdemeanors – operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and unlawful use of motor vehicle.

During the midnight hour on Oct. 13, 2016, Forsyth Township Police were told a vehicle has crashed into the Happy Hour Bar on M-35, in Gwinn. Bragenzer then fled the scene in his green Toyota – but the trashed auto stopped working in a nearby parking lot. Bragenzer had taken the now destroyed car without the owner’s permission.
Meanwhile In Sept. 2015, Bragenzer, then 24, was sentenced to 93 days in jail for a June 18, 2015 arrest for breaking and entering without owner’s permission.

——-

Joshua Daniel Haske

Joshua Daniel Haske

27-year-old Joshua Daniel Haske of Skandia, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 12:10 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Haske is charged with domestic assault.

Bond has not been set for Haske.

Details of the alleged assault have not been released

——-

A Negaunee man, with a meth past, is arrested for the second time in three months – this time for CSC and assault.

27-year-old Tyler Michael Tull of Negaunee, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 10:13 a.m. ET Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
Tull is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and assault and battery.
Bond is not set for Tull.
Tull was sentenced to a year in prison in May 2015 for possession of analogues.

http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=971181
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/12/04/accused-of-attacking-a-woman-stealing-two-convicts-one-a-federal-fugitive-and-another-with-a-recent-meth-related-conviction-in-alger-county-busted-on-domestic-violence-and-shopli/

It was only three months ago that Tull was arrested and we did a story:

27-year-old Tyler Michael Tull of Negaunee, MI remains jailed tonight after being booked into the MCJ about 6:30 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 3, 2017.
Tull is charged with one count each of first degree retail fraud and domestic assault. Bond is not set.
Tull is an active parolee/probationer with the state of Michigan in connection with a meth investigation in Alger County.
Tull was sentenced in Alger County in January 2016 and received a “discharged status” on January 10, 2017.
Records conflict but it appears Tull spent a year in prison.

——-

John Roland O'Neill

John Roland O’Neill

46-year-old John Roland O’Neill of Ishpeming, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at p.m. ET Monday, March 5, 2018.

O’Neill is charged with fourth-degree child abuse.

Bond for O’Neill is $5,000.

——-

Eugene Walter Lefler

Eugene Walter Lefler

28-year-old Eugene Walter Lefler of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 5:20 p.m. ET Monday, March 5, 2018.

Lefler is charged with felony aggravated assault.

Bond for Lefler is not set.

In October 2016, Lefler, then 27 and of Gwinn, was sentenced to at least 90 days in jail (and up to one year) for a July 2016 attack involving aggravated assault and domestic violence.

Lefler also received two years probation and $2,100 in fines/costs.

 

——-

fyi
We wre going to report the arrest of two Marquette County men – but decided not to lump them with the violence above – even though they are facing charges that are serious enough.

They are charged with failure to return rental property valued between $200 and $1,000; and the other was felony third offense of drunken driving charge – operating a motor vehicle while impaired (OWI). The second charge being particularly troubling. We also understand Forsyth Township Police are looking for a CSC suspect – more on that later.

Schoolcraft County U.S. Postal Service worker accused of ripping off money, packages and envelopes for nine months during 2017

URGENT – Upper Peninsula Breaking News Bulletin – 3-3-18 – 10:26 a.m. ET –

Manistique, MI postal carried charged by federal prosecutors with stealing the mail including packages

Postal Carrier arrest Manistique

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

(Manistique, MI) – Federal prosecutors in Marquette have filed felony charges against a postal employee in Schoolcraft County accusing her of stealing money and packages from the mail for nine months during 2017.

58-year-old Patricia Ann Sherman of Manistique, MI is charged in a felony “information” with theft of mail matter by postal service employee.
Sherman also has a past address listed in Houghton and Detroit, MI, and Moscow, Idaho.

The charges state Sherman alleged “stole money and articles contained in envelopes and packages, which had come into her possession, and which were intended to be conveyed by mail.”

Sherman allegedly stole male and packages between January and Oct.4, 2017, the federal information states. A federal “felony information” is a charging tool used by prosecutors rather than an immediate indictment.

If convicted, Sherman faces up to five years in federal prison, up to three years supervised release, and up to $250,000 in fines/costs/restitution.

The federal prosecutor in the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat in Marquette and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Byerly Birge. The case is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney.

Read or download these court documents – we paid for them – for you:
Patricia Ann Sherman felony information 2-28-18
Patricia Ann Sherman Penalty Sheet 2-28-18

U.P. Breaking News is seeking a photo of the suspect, please send it to us privately if you have one, or have information about this case.

Patrick Roy Wandahsega of Wilson, MI will spend next 24 years in federal prison for molesting a six-year-old child – has filed notice to appeal sentence to federal appeals court

Updated- 2-27-18 9:30 p.m. ET:
Patrick Roy Wandahsega files notice to appeal his sentence to the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals:

Also here is the official sentencing documents judge released – download or read – we paid for them:

Patrick Roy Wandahsega official sentencing document

Patrick Roy Wandahsega files notice to appeal

Indictment Patrick Roy Wandahsega sex crimes against a child

Hannahville man who molested a six-year-old child gets hammered by a federal judge

Patrick R'ico Suav'e Wandahsega

wandahsega-indictment

U.P. Breaking News has been covering this dirtbag since his indictment – and while he could have received life in prison – he will be at least 64 years old before he is released from prison – as there is no federal parole.

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

(Marquette, MI) – A disgraced member of the Hannahville Indian Community will be at least 64 years old before he is released from federal prison for molesting a child.

Patrick Roy Wandahsega 240-year-old Patrick Roy Wandahsega of Wilson, MI was sentenced to 24 years (288 months) in prison by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney.

Wandahsega molested a six-year-old child at his Wilson home.

The tiny child reported the abuse to relatives, who contacted tribal police and a doctor.

Wandahsega was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, and abusive sexual conduct involving young children – and was convicted of the second felony by a jury in Marquette on October 27, 2017 after a four day jury trial.

 

Patrick Roy Wandahsega

Patrick Roy Wandahsega

U.S. Attorney Andrew Byerly Birge said the case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Federal prosecutors worked with county and tribal prosecutors and the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC) to arrest those who abuse and exploit children.

Project Safe Childhood

www.projectsafechildhood.gov

With last week’s heroin wins, federal prosecutors in Marquette, MI are preparing take down an armed meth ring allegedly operating in three U.P. counties

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-14-18 – 5:30 p.m. ET –

Federal prosecutors prep for meth ring that allegedly spread the devious highly-addictive drug in Ontonagon, Gogebic and Baraga counties:

Where is the ever-present pseudoephedrine supply coming from?

Hundreds – if not thousands of lives – have been ruined in the U.P. due to Meth, heroin, opioids, and fentanyl – and cops are trying hard to stop the flow

Feds brought down heroin ring during trials last week – with several convictions and one not guilty verdict

(Scroll down to read all new federal indictments – download for free as we paid for them  another one of those five hour reads like meth trial)

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

(Marquette, MI) – Federal prosecutors in Marquette, MI are now focused on an upcoming big meth trial – this after they got several heroin distribution convictions last week and only one loss.

Federal prosecutors have one meth defendant ready to testify and three others charged in new indictments for an alleged meth distribution ring that distributed untold pounds of the deadly drug in three Upper Peninsula counties.

The amounts of meth involved are vague – however in one case seven ounces was sold and in another incident 220 grams. Police confiscated weapons, thousands of dollars in cash and a plethora of items used to manufacture and sell meth like scales and baggies. The ring operated for at least two years, according to the indictment.

Like all good undercover probes, police use wires and confidential informants to make purchases of meth.

Charged in the meth ring that prosecutors say was operating in the western Upper Peninsula:

35-year-old Patrick Joseph Sievers of Ironwood, MI
27-year-old Kathryn Maria Hellen of Ironwood, MI
43-year-old Dion R. Jolliff of Ontonagon, MI (Milwaukee and Watertown, WI)
30-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Smith of Ontonagon, MI

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

An initial pretrial conference on the latest meth distribution indictment for Jolliff, Hellen and Sievers is set for March 7, 2018. The trio are set to go to trial on April 9, 2017.

In their arsenal, federal prosecutions have suspects on audio and videotapes – made during undercover buys with an informant wearing a wire.

ishpeming-meth-lab-7-2-14-by-greg-peterson-73Ishpeming Meth Bust E. Euclid St. 10.29 (30)

The charges involve the distribution of meth across the western Upper Peninsula – while armed with handguns – during most of 2016 and 2017.

The indictments claim some of the suspects were armed with handguns “in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.”

The weapons included a loaded Taurus International .357 magnum revolver and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol. The operation allegedly were run from homes in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties including on Dutch Road in Rockland, MI; and on Pennsylvania Ave. in Ontonagon.

Prosecutors say Sievers, with help from Smith, allegedly distributed meth in Ontonagon and Gogebic Counties. Prosecutors say Jolliff, Sievers and Hellen allegedly distributed meth in Ontonagon and Baraga counties. Trial is set in less than two months.

Recently there have been several motions in the case that allowed two defendants to be released on bond after completing substance abuse treatment.

The Marquette federal prosecutors on the case are Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Lochner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat.

The cases are now joined together – after numerous motions, indictments, and even a superseding indictment.
The trio were given an extension to file their motions and other pretrial paperwork because of the new indictment in December 2017.

U.S. District Court Judge Hon. Paul L. Maloney

U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney

Chief U.S. District Court Judge the Hon. Paul L. Maloney approved a prosecution motion to dismiss previous charges against Kathryn Maria Hellen and Diona Roy Jolliff – as a new indictment was handed down.
On Nov. 27, 2017, Smith entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Smith agrees to plead guilty to one of the meth distribution charges in the first superseding indictment.

Smith told federal prosecutors she bought meth from Sievers in Ontonagon County on March 23, 2017 for the purpose of distribution. Smith has agreed to cooperate with a myriad of law enforcement agencies as the feds, state ad local police try to stop the endless supply of meth in the Upper Peninsula.

Smith could received the maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, or on on the other end of the justice scale – the minimum penalty is three years of supervised release. On Feb. 12, 2018, a judge approved personal recognizance bond (PR) bond for Hellen. She was/is undergoing intense treatment at Great Lakes Recovery Center.

Basically, the order extends bond conditions from Hellen’s initial arrest remain in place, as she and Jolliff have been charged in a new indictment.

These conditions for the Hellen PR bond includes do not leave the U.P. , cannot possession or consume alcohol and illegal drugs, can’t possession guns, and must surrender if ordered to by federal pretrial services.

She cannot have any contact – in any way – with witnesses in the case inducing, but not limited to, two witnesses identified only by initials P.S. and J.S.

On Feb. 9, 2018, Jolliff requested a jury trial, according to Jolliff’s Initial Pretrial Conference Summary Statement.

On Dec. 12, 2017, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley approved the dismissal of the previous indictment against Jolliff and Helen as the new superseding indictment had just been returned.

1-29-18 Pretrial extension for defense motions for Jolliff, Hellen, and Sievers

2-9-18 Dion R. Jolliff asks jury trial Initial Pretrial Conference Summary Statement

2-17-18 Judge Greeley orders Hellen PR bond

10-25-17 Criminal Complaint Kathryn Maria Hellen 1

10-25-17 Criminal Complaint Kathryn Maria Hellen 2

10-31-17 Penalty Sheet Kathryn Maria Hellen

11-1-17 Superseding indictment Sievers, Smith

11-21-17 Indictment Hellen, Jolliff

11-27-17 Plea Agreement Jennifer Elizabeth Smith

12-5-17 U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley dismissed indictment of Jolliff, Hellen

12-5-17 Chief U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney orders dismissal Jolliff, Hellen without prejudice

12-5-17 Motion to dismiss Hellen, Jolliff because now in new case with Sievers

12-5-17 Penalty sheet 2nd Superseding indictment Hellen, Jolliff, Sievers

12-5-17 Superseding indictment Jolliff, Sievers, Hellen

12-7-17 Hellen motion for bond stipulations, conditions

12-20-17 Jennifer Elizabeth Smith bond motion to attend treatment

Patrick Joseph Sievers (1)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Magistrate Case: 2:17-mj-00019-TPG

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 3 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4 Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 1s Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 5s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 6s Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 7s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 8s Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 1ss Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 3ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4ss Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 5ss Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i), 18:924(c)(1)(C)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 6ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Count: 7ss Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i), 18:924(c)(1)(C)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Patrick Joseph Sievers represented by Elizabeth A. LaCosse (FPD)(Designation Public Defender or Community Defender Appointment)
Phone: (906) 226-3050
Fax: (906) 273-0070
Email: beth_lacosse@fd.org
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Jennifer Elizabeth Smith (2)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2-3 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 4 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Jennifer Elizabeth Smith represented by Michael J. Manning (Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (906) 786-7224
Email: mmanning@mmanninglaw.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner (Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Kathryn Maria Hellen (3)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 10 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 12 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 13 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 14 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 15 Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 16 Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 8 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Released

defendant: Kathryn Maria Hellen represented by Monica Mary Lubiarz-Quigley(Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (906) 253-9330
Email: office544@yahoo.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Dion Roy Jolliff (4)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 10 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 11 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 12 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 8 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 9 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Dion Roy Jolliff represented by Richard E. Zambon(Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (616) 456-7831
Email: rick@zambonlaw.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

The first “civil action” these dogs likely have ever felt – Federal prosecutors file action against 4 Pit Bull dogs – but it is fighting for the dogs’ future

URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-11-18 – 12:20 a.m. ET

Fighting for Pit Bulls Dogs Abused in Cruel Michigan Dog Fighting and Sports Bookmaking Operation

fighting Bulls 5

Federal prosecutors file civil complaint to get ownership of four pit bull dogs seized last year in a probe into Michigan dog fighting and gambling ring

Dog Fighting Civil Complaint graphic

Filed late last week, the rare legal action will help guarantee the suspects pay for the dog’s medical bills, room, board and other daily expenses

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

(Grand Rapids, MI) – Federal prosecutors want to take ownership of four pit bull terriers that were viciously brutalize as part of a Michigan dog fighting ring.

The forfeiture action is named a “verified Complaint For Forfeiture In Rem.” The action describes the vile videos found on phones belonging to four people arrested for running a professional gambling and dog fighting business in western Michigan.

The brutal Michigan dog fighting ring was linked to other pit bull fighting businesses including in Ecuador at “G & G Kennels.”

The groups interbred dogs with names like the “Demolisher” and “Demonvil.” One arm of the fighting ring is named “Fatal Menace Kennels.”

Countless videos/photos were seized federal agents including a fighting dog owned by Miller and Davis.
The dog in the video named “Barracuda” is a “finisher (that goes for the) throat and kidneys!!!”

Federal Court in the Western District of Michigan:

On December 7, 2017, agents with the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation seized the Defendant Dogs from 1941 Osmer Ave., SW. in Wyoming, Michigan

“The Defendants” are currently in the custody of the United States Marshals Service and are being cared for by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in Columbus, Ohio.

The 12-page federal civil forfeiture complaint was filed by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Byerly Birge and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel S. Fauson on Thursday, February 8, 2018.

——-
The Defendant Dogs are generally described as:

a. One black female adult pit bull dog (1746-1-1)
b. One tan female adult pit bull dog (1746-1-2)
c. One brindle female adult pit bull dog (1746-1-3)
d. One black female adult pit bull dog (1746-1-4)
——-

In addition to seizing the animals and any pups, prosecutors are seeking a civil forfeiture judgment against their owners for the cost of healthcare and daily expenses such as room/board – totaled since they were seized.

fighting Bulls 4Fighting Bulls 3

Federal prosecutors in Michigan are suing to get “the defendant dogs and any offspring they may have before a final judgment is entered in this case,” the civil forfeiture complaint states.

The law “provides for the forfeiture of any animal involved” as it is illegal “to knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive any animal for purposes of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture,” the forfeiture complaint states.
——-

Suspects:

Charles Miller of Lansing, MI

Charles Davis, Jr. of Wyoming, MI and is also known as Charleston Davis alias Brad Jordan

Miya Reeves

Katasha Davis

Damiane Buehrer aka ‘Fatal’ runs dog fighting facility named “Fatal Menace Kennels”

Galo Grijalva of Equador studded his dog “Demonvil” with a female at Stick Wit Me Kennels to sire future Michigan fighting dogs – and runs the fighting/stud enterprise “G & G Kennels”

Damiane Buehrer aka ‘Fatal’ runs “dog fighting operation” named “Fatal Menace Kennels.”
——-
The Michigan suspects “work together to train fighting dogs, maintain and care for fighting dogs, purchase and breed fighting dogs, and attend and gamble on animal fighting ventures involving their dogs,”the complaint states. To hide betting operation and dog fights the suspects operate under the guise” of “Stick Wit Me Kennels.”

Illegal “kennel” business:

STICK WIT ME KNLS
SWM KNLS
Stick Wit Me Kennels
G & G Kennels

Dogs:

Fighting Bulls 1Fighting Bulls 2

Cardiac Kid 2.0 aka Cardiackid Miller
Mr. Vili, advertised by suspect, seized by federal agents on July 27, 2017

Fighting Bulls 3

——-

On November 22, 2016, Davis’s “Stick Wit Me-Knls” Facebook account posted a photo of the Pit Bull dog “Mr. Vili.”
“Mr. Vili” was seized from Miller’s residence on July 27, 2017.

A forensic veterinarian examined “Mr. Vili” and found scars on (his) head, neck, and legs” all “consistent with healed dog-bite wounds from organized dog fighting,”the complaint states.

Facebook users who knew the dog-fighting jargon and code – responded to the photo.
Most “notably,” Galo Grijalva who had studded his Pit Bull dog Demonvil with Mr. Vili’s mom Pantera.

“Another great animal in USA” sired by “my stud Demonvil,” Grijalva wrote on Facebook.

Grijalva operates the dog fighting enterprise “G & G Kennels,” out of Ecuador.

Starting about eight weeks prior to a fight, the dogs are put on training regimen of food, exercise, and supplements

The dog abusers also had did business with another illegal dog fighting ring – operated by Damiane Buehrer aka ‘Fatal’, who runs “the dog fighting operation” named “Fatal Menace Kennels.”

fighting Bulls 6

In addition to badly hurt dogs, agents found a plethora of evidence including records.
Agents seized “Sporting Dog” Journals – the “underground paper magazines that promote dog fighting” that are saved in a digital format instead of paper like the old days.

The e-journals “recount match wins, advertise stud fighting dogs for breeding, list titles awarded to fighting dogs, and include articles and advertisements about training and providing medical care for fighting dogs.,” the complaint states. “Historically, dog fighters would keep paper copies of such journals as mementos. Now the trend is for these underground dog fighting journals to exist in electronic format and they are shared over the Internet.”

On Dec. 27, 2017, a search of “Davis’s residence, yard, and garage” federal agents recovered “a first aid kit, lubricating jelly, syringes, and medications commonly used to treat dogs involved in dog fighting matches. “
Agents “found a photograph of a brown female pit bull” and the photo’s caption said ‘Pride and Joy’ in “Aug. 2003 at 13 months old.”
Agents seized numerous dog collars, rope leashes, dog crates, and two springs capable for use as spring poles.

“A spring pole consists of a heavy duty spring that is tethered to an immovable object, typically a tree branch, with a biting rope dangling from the end,” the federal forfeiture complaint states. “It serves as an apparatus to exercise a dog’s jaws and condition dogs to clamp on to what they are biting.”

“The ASPCA evaluated the Defendant Dogs and identified scars on each of the Defendant Dogs that indicate involvement in dog fighting,” the complaint states.

Prosecutors even provided proof their forfeiture complaint was valid because it included a “verified complaint” that was sworn to by Deputy U.S. Marshal Jesse Lake.

“I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct,” said Lake, one of the officers investigating the case.

The case is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney.

Here is excerpt from the forfeiture complaint about the horrors of dog fighting:

Dog fighting is a violent contest in which two dogs that are bred and conditioned for fighting are released by their owners or handlers in a controlled environment to attack each other and fight for purposes of entertainment or gambling. Fights usually end when one dog withdraws, when a handler “picks up” his dog and forfeits the match, or when one or both dogs die.

Dog fighters fight dogs with a goal of obtaining “Champion” or “Grand Champion” status for their dogs, which is achieved by winning three or five fights, respectively. They maintain contact with other dog fighters around the country, and can generate substantial income from gambling on dog fights and from the sale and breeding of fighting animals.

It is a common practice for those involved in training and exhibiting fighting dogs to possess several dogs at one time. This practice is followed for several reasons. Dog fighters maintain a stock of dogs at different weights and both sexes because in dog fights, dogs are matched against other dogs to within a pound of the same weight against dogs of the same sex. Maintaining a stock of several dogs thus increases the odds of owning a dog whose weight meets the requirements for a match being solicited by an opponent.

Further, dog fighters must possess an inventory of dogs because dogs often die or are badly injured during fights. Dogs that lose fights or fail to show “gameness” are often killed. It is not uncommon for dogs that lose matches to be killed in cruel, torturous, and inhumane ways as punishment.
Dog fighters also maintain multiple dogs in order to selectively breed, sell, and fight dogs displaying certain traits or to otherwise advance a particular dog fighting bloodline.

Possessing multiple dogs increases the prospects of owning a dog who will become a champion or Grand Champion. Dog fighters also routinely test and evaluate their dogs to determine those that exhibit aggressive behavior, including against their own dogs.

Persons engaged in dog fighting typically use “pit bull”-type dogs, which dog fighters prefer for their compact muscular build, short coat, and the aggression that some display toward other dog.

One sign of dog fighting is the presence of pit bull-type dogs on heavy or excessive chains, or housed individually in pens or crates. Persons engaged in dog fighting take steps to restrain or isolate dogs used for fighting from one another to prevent them from fighting at unintended times. They may also keep younger dogs they intend to use for fighting out of reach of other dogs to discourage normal socialization. Heavy chains are used to develop neck strength in dogs used for fighting.

Dog fighters typically do not start setting up matches for a dog until the dog reaches at least eighteen months to two years of age. Until then, dog fighters may test the dog out by “rolling” it or having the dog participate in short fights to assess the dog’s demeanor: Thus, it is common for dog fighters to possess multiple young pit bull-type dogs who are in the process of being trained to fight.

Dogs who have been involved in organized fights may have scars, puncture wounds, swollen faces, or mangled ears. Scars from organized dog fights are commonly found on the face and front legs, as well as on hind ends and thighs

The American Dog Breeder’s Association, Inc. (ADBA) in Salt Lake City, Utah
Maintains a registry of American Pit Bull Terriers and Pit Bull kennels.
Claims to be “the largest registration office of the American Pit Bull Terrier.”

The ADBA “does not condone any illegal activity, but will never deny the history of our breed.”

ADBA issues registration certificates for Pit Bull owners who provide proof of a dog’s pedigree, bloodline. Registration certificates for Pit Bull kennels.
https://adbados.com
https://adbados.com/abous-us

——-

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

Indictment Gravelle and Tobias graphic

joseph Gravelle Mug shot 1

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

Jessica Tobias 2

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

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:

——-

United States District Court Western District of Michigan Northern Division

——-

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

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

Indictment Gravelle and Tobias 2

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


 

——-

30-year-old Jessica 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

——-

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

 

Sentencing: Three Dickinson County men who stole 20 guns and more from a home in Felch Township to sell for drugs in Milwaukee have been sentenced – plus a Hannahville man is being held on a federal detainer for an unrelated unspecified case.

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 1-9-18 – 10:45 a.m. CT

All three gun thieves sentenced

(Marquette, MI)- Two men charged in that Dickinson County case involving the theft of 20 guns were recently sentenced in federal court in Marquette, MI – thus ending the saga involving a gun-related burglary in Felch Township, MI

The two pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen firearms – and under plea agreements with federal prosecutors other charges again the men were dropped.

A third suspect was already sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney

Michael William Reynolds sentenced to just over four years (50 months) in federal prison,
Eric William Howe sentenced of (70 months in federal prison) or nearly 6 years (5.8 years)
The two were sentenced on Jan. 5, 2018 by U.S. District Court Judge Gordon J. Quist.

The third suspect and leader of the break-in and gun thefts – Alex James Faught was sentenced in Sept. 2017 to 10 years (120 months) in federal prison.

12-20-17 – 4:15 a.m. ET

Two suspects in Felch Township gun thefts are in federal custody – while a Hannahville man is also being held by the feds

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

(Marquette, MI) – The case against three Dickinson County men charged with stealing guns from Felch Township home has gone federal.
Previously state charges had been filed again the trio.

This morning two of the three suspects are being held in the Marquette County Jail on federal detainers. The suspects facing federal felony charges are:

21-year-old Eric William Howe of Iron Mountain, MI
22-year-old Michael William Reynolds of Iron Mountain, MI
26-year-old Alex James Faught of Kingsford, MI

Reynolds and Howe are being held in the Marquette County Jail without bond this morning on federal detainers.

The three men are accused of stealing 20 guns, knives, ammunition, hunting equipment from a home on Leeman Road in Felch Township on Feb. 22, 2017.

The alleged plot was to sell the stolen booty in Wisconsin for drugs.

Crossing state lines to sell stolen property – let alone weapons – is a federal crime.

A traffic stop by Kingsford Department of Public Safety officers broke the case wide open as they discovered ammo in Reynolds’ vehicle. A search of the vehicle – and then two Milwaukee homes – led to the recovery of all of the stolen property.

Howe has reportedly confessed and cooperating.

——-

Jeremy Heinkel FB 1

31-year-old Jeremy Heinkel of Wilson, MI

Meanwhile a member and apparent former employee of the Hannahville Indian Community nation is also jailed in Marquette – and expected to face unspecified federal charges.

31-year-old Jeremy Heinkel of Wilson, MI is being held in the Marquette County Jail this morning without bond on a federal detainer. He is being held without bond.
That means he is likely facing unspecified federal charges.

His past has been drug/alcohol related issues.
In July 2015, Heinkel was sentenced to five days in jail for impaired driving
In Jan, 2016, Heinkel of W595 Maple Dr., Wilson, Mi was sentenced to 10 days in jail after pleading guilty to pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana plus his driver’s license suspended for six months.

Recently several drugs suspects from across the U.P. were brought to the MCJ and appeared in some setting in the federal courthouse.
Based on our experience and the fact things have been pretty quiet lately coming out of federal court in Marquette.

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Naming Names #4: Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays is suing corrections officers and medical staff at Baraga Max Prison in a case with vial and explosive civil rights and abuse allegations: “This is why we beat your fucking ass” – “We tried to break your fucking jaw and knock your head off your fucking shoulders you little spotted bitch”

Another Baraga Inmate with less than fives year prison sentence gets more time attached for allegedly attacking corrections officers at Baraga Max Prison – Inmate claims the officers regularly abuse prisoners

Baraga MaxInmate Marcus Dirk Mays mugshot 1.jpg

Explosive allegations by a convicted bank robber outline claims of civil rights crimes for alleged systemic abuse of inmates and revenge

“Fucking Nigger”

Baraga Max Michigan Photo

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

(Baraga, MI) – A recent federal court civil lawsuit filed by a convicted bank robber outlines allegations of a house of horror, terror and torture.

Some inmate lawsuits are considered frivolous but the allegations in this lawsuit are particularly explosive.

Baraga Max Guards allegedly said:

“Fucking Nigger”
“This is why we beat your fucking ass”
“We tried to break your fucking jaw and knock your head off your fucking shoulders you little spotted bitch”
“A little ass whipping is not going to hurt you (inmate) Mays”
“Hope you choke on that blood you are spitting up and die”
“Fuck You” when inmate asks for help
“Damn your fucking injuries”
“We stick together here at Baraga” Max
“How long do you think are you are going to keep filing lawsuits on our co-workers around here”

Detroit area convicted robber and 53-year-old Baraga Max inmate Marcus Dirk Mays – who claims to be in constant fear of retribution.

Baraga MaxInmate Marcus Dirk Mays mugshot 1Mays was in the prison for a Nov. 2001 bank robbery convict out of Wayne County.
Mays could have been released in May 2016 if not for his conviction of assaulting a Baraga Max corrections officer. Most inmates cannot afford a civil attorney – so their claims are dismissed within two years in federal court in Marquette, MI.

There is no way for U.P. Breaking News to verify the claims made by Mays – which are likely denied by the defendants. Often inmates have no way to prove allegations that are true – and some make up allegations.

In a perfect world – and these these allegations are true – and they are only alleged – the guards and medical staff would be in prison.
Inmates must first go through the prison grievance process before filing a federal court civil suit in Marquette, MI.

U.P. Breaking News can only presume that inmate Mays will remain in good health after the publishing of this story – and we say this hopefully despite his claims.
If you represent inmate Mays or are a friend or family member – please contact U.P. Breaking News.

In addition, as usual, we are willing to talk to any of these- or other corrections officers – either on or off the record.
906-273-2433

To read or download the lawsuit and its exhibits click on the links below (Obtaining this lawsuit from the feds cost U.P. Breaking News about $20 – so feel free to download):

Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (1)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (2)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (3)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (4)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (5)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (6)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (7)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (8)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (9)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (11)
Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (12)

These graphics in this story outline just some of the claims – and the rest can be read in the lawsuit.

Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 lawsuit graphic 2Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 (12) allegations against COs

Baraga Max Prison

Baraga Maximum Security Prison
13924 Wadaga Road
Baraga, MI

http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=218101
http://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,4551,7-119-68854_1381_1388-5325–,00.html

——-

baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays mug graphic 2.jpg

Baraga Max Inmate Marcus D. Mays #218101 v. Pynnonen et al

U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley

Date filed: 10/05/2017
Demand: $225,0000
Nature of Suit/Cause: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

Plaintiff: Marcus D. Mays #218101

Baraga Max Civil Rights Federal Lawsuit Defendants:

Corrections Officer (CO) Pynnonen
CO Coronado
CO Perala
CO Massie
CO Geneman
CO Anderson
CO Grubb
CO Wealton
Register Nurse Elizabeth M. Corrigan
Head Nurse Supervisor Sabrina Snyder
Registered Nurse Ryela
Registered Nurse Usitalo
Registered Nurse Nicole Sunburg
Registered Nurse David Fingan
Physician Assistant Kristine Nyquist

Lawsuit Allegations:

Violent and excessive force
Targeted food poisoning
Baraga Max Corrections Officers “here have a history of assaulting prisoners”
Baraga Max Corrections Officers allegedly kick prisoners at Baraga Max
Baraga Max Corrections Officers allegedly beat inmates
Baraga Max Corrections Officers allegedly punch inmates
Guards allegedly take revenge in many ways including fa lase write-ups for false misconduct
Refusing needed medical treatment after allegedly assaulted by guards
Poisoning individual food trays for revenge
Retaliatory excessive excessive force
Violating inmates constitutional rights

——-

Mays rap sheet:

MDOC Number: 218101

Name: Marcus Dirk Mays

Racial Identification: Black
Gender: Male

53 years old
Height: 5′ 9″
Weight: 140 lbs.

Marcus Dirk Mays

Image Date: 5/7/2014

Earliest Release Date: 5/08/2016

Assigned Location: Baraga Maximum Facility

Maximum Discharge Date: 11/12/2026

Security Level: V

Aliases:
J X, J-X, JX, X J
Eric Jackson
Eric Jones
Eric Thomas
Eric Dirk Jackson
Marcus Mayes
Rodney Thomas
Tony Jackson

Sentence 1
Offense: Assault Of Prison Employee
Minimum Sentence: 2 years

Maximum Sentence: 5 years 0 months

Date of Offense: 8/23/2013

Baraga County Max Prison
Date of Sentence: 5/09/2014
Conviction Type: Nolo Contendere

Sentence 2
Offense: Bank Robbery
Minimum Sentence: 1 year 3 months
Maximum Sentence: 10 years
Date of Offense: 11/01/2001 in Wayne County
Date of Sentence: 1/28/2002
Conviction Type: Plea

Sentence 3
Offense: Unarmed Robbery
Minimum Sentence: 3 years
Maximum Sentence: 15 years 0 months
Date of Offense: 5/24/1991
Wayne County
Date of Sentence: 7/19/1991
Conviction Type: Plea

——-

U.P. MM Kingpin loses property, cash and freedom: Big federal prison time for kingpin of the largest rogue medical marijuana operation ever busted in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – we have the federal documents and exclusive photos of his growing operation in Bruce Crossing, MI

 U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 12-1-17 Bruce crossing man sent to federal prison for more than 12 years for rogue medical marijuana grow

The Pot Boss of Bruce Crossing: Greedy, Rogue Medical Marijuana Kingpin from Ontonagon County is sent away loses lots of property and apparently small amount of cash – plus his freedom

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U.P. Breaking News Exclusive – read the sentencing and forfeiture paperwork

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

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(Marquette, MI) – A federal judge in Marquette threw the book at the leader of a rogue medical marijuana growing operation after he admitted producing hundreds of pounds of illegal weed out of his Ontonagon County grow – while operating what were to appear as legal medical marijuana clinics.

Spencer Troy Ward mugshot original uncrop

56-year-old Troy Spencer Ward of Bruce Crossing, MI was sentenced to over 12 and one half years (151 months) without parole at a federal prison to be determined.

Ward was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov 29, 2017 by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney.

Ward had pleaded guilty to count four of a third superseding indictment in federal court at Marquette, Michigan. All others charges were dropped under an agreement with federal prosecutors. While the operation was more massive, Ward was allowed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with in tent to distribute 100 or more marijuana plants and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The government gets to seize Ward’s numerous Ontonagon County properties including 14747 N. Paynesville Road in Bruce Crossing, MI plus about $11,800 in cash from raids at his home and at Ward’s marijuana dispensary stores in Iron River, Watersmeet, and Marquette. There is an approx. $450,000 value cap on forfeitures against Ward, but only small amounts of cash were listed in the documents.

There were numerous other co-defendants in this case and most have received plea agreements and prison terms between a year and 30 months.

A seizure report was drafted by United States Marshals Service Senior Inspector Jesse Lake. Numerous motions in this case and that of its co-defendants were heard by U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley. The federal prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Maarten Vermaat.

Scroll down to read sentencing and forfeiture documents.

Pot Growing Operation Photos 8 growing operation, fertilizerPot Growing Operation Photos 7 pot plantsPot Growing Operation Photos 6 two pixs of pot growing operationsPot Growing Operation Photos 5 Pot Leaf and $100 billsPot Growing Operation Photos 4 housePot Growing Operation Photos 3 plantsPot Growing Operation Photos 2 plantsPot Growing Operation Photos 1 trio

The judge recommended that the the U.S. Bureau of Prisons find the following for Ward:

  1. Receive a substance assessment and recommended treatment

  2. Screened for participation in the 500-hour Residential Drug Abuse Program.

  3. Designated to the correctional facility best able to address his medical needs and to a correctional facility close to his home in Michigan

In almost 13 years, Ward will have to live life on the outside with these conditions:

Special conditions of supervision:
1. Participate in a program of testing and treatment for substance abuse, as directed by the probation officer, and follow the rules and regulations of that program until such time as you are released from the program by the probation officer, and shall pay at least a portion of the cost according to your ability, as determined by the probation officer.
2. Must not use or possess any controlled substances without a valid prescription. If you do have a valid prescription, you must follow the instructions on the prescription. Must not possess, use, or sell marijuana or any marijuana derivative (including THC) in any form (including edibles) or for any purpose (including medical purposes). Prohibited from entering any marijuana dispensary or grow facility.
3. Must not possess or be the primary user of any cellular phone without prior permission from the probation officer. If given permission to use/possess a cell phone, you must provide the number to the probation officer and the phone must be maintained in your name or another name approved in advance by the probation officer. Must provide the probation officer with your monthly cellular and home telephone bills with each monthly report form and must report any cellular telephone you have has used or own on each report form

Forfeitures/related:

September 22, 2017 – November 29, 2017
Order of Forfeiture for a Money Judgment issued September 29, 2017
Preliminary Order of Forfeiture for Substitute Assets issued November 29, 2017

2017 Troy Spencer Ward Judgment on 11-29-30

2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (4)

2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (3)

2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (2)

2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (1)

Related stories:
https://www.facebook.com/UpperPeninsulaBreakingNews/posts/1765984186957646
https://www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/topic/50801-multi-million-dollar-pot-growing-ring-plus-several-dispensaries-raided/
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/tag/spencer-troy-ward/