For second time in five years, an Ironwood, MI woman is facing accusations she is running a meth lab

URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 4-23-18 – 4:07 p.m. CT – 5:07 p.m. ET –

Ironwood, MI woman arrested Monday (again) for allegedly operating a meth lab

Michelle Lee Kitto, MDOC Mugshot

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

(Ironwood, MI) – For the second time in five years, an Ironwood woman has been charged with operating a meth lab.

47-year-old Michelle Lee Kitto of 134 S. Mansfield Street in Ironwood, MI was arrested late this morning after an officer showed up at her door with a bench warrant.

Michelle Lee Kitto

Michelle Lee Kitto

Kitto, also known as Michelle Lee Rappley, was arrested about 12:45 p.m. Central Time, this afternoon Monday, April 23, 2018.

Kitto was arrested on the warrant and had a bond totaling almost $9,000.
Kitto was arrested on a Gogebic County Circuit Court bench warrant for failure to appear in court for new felony charge of operating and maintaining a meth lab.

Details of Kittos latest arrest is not known. So far, officials had not announced another meth raid.

That wasn’t the case five years ago:

Kitto was among three people arrested in May 2013 following Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team (GIANT) drug raids at homes in Gogebic County including 229 South Mansfield Street – a block from today’s arrest.

However five years ago, it took two state drug teams to cleanup the mess left after the meth lab was raided and Kitto was arrested.

At the time, GIANT called in the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) to assist in cleaning up both locations that were raided.

Michelle Lee Kitto, MDOC Mugshot

Kitto was charged with five counts of operating or maintaining a meth lab and one count of operating or maintaining a drug lab in the presence of a minor – and held on a $200,0000 bond.

Under a plea bargain, Kitto pleaded guilty in April 2014 to one count of operating and maintaining a meth lab.

She received a two-year sentence – however it is unclear how long she actually spent in prison or jail.

Kitto was discharged from probation in April 2016.

http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=928373

Offense: Operating/Maintaining a Lab Involving Methamphetamine
Gogebic County
Maximum Sentence: 2 years
Date of Offense: 5/08/2013
Date of Sentence: 4/22/2014
Conviction Type: Plea
Discharge Date: 4/21/2016
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge

U.P. Breaking News Headlines – 10 U.P. Stories Include: Two-year-old girl falls seven feet in Mackinac County, theft at the Marquette Mom Prom?(or false alarm), mysterious rare Saturday hearing held inside Chippewa County Courthouse, Inmate hurt in showers in Gogebic County – Marquette shoplifters busted, and a stolen car from Ironwood.

URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin and Headlines – 4-21-18 – 5:25 p.m. ET

U.P. Weekend Headlines: Toddler falls seven feet in Mackinac County, rare special hearing on Saturday is a mystery and kept from the public in Chippewa County, too drunk to float on a U.P. Eastern Island an afternoon car theft in Ironwood, and an inmate injured today in the Gogebic County jail showers – plus Marquette shoplifters busted and more

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

Its been a busy for police and other emergency folks this weekend – we’ve already done full stories on a police chase with juveniles in Gladstone, a missing snowmobiler found in Chippewa County.
However there was a lot more happening on Saturday – here are about 10 headline stories:

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Anyone who has had kids knows that two year olds are acrobats that will climb anything and everything – however sometimes that innate adventuresome fun turns into a serious injury.

Parents in Garfield Township called for an ambulance late this morning, Saturday, April 21, 2018 – after their toddler took a bad fall.

Two-year-old female “who fell off of an approximately seven-foot ladder,” the dispatcher told the paramedics/EMTs.

It happened at a residence on Sandtown Road in Engadine, MI.

“She is bleeding from the ear,” the dispatcher said. The victim is “a two-year-old female who fell off a ladder – they believe it may be a seven-foot fall.”

That is the last word we have on the incident, however presumably the girl was taken to the Straits Area Hospital. Her condition is not known.

——-

There was a strange theft call last night at the “Mom Prom” fundraiser held at the U.P. Masonic Center about 11:30p.m. ET last night Friday. Two Marquette Police Department units were sent to investigate the theft of a purse.
No word on the theft was confirmed or the purse was misplaced and then found
This year the annual fundraiser for a family-in-need was held to benefit the family of 8-year-old William Chittle of Negaunee, who has three rare medical conditions.
The fun attire includes old prom dresses, bridesmaids gowns, or anything that resembles or gives the feeling of being a princess.
https://www.mqtmomprom.com

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A rare and mysterious “special hearing” was held this morning at the Chippewa County Courthouse.
A Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department deputy was told he was needed back at the office to attend the special hearing at 10 a.m. ET on Sat., April 21, 2018.
Judges never come in on Saturday without a very good reason – so it had to be something significant and unexpected.
Scanner listeners said they heard police say the grandfather of the children was requesting to be allowed in the hearing.
No Star Chamber, but interesting nonetheless.

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Two shoplifters were busted about 3 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon at the Shopko in Marquette, MI.
They were “cooperative” with the store’s retail fraud squad.

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At least 3 Michigan state prison inmates were taken by ambulance on Friday night for medical reasons including a seizure and chest pains – at the Baraga Max Prison and the Chippewa Regional Correctional Facility.
Then on Saturday morning, a Gogebic County Jail inmate reportedly had a seizure and received a head injury in the jail showers.
The inmate, in his 20s, suffered a head injury – and while paramedics were told the inmate bled – one radioed doctor about the scene in the jail located in Bessemer, MI.
The blood “must have been wiped off” before the ambulance arrive, a paramedic radioed medical control at the Aspirus Grand View Ironwood Hospital.
The Gogebic County inmate “hit his head on something” and was “flopping on the floor a bit” in the showers resembling a seizure, the paramedic told doctors.

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Wound tight after this winter: Marquette cops were called Saturday afternoon to a report of youths blocking the sidewalk on the 400 Block of North Fourth Street – by putting up a tightrope
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To drunk to float?
A ferry operator at one of the eastern U.P. islands called 911 Saturday afternoon because one of the idling cars waiting to get on the ferry wasn’t moving – and neither was the gentleman inside.
He was alive but is suspected of being OUIL.

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In Dickinson County and Houghton County planned brush burns got a bit too big on Saturday afternoon.
Firefighters in Sagola Township and Calumet Township (off Copper City Road) this afternoon for private brush burning that got out of control.

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A U.P.-wide BOLO has been issued for a car stolen Saturday from an Ironwood, MI home just before 1 p.m. Central Time in Gogebic County
The vehicle is a red and black 2012 Mini Cooper with Texas tags: JNJ-7987

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Maybe suffering from Spring Fever, four escapee horses got loose and had some fun in Houghton County on Saturday morning, but as rounded up by their owner in the Atlantic Mine area.

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The Pickford EMS ambulance was basically totaled overnight – and had to limp back to its barn (station) – after hitting a deer. Be careful folks deer on the move in this nice weather – just like we are.

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Speaking of warm weather – please beware of slip and fall accidents that are likely to happen on Saturday night (as they did Friday night) and Sunday morning (churchgoers beware). The melting snow refreezes to black ice everywhere.

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Blizzard Bashing: Ironwood homeowner pulls gun on break-in suspect Sunday night; Suspect has criminal history and is wanted downstate; Suspect injured in scuffle with victim – pair apparently related

URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 4-16-18 –11:08 a.m. ET – 10:07 a.m. CT

Ironwood parole absconder – with a MDOC history of break-ins – was first busted in head by the victim – and then busted to jail – after allegedly trying to bust into a relative’s home – Victim OK, suspect injured and wanted for downstate home invasion

Suspect 23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson of Ironwood, MI

Break-in victim 58-year-old Guy Albin Anderson, Sr. of Ironwood, MI

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

(Ironwood, MI) – A Gogebic County man was injured, treated at the hospital and then arrested Sunday night after allegedly breaking into a relative’s home – and has numerous warrants including first degree home invasion.

Break-in victim 58-year-old Guy Albin Anderson, Sr. of Ironwood, MI

In the midst of a major blizzard, police were called to a break-in in-progress at the home of victim 58-year-old Guy Albin Anderson, Sr. at 243 E. Ridge Street in Ironwood, MI.

Police were dispatched about 8:20 p.m. CT on Sunday night, April 15, 2018 to the break-in progress call.

The call was answered by Ironwood Public Safety Officers and Michigan State Police from the Wakefield Post.

“I just lost connection with him, the man was trying to kick his door in,” the dispatcher radioed officers.

Police were told Anderson, Sr. was armed with a gun while trying to keep the intruder out.

“There is an altercation – one man has a gun,” the Gogebic County 911 dispatcher told responding officers.

The officers were told “be advised the homeowner has put his gun away,” said a second dispatcher.

 

Suspect 23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson of Ironwood, MI

The suspect was identified as 23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson of Ironwood – who has a long criminal history – plus is wanted downstate for home invasion and had a pair of failure to appear in court warrants issued by the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department.

“The gun is put away for now,” the dispatcher said. “He (Dylan Anderson) did enter the home and they are attempting to stay away from each other so there is not an altercation.”

The “suspect is bleeding from an injury to the head” that happened prior to police arrival, an officer radioed from the scene requesting EMS.

The victim received a head wound and was taken by Mercy EMS ambulance – with police closely following the rig – to the Ironwood Aspirus Grand View Hospital.

Dylan Anderson has a warrant for him out of Flint, MI for first-degree home invasion, however Flint officials will not come to get him.

The two men are apparently related, although online records do not explain how.

Dylan Anderson was set to get off probation two months ago for a break-in and gun conviction.

He was paroled to Gogebic County, and at the MDOC still lists him as an absconder from probation.

The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department keeps their jail records secret, so the exact charges against the younger Anderson are not known.

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Michigan Department of Corrections:

Suspect 23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson of Ironwood, MI

23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson

http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=927631

Supervision Begin Date: 2/23/2015
Assigned Location: Gogebic/Bessemer
Supervision Discharge Date: 2/23/2018

Sentence 1
Offense: Weapons – Firearms – Larceny
Maximum Sentence: 3 years
Date of Offense: 11/17/2013
Genesee County:
Date of Sentence: 2/23/2015
Conviction Type: Plea

Sentence 2
Offense: Breaking & Entering a Building With Intent
Maximum Sentence: 3 years
Date of Offense: 11/17/2013
Genesee County:
Date of Sentence: 2/23/2015
Conviction Type: Plea

Fatal shooting investigated in Gogebic County – Investigators on scene – but possible self-inflicted means yet another U.P. resident takes their life in despair – happening almost daily – Does anyone care?

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin: – 4-14-18 Update:

The shooting was reported at 4455 Nylund Road – located between Junet Road and Olson Road.
A neighbor found the victim.
However two immediate neighbors were mentioned by police – obviously shocked and sad. We are withholding all names of the neighbors and apparent victim at this point.

Officials in Gogebic County have not released anything about the shooting.

This apparent suicide underlines the need for better mental health services in the U.P. as we are experiencing about one suicide – and many attempts – almost every day in the U.P. especially among youth including at NMU in Marquette.

Its a tragedy that Lansing cares nothing about as they have slashed and slashed U.P mental health budgets – and mix it with poverty, despair, and one-sided court/cops system and we get suicides.

Plus the youth perceive there is nothing for them with only – low pay paycheck to paycheck and day-to-day living left by the older generations a gift to millennials.
We were hoping they forgive us.

Its has also left an older U.P. generation in despair and with little control of their once good iives – and add in the usual substance issues and its a major crisis that is U.P.-wide.

Like their secretive cop brothers in Ontonagon County and Luce County and more – just love duping the news media and keeping secrets

Its also brings up the coveted, secretive information that very rarely emerges from secret-secret Gogebic County- unless via a weak news release with omissions galore.

Police officials in Gogebic County and Ironwood DPS – have never been known for their candid response to the media – especially if they feel/perceive it embarrasses their controlled area of the U.P.

In fact, U.P. Breaking News has exposed several recent situations in Gogebic County that were false by omission. Keeping their secrets from you like the tragic fatal ice incident when a heavy machine broke thru ice and fell under a barge with a crane. Total cover-up .
It took them three weeks to admit there were two fires – an hour apart – in that triple fatal apartment fire in Ironwood. We reported both fires that tragic morning

—–
4-13-18 – 2:10 p.m. ET 1:10 p.m. CT

Gogebic County officials investigating man found shot to death in his home

Sadly, its beginning to look like the almost daily Suicide Crisis in the U.P., takes another victim

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

(Ironwood, MI) – Investigators are on the scene of a fatal shooting in Gogebic County.
A neighbor reported finding the victim with a gunshot wound to the head.

The shooting is in Ironwood, MI area – however we are withholding all roads connected to this tragic incident. U.P. Breaking News will not release locations until much later this evening.
The shooting was reported about 12:40 p.m. Central Time.

So far, we have not heard any indication that foul play is suspected.

However, it maybe the latest in a series of shootings, hangings and overdoses that are happening almost daily this winter in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The mental health organizations have their own crisis – ridiculously low funding and no follow-up care for those with depression. NMU has suffered their own suicides in past month.

When will enough people die in the U.P. before Lansing gets a clue.

Out U.P. legislative delegation suffered their own suicide incident – and yet nothing is done.
We stress this death remains under investigation – but have not heard MSP crime lab called

Gogebic County Midnight Chainsaw drama terrorizes woman near Marenisco, MI

URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-28-18 – update

A 37-yar-old Marenisco Township man was jailed for domestic violence nd possession of  firearm while intoxicated. Bond was set at $25,000.

6:45 a.m. ET

Gogebic County man allegedly uses chainsaw to cut down trees in middle of night, allegedly makes booby traps out of notched trees, and armed with guns – frightens female in household flees and calls police

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

(Marenisco, MI) – A strange case of threats, guns, a chainsaw allegedly used to make booby traps out of notched trees – and a possible domestic violence in Gogebic County this morning.

A Gogebic County man allegedly started cutting down trees in the middle of the night – after allegedly threatening his wife.

A female member of the household called police after the man allegedly threats and had guns and a running chainsaw. The incident happened early today, Wed., Feb. 28, 2018.
The incident happened at a home on U.S. Highway 2 near the 122 Mile Marker close to Marenisco, MI.

He was believed to have a rifle and .40 caliber handgun, the victim told police.
Police were warned that the suspect had allegedly cut wedges in two large trees on both sides of driveway that were ready to come down on officers or the woman.

In pitch black darkness, the suspect also cut down several trees on the property. The female victim was told by police to drive down US-2 near Marenisco.

The victim told police the man threw a .40 caliber holster and magazine at her – and allegedly made a serious threat about her son.

“Your son is gone,” the victim claimed the suspect said – after allegedly throwing a holster at her.

The man has reportedly injured himself many occasions including he allegedly shot himself on a prior occasion.

At last report, the man said he was willing to talk with police.

It is unclear if the man was arrested. The agency in charge of the incident has not been released. In fact, police have not released any information on this incident.

U.P. Breaking News has a partial name but have not been able to identify the victim or suspect.

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

Dion Roy Jolliff

30-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Smith of Ontonagon, MI

27-year-old Kathryn Maria Hellen of Ironwood, MI

35-year-old Patrick Joseph Sievers of Ironwood, MI

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

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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.

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 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

Drug busts: Meth, pill arrests across the U.P. – Houghton, Menominee, and Wakefield

Update 1-9-18 6 p.m. – Names released in Menominee Busts

David Martin

Leslie Yang

Brittany DeGayner

Jacob Martin

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

Scroll down to read more….

In a series of press releases, Upper Peninsula drug teams announced today they had made numerous meth and pill drug busts in past few days

By Greg Peterson
S.E. Social Justice Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

In Houghton County, the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement team (UPSET)  arrested two men in connection with a meth investigation:

The suspects are:

35-year-old Terry Bartlett of Houghton, MI and a 29-year-old  Hancock, MI man. U.P. Breaking News is still trying to confirm the name of the Hancock man.

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Meanwhile in deputies raided a meth and heroin drug house in Menominee , MI on Fri., Dec. 5, 2018 – located across from the Menominee High School and arrested four suspects.

Three suspects were arrested on immediately on warrants by the Menominee County Sheriff’s department. During the search, the person in charge of the residence showed up and was arrested.

Six charges have been filed against the four subjects who remain  in the Menominee County Jail. The charges include possession of heroin and meth, possession of meth with intent to deliver within a school zone, and maintaining a drug house.

Police confiscated a small  amount of heroin and meth plus many items needed to run a drug ring and package drugs for sale

 Officers found baggies used for packaging narcotics, over 100 syringe needles, a ledger to account for drug sales, digital scales and more.

The suspects even had Narcan, that can be used to save a person’s life during an opioid overdose.

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In Wakefield, MI, two people were arrested Friday by the Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics team (GIANT). 

38-year-old Paul Robert Rooni and 45-year-old Jessica Ann Boggetto are both charged with  conspiracy to deliver of a Schedule 2 controlled substance – a seven-year felony,  and a high court misdemeanor of maintaining a drug house that carries two years if convicted.

Boggetto is also charged possession of a Schedule 2 controlled substance, a two-year felony.

Rooni and Boggetto are both currently lodged at the Gogebic County Jail on a $200,000 at 10 percent bond.

GIANT was assisted with a search warrant by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

To contact GIANT or report something to them, you can call their toll-free number at 1-855-644-4219 or email them at giantdrugteam@gmail.com.

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.

Legend Steps Down Today: Larger than life, tough, and feared by the state’s most vicious drug dealers and pornographers – and yes – even controversial – We honor U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell – We Bring You His Honor’s Final Sentencings

As unusual and independent as the Upper Peninsula where he ruled with an iron fist for 3 decades – Today and Tomorrow are Officially The Final Days for His Honor – The Honorable U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell

Plus we hope to hear today about the future of Eastern District of Michigan Federal Prosecutor Barbara McQuade

A new top federal prosecutor took the helm last week in the U.P. area and western half of the Lower Peninsula – The new top cop for the U.P. is Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge, who took over last week after the resignation/step-down of  U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr.  (all just an expected big federal shakeup with a new president from different party)

“The diversion of firearms for unlawful purposes or to those who cannot legally possess them endangers each and every member of our society,” said Federal Judge Robert Holmes Bell at his final sentencing on Thursday

The honorable 72-year-old U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell held his final sentencings last week.

This Judge’s judge naturally Command’s Respect (Reminds This Reporter of the Non-Nonsense, Order-In-The-Court, Hang ‘Em High, The Triple A Himself – The Late Great Federal – U.S. District Court Judge Anthony A. Alaimo in Georgia).

Like all federal judges in Michigan, Judge Bell’s impact was profound on every northern Michigan Indian Nation – whether it was tribal domestic violence, or the Founder of American Tribal Gambling Fred Dakota, or the many civil cases.

For Whom the Bell Tolls – To Prison

Dealing With An Armed Crack Dealer:

Dealt 12 years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell in one of his final sentencings last week

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

Federal Judge Robert Holmes Bell sent many heavily armed and murderous drug dealers, gangs, gun-runners and just plain bad people to prison  – from the Upper Peninsula and down to Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor.

In the federal system there is no parole, so when he sentences someone 20 or 30 years – that is what they serve.

Hey – Judge Bell even has a judge-looking appearance and official kind of name – just saying.

He was named (middle) after one of America’s most famous jurists.

There was even a brief filed last week with re-assignment of Judge Bell’s many criminal and civiol cases due to “Inactive senior status effective (tomorrow, Tuesday) January 31, 2017“– in legal jargon – but it means retirement:

“Judge Bell is scheduled to take inactive senior status effective January 31, 2017, and will be unavailable to conclude proceedings in these matter”

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Judge Bell’s Second to Last Sentencing, followed by his final (scroll down to sees lots you do not expect):

Dealing With An Armed Crack Dealer:

Dealt 12 years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell in one of his final sentencings last week

By Greg Peterson

(Grand Rapids, MI) – Armed crack kingpin Calvin Veernell Dennis was sentenced to nearly 12 years (140 months) in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell on Tues., Jan. 24, 2016 – the latest in numerous Michigan drug traffickers getting stiff prison terms

The decade plus in prison will be followed by three years supervised release

Calvin Veernell Dennis admitted being a highly armed cocaine trafficker and convicted felon in Kent County, MI.

Dennis pleaded guilty to felon in possession of firearms and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Colt Agent .38 revolver (Serial No. M53914) and 21 rounds of Winchester .38 spl. caliber ammunition

M-11, 9mm Cobroyo semiautomatic pistol and 60 rounds of 9mm ammunition

Smith and Wesson, model SW40VE, .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol (Serial No. RAY4273) and 20 rounds of Winchester .40 caliber ammunition

Tanfoglio, model TZ75, 9mm semiautomatic pistol (Serial No. H00704) and 16 rounds of Winchester Luger and Hornady 9mm ammunition

Rock River Arms, LAR 15, 5.56 caliber rifle (Serial No. CM179750) and 50 rounds of Remington .223 caliber ammunition

660 rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition.

Case Summary

1:16-cr-00098-RHB All Defendants USA v. Dennis

Date filed: 05/25/2016

Date terminated: 01/24/2017

Calvin Veernell Dennis

Filed: 05/25/2016

Kent County, MI

Count: 1 citation: 18:922g.f offense level: 4 18:922(g)(1), 18:921(a), 18:924(a)(2)

Unlawful transport of firearms, etc.; felon in possession of firearms

Count: 2 citation: 18:922g.f offense level: 4 18:922(g)(1), 18:921(a), 18:924(a)(2)

Unlawful transport of firearms, etc.; felon in possession of ammunition

Count: 3 citation: 21:841a=nd.f offense level: 4 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(c)

Narcotics – sell, distribute, or dispense; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base

Count: 4 citation: 18:924c.f offense level: 4 18:924(c)(1)(a)(i), 21:841(a)(1)

Violent crime/drugs/machine gun; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Defendant in Custody

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Berens

Phone: (616) 456-2404

Email: sally.berens@usdoj.gov

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel S. Fauson

Phone: (616) 456-2404

Email: joel.fauson@usdoj.gov

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Murnahan

Phone: (616) 456-2404

Email: jennifer.murnahan@usdoj.gov

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis M. Sanford

Phone: (616) 456-2404

Email: alexis.sanford@usdoj.gov

——-

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Judge Bell’s Final Sentencing:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 26, 2017

Grand Rapids Man To Spend Five Years In Prison For Trafficking Firearms

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Donte Timothy Bacon, 31, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment, Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today.

In August, Bacon pled guilty to selling a firearm to a prohibited person and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Charles Lee Samuels, 28, earlier was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his lesser role in the crimes.

On five different occasions in August and September 2014, Bacon sold a firearm to a person who was not permitted to possess it under federal law. One of the firearms was sold with a high-capacity magazine. Two of those firearms had been purchased by Bacon and Samuels and were sold after Bacon removed the serial numbers. During the final transaction, Bacon and Samuels used a hand-grinder to remove the serial number at the time of sale.

In his final sentencing before retiring from the bench, U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell observed the seriousness of trafficking firearms. Judge Bell ordered Bacon to serve three years of supervised release following his term of custody and expressed his hope that Bacon will return as a productive member to his community.

“The diversion of firearms for unlawful purposes or to those who cannot legally possess them endangers each and every member of our society,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute those who willfully circumvent federal firearms laws designed to protect the public.”

“Selling firearms to prohibited individuals contributes to the cycle of gun violence plaguing our neighborhoods,” said Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. “ATF will continue to use all available resources to put a stop to illegal gun sales. Let this conviction stand as a warning to others willing to put profit before public safety.”

The ATF conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Grand Rapids Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin M. Presant and Alexis M. Sanford prosecuted the case.

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Other federal court cases this past week you did not hear about:

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Five years in prison for coke/heroin dealer

Drug dealer Jamian Charles Pearce sentenced on Jan. 23, 2017 to five years (60 months) in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney for distributing heroin and cocaine in Kent County, MI in Feb. 2016.

After five years in prison, he will be on three years of supervised release.

On March 16, 2015, Muskegon County Law Enforcement arrested 32-year-old Jamian Charles Pearce for obstructing justice/probation violation in Muskegon, MI

Case Summary:

1:16-cr-00036-PLM-4 USA v. Hairston et al

Date filed: 02/25/2016

Date of last filing: 01/24/2017

Jamian Charles Pearce

Filed: 02/25/2016

Kent County, MI

Count: 1

Citation: 21:846=NP.F Offense Level: 4 21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(a)(i) and (ii), 21:841(b)(1)(c)

Conspiracy to possess narcotics; conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and heroin

Count: 3

citation: 21:846=np.f offense level: 4 21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(c), 18:2

Conspiracy to possess narcotics; attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Count: 1s

citation: 21:846=nd.f offense level: 4 21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(a)(i) and (ii), 21:841(b)(1)(c)

Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin

Count: 3s

citation: 21:846=nd.f offense level: 4 21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(c), 18:2

Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Count: 1ss

citation: 21:846=nd.f offense level: 4 21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(b)(ii)

Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine

Defendant in custody

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark V. Courtade

Phone: (616) 456-2404

Email: mark.courtade@usdoj.gov

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Three years in prison for identity theft

By Greg Peterson

(Grand Rapids, MI) – Pedro Enrique Sanchez Pupo was sentenced to 37 months in prison on Jan.25, 2017 by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker for aggravated identity theft crimes committed in 2015 in Kent County, MI:
In plea agreement, Pupo pleaded guilty to count one of the indictment conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Her will serve his time – three years and a month- in a federal prison in Florida near his family.

Date of last filing: 01/28/2017

Pedro Enrique Sanchez Pupo

Filed: 12/01/2015

Kent County

Count: 1 Citation: 18:1349.F Offense Level: 4

18:1349, 18:1343

Attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud; conspiracy

Count: 2 citation: 18:1029a.f offense level: 4

18:1029(a)(3), 18:1029(c)(1)(a)(i), 18:2

Produces/traffics in counterfeit device; access device fraud

Count: 3 citation: 18:1028a.f offense level: 4

18:1028a(a)(1), 18:1028a(c)(4), (5), 18:1028a(b), 18:2

Fraud with identification documents; aggravated identity theft

Defendant in Custody

Federal Prosecutor:

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagen W. Frank

Phone: (616) 456-2404

Email: hagen.frank@usdoj.gov

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Ten years – 121 months in prison for distributing coke and heroin

By Greg Peterson

(Grand Rapids, MI) – One of the defendants in major heroin ring was sentenced to just over ten years in federal prison on Jan. 24, 2017 by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney for distributing heroin and cocaine during Jan. 2016 in Kent County, MI.

Mario Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess narcotics; conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and heroin.

No parole in federal prison, and will be under three years supervised release when let out in a decade.

Case Summary

1:16-cr-00036-PLM-3 USA v. Hairston et al

Date filed: 02/25/2016

Date of last filing: 01/24/2017

Mario Cruz

Filed: 02/25/2016

Kent County

Other Court Case: 1:16-cr-169 Related Case

Count: 1 citation: 21:846=np.f offense level: 4

21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(a)(i) and (ii), 21:841(b)(1)(c)

Conspiracy to possess narcotics; conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and heroin

Count: 2 citation: 21:846=nd.f offense level: 4

21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(a)(i) and (ii), 21:841(b)(1)(c)

Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin

Defendant in custody

Federal prosecutor:

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark V. Courtade

Email: mark.courtade at usdoj.gov

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Read about the fancinating reign of a tough federal judge – who was feared by all the big time evil doers in the Upper Peninsula:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2017_0126_Bacon

https://www.apnews.com/cb2f330cae944accaeac06e0be6b56c2

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2016/10/federal_judge_robert_holmes_be.html

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2016/11/towering_figure_robert_holmes.html

http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/02/profile_us_district_court_judg.html

http://www.miwd.uscourts.gov/judges-info/judge-robert-h-bell

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Holmes_Bell