Lots of men arrested in Marquette County over the past week for beating women including aggravated assaults, felonious assault, PPO violations, stalking, baby assaulted, and domestic violence.(these are the cases you have not heard), third-degree child abuse – plus what did little Hoxie have that was smuggled into the Marquette County Jail; Lots of drugs arrests from running meth labs to heroin – and all sorts of thefts from shoplifting to larceny

There were numerous arrests over past week for domestic violence around the U.P. – cases we have not already reported – remember others also made headlines.

URGENT URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 4-23-18 – 11:17 p.m. ET –

Marquette County DV Busts and much more: Hoxie caught with contraband into Marquette County Jail, every range of assault involving the beating of women (numerous cases) and a baby, drugs including operating meth lab and heroin

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

(Marquette, MI) – Numerous men have been arrested over the past week for abusing women – including some highly publicized cases.

Below are the arrests you have not heard including a baby allegedly assaulted, felonious assault, stalking, beatings, attacks, and PPO violations.

Also arrests you haven’t heard like running a meth lab and a poor woman who has battled meth 7 years, and all sorts of theft cases – and third-degree child abuse. And what illegal contraband did a young lady get ahold of and then was busted at Marquette County Jail?

——-

Bryan Robert Craycraft

Bryan Robert Craycraft

28-year-old Bryan Robert Craycraft of Marquette, MI was arrested In Dickinson County in connection with am alleged domestic assault this weekend.

Police are investigating Craycraft in connection with the alleged domestic assault involving his girlfriend and four-month-old baby, sources familiar with the probe tell us. We are still waiting for more details.

In an online post the victim stated what CrayCraft did “is sick” and he “deserves to be brought to justice.”

Calling him a scumbag, the alleged victim stated Craycraft was wanted for “abuse he (allegedly) caused to a four-month-old baby,”

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craycraft.png

Bryan Robert Craycraft

Meanwhile Craycraft was a stabbing victim in another case involving the actual birth mother of his child.

24-year-old Samantha Kennedy McFerrin of Gwinn, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail on Jan. 3, 2018 on three felonies.

McFerrin is charged with felonious assault, assault with intent to do bodily harmless than murder and making a false police report. No bond is set.

Law enforcement has not released details of the case, including what agency handled the investigation.

McFerrin has addresses listed in Gwinn and Marquette in recent years.

In June 2015, McFerrin, then 21, was basically sentenced to time served (46 days) and fined almost $1,000 in Marquette County District Court for larceny between $200-$1,000.

McFerrin studied cosmetology at Northern Michigan University, her Facebook page states. McFerrin is a 2014 graduate of the Marquette Alternative High School, according to her numerous Facebook pages. One of McFerrin’s recent photos apparently shows her holding her newborn baby.

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Bailey Allen La Rocca

Bailey Allen LaRocca

20-year-old Bailey Allen LaRocca of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail at 6:23 a.m. ET, this morning, Mon. April 23, 2018

La Rocca has been released on bond after being charged with domestic assault.

The amount of the bond was not released, but often is personal recognizance bond.


18-year-old Shane Matthew Damron of Munising, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail at 2:21 a.m. ET this morning, April 23, 2018.
Damron is charged with domestic assault and a parole violation/inmate detainer.
Bond for Damron is set at $5,000. He remained jailed Monday night.

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29-year-old Peter John O’Dovero of the Marquette, MI area was booked into the Marquette County Jail at 12:34 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
O’Dovero is charged with second-offense aggravated assault/domestic violence and failure to pay child support of $661.
O’Dovero is being held without bond on the assault charge.

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michael Patrick Dennis MDOC Mugshot updated

28-year-old Michael Patrick Dennis of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail at 12:17 a.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2018.
Dennis is charged with domestic assault and resisting arrest/obstructing justice.
Bond for Dennis is set at $12,500.
Dennis is on probation for a delivery of marijuana state conviction for an incident in Feb. 2016.

https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=312211
http://kool.corrections.ky.gov/KOOL/Details/459680

Dennis was convicted in Oct. 2016 of  trafficking in marijuana indictment in Fayette County, Kentucky.
He was released to Marquette County to serve his probation that lasts until Dec. 6, 2018.

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Percy Albertus Butterworth

Percy Albertus Butterworth

50-year-old Percy Albertus Butterworth of Marquette, MI remains jailed in Marquette County without bond.
He was arrested for stalking on April 11, 2018.
On March 9, 2018, Butterworth was charged with violating a restraining order/personal protection order.

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Kameron Alan Kine

Kameron Alan Kine

28-year-old Kameron Alan Kine of Traverse City, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail at 10:56 p.m. ET on Friday, April 20, 2018.
Kine is charged with third degree child abuse.
Kine remains jailed on a $10,000 bond.

——-

29-year-old Brittany Spring Hoxie of Gwinn, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail at 5:39 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 15, 2018.
Hoxie is charged with being a jail prisoner in possession contraband.
Hoxie has a past address listed in Marquette.
It is not clear what the Battle Creek native allegedly smuggled into jail.
Hoxie remains jailed on a $5,000 bond.

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Todd Stephen Williams MDOC parole adsconder mugshot

With an arrest record dating back three decades, 50-year-old Todd Stephen Williams of Gladstone, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail at 10:43 a.m. ET on Sunday, April 22, 2018.

The MDOC lists Williams as a parole absconder

Williams is being held on a parole violation/inmate detainer.

Williams has a lengthy record dating back 30 years.

MDOC Conviction Record:

Todd Stephen Williams MDOC parole adsconder mugshot
https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=207526

Sentence 1
Offense: Checks w/o Sufficient Funds $500 or More
Minimum Sentence: 2 years
Maximum Sentence: 3 years
Date of Offense: 1/06/2013
Delta County
Date of Sentence: 5/07/2013
Conviction Type: Plea

Sentence 2
Offense: Larceny in a Building
Minimum Sentence: 2 years 4 months
Maximum Sentence: 6 years
Date of Offense: 1/03/2013
Delta County
Date of Sentence: 5/07/2013
Conviction Type: Plea

Sentence 3
Offense:
False Pretenses – $1,000 or More But Less Than $20,000
Minimum Sentence: 3 years 8 months
Maximum Sentence: 7 years 6 months
Date of Offense: 1/03/2013
Delta County
Date of Sentence: 5/07/2013
Conviction Type: Plea

Sentence 4
Offense: Larceny in a Building
Minimum Sentence: 2 years 4 months
Maximum Sentence: 6 years
Date of Offense: 1/03/2013
Delta County
Date of Sentence: 5/07/2013
Conviction Type: Plea
Sentence 5
Offense: Breaking and Entering – Entry Without Breaking With Intent
Minimum Sentence: 2 years
Maximum Sentence: 7 years 6 months
Date of Offense: 6/01/2009
Delta County
Date of Sentence: 2/10/2010
Conviction Type: Nolo Contendere

INACTIVE

Sentence 1
Offense: Operating Intoxicated/Impaired/Controlled Substance – 3rd
Minimum Sentence: 1 year 7 months
Maximum Sentence: 10 years
Date of Offense: 10/01/2004
Delta County
Date of Sentence: 2/25/2005
Conviction Type: Plea
Discharge Date: 5/01/2009
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge

Sentence 2
Offense: Uttering and Publishing
Minimum Sentence: 2 years 6 months
Maximum Sentence: 20 years
Date of Offense: 9/12/2001
Delta County
Date of Sentence:
05/02/2002
Conviction Type: Plea
Discharge Date: 5/01/2009
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge

Sentence 3
Offense: Breaking and Entering Occupied Building With Intent
Minimum Sentence: 10 years
Maximum Sentence: 22 years 6 months
Date of Offense: 2/01/1989
Cheboygan County
Date of Sentence: 2/27/1990
Conviction Type: Plea
Discharge Date: 5/01/2009
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge

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Gregory Kauppila 1

26-year-old Gregory David Kauppila of Ishpeming, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail at 11:51 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 21, 2018.
Kaupilla is charged with failure to register as a sex offender.
He was apparently released on bond late Sunday morning.
Kauppila was booked into the MCJ on March 2, 2018 and charged with sex offender failure to register and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor (OUIL).


In Marquette County Circuit Court during June 2016, Kauppila was sentenced to 180 days jail and five years probation plus about $800 in fines/costs for being a sex offender who failed to comply with the law.
In Sept. 2010, Kauppila was convicted in Marquette of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct (multiple variables).

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/03/03/a-convicted-sex-offender-picked-up-for-noncompliance-and-drunk-driving-several-people-who-have-past-drug-charges-are-arrested-again-including-a-marquette-woman-accused-of-meth-fighting-police-and/

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28-year-old Jeremy Norman Brugman of Gwinn, MI remains jailed in Marquette County for domestic assault and making a threatening call and malicious use of a telephone phone.
Brugman has been held in jail since his booking April 12, 2018.
Brugman was arrested on Dec. 29, 2017 and released on New Year’s Eve at about 6:20 p.m. on a $10,000 bond.
Brugman is charged with felony second offense domestic violence/assault.

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William Earl Zhulkie

William Earl Zhulkie

26-year-old William Earl Zhulkie of Ishpeming, MI remains jailed in Marquette County on a $10,000 bond.
Zhulkie was charge with possession of a controlled substance – an analogue on April 12, 2018.
On March 7, 2018, Zhulkie was charged with larceny from a building.

In Dec. 2015, Zhulkie, then 23, served 10 days in jail, was put on a year’s probation and fined almost $1,400 for use of a Schedule 1 (except narcotic), 2, 3, 4.

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erik-small-2015.jpg

Erik Christopher Small in 2015

43-year-old Erik Christopher Small of Ishpeming, MI remains jailed without bond in Marquette County.
Small was charged on April 8, 2018 with operating and maintaining a meth lab.

Small has lived in Gwinn, Marquette, Green Bay and the cities of North Richland Hills and The Colony in Texas.

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31-year-old Charlene Marie Drew of Gwinn, MI remains jailed without bond in Marquette County on an inmate detainer/parole violation.

She also has recent Ishpeming address.
She was arrested on April 11 on additional charges of possession of meth and possession of a meth analogue – bond on the drug charges totals $30,000.

The poor girl has been dealing with the devil named meth for over 7 years. She was set to be off parole in July 2019. One of her convictions involves selling fake meth to undercover agents.

Offense: Controlled Substance-Possession of Methamphetamine
Minimum Sentence: 1 year 7 months
Maximum Sentence: 10 years
Date of Offense: 10/30/2016
Marquette County
Date of Sentence: 4/07/2017
Conviction Type: Plea
Offense: Controlled Substance-Imitation Manufacture or Distribution
Maximum Sentence: 4 months
Date of Offense: 3/15/2011
Marquette County
Date of Sentence: 10/21/2011
Conviction Type: Plea
Discharge Date: 2/22/2012
Offense: Controlled Substance-Possession of Methamphetamine
Maximum Sentence:
1 year 6 months
Date of Offense: 10/30/2016
Marquette County
Date of Sentence: 2/01/2017
Conviction Type: Plea
Discharge Date: 4/07/2017

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28-year-old Kyle George Fosco of Marquette, MI

28-year-old Kyle George Fosco of Marquette, MI

28-year-old Kyle George Fosco of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 11:19 p.m. ET on Fri.,
Fosco was booked on April 9, 2018 for assault with intent to do bodily harm less than murder, possession of heroin, second degree retail fraud, and trespassing.
On March 2, 2018, Fosco was charged with assault with intent to do bodily harm less than murder.
Fosco got off probation last July for a drug crime – delivery/manufacture of a narcotic/cocaine.

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David Richard Lampinen

David Richard Lampinen

33-year-old David Richard Lampinen of Marquette, MI remains jailed without bond in Marquette County.
Lampinen was arrested on April 9, 2018 and charged with possession of a Schedule 1, 2, 3, and 4 narcotic, resisting arrest/obstructing justice, receiving and concealing stolen property under $200, and second-degree retail fraud.

Lampinen, then 25 years old, was among several people arrested in 2008 by the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team for trafficking in crack cocaine that was shipped up from Chicago. In 2010, Lampinen was sentenced to nearly 5 years (57 months) in federal prison. One defendant committed suicide before trial.

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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

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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.

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

Life in Prison til Death: Confessed kidnapper, rapist and scumbag Eric Ruska was sentenced today to life in prison today at federal court in Marquette, MI: Plus a Sault Ste. Marie, MI man is given a big sentence by a federal judge in a child pornography case; and a convicted felon caught with an altered gun in Alger County is sent to federal prison

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-9-18 – 6 p.m. ET – Update

Life in Prison/Rapist Kidnapper Will Die Prison: Confessed kidnapper, rapist and scumbag Eric Ruska was sentenced to life in prison today at federal court in Marquette, MI.

Eric Ruska Federal Sentencing Dcoument - Life in Prison 2-9-18

No parole, he will die in prison.
During a lengthy sentencing in Marquette, Ruska was hammered by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker.
Life in prison til his death.

Life in prison for scumbag rapist and kidnapper Eric Ruska

Life in prison for scumbag rapist and kidnapper Eric Ruska – he will die in prison

Download federal sentencing sheet for free – we paid for it:

Life in Prison/Rapist Kidnapper Will Die Prison: Confessed kidnapper, rapist and scumbag Eric Ruska

8:12 a.m. ET

Life in prison is the sentence this afternoon for admitted kidnapper and rapist Eric Scott Ruska: Plus its a big federal prison sentence for a child pornographer in Chippewa County – and a convicted felon will have time to think in federal prison about his idea to possess an altered handgun

Eric Scott Ruska

Eric Scott Ruska

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

**Scroll down to read the federal paperwork – or download the pages for free – in all the following cases

(Marquette, MI) – Confessed kidnapper, rapist and dirt-bag Eric Scott Ruska could go to prison for the rest of his life without parole – when he is sentenced today by a no-nonsense federal judge in Marquette, MI.

The 37-year-old Ruska is set to be sentenced this afternoon by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker at federal court in Marquette.

For a week, Ruska kidnapped and raped a woman during the summer of 2017.

Prosecutors say sexual exploitation was the motive that was driving Ruska when he kidnapped a 28-year-old acquaintance. The July 8, 2017 kidnapping launched one of the biggest manhunts ever in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – as authorities did not know if the woman was dead or alive.

The brutalized victim – who was ratchet-strapped to a seat in Ruska’s pickup truck – was rescued on July 14, 2018 by a Michigan State Police tactical team at a Munising Shell Station.

Already a convicted rapist and kidnapper, Ruska invited his victim to go fishing in a boat on a Delta County lake. When she asked to go ashore along Chicago Lake, the kidnapping began and he threatened to kill her parents.
Ruska was convicted of the same type of kidnapping/sexual assault in 2004.

Ruska confessed to sexually assaulting the victim at spots in Alger, Delta and Marquette counties including in the Hiawatha National Forest.

2-8-18 Order in kidnaper Eric  Scott Ruska
2-7-18 Supplemental notice in Eric Scott Ruska kidnapper
1-29-18 Corrected sentencing memorandum Eric Scott Ruska
1-28-18 Sentencing memo upward departure Eric Scott Ruska kidnapper
1-17-18 Supplemental notice Eric Scott Ruska kidnapper

——-

In another federal court sentencing, Judge Jonker sentenced a Chippewa County man to 10 years in prison on Thursday for possession of child pornography.

In May 2017, 30-year-old Justin Matthew Daley of Sault Ste. Marie, MI was indicted by a federal grand jury on four felonies – three counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

The crimes occurred in October 2014, and in January and March of 2015.
Under a plea agreement, Daley pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child porno and the other cases were dropped by federal prosecutors.

He was busted following a U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigation during which when federal agents began communicating with Daley on a file sharing website.
Daley said he would share obscene videos of his “playful niece.”

He sent seven videos files involving prepubescent victims. Numerous videos and over 100 photos were seized on his computer including young kids involved in sexually sadistic and masochistic conduct.

2-8-18 Sentencing Justin Mathew Daley Soo Child Porno
5-17-17 Indictment Justin Mathew Daley Soo Child Porno
10-5-17 Plea Agreement Justin Mathew Daley Soo Child Porno

Also in federal court on Thursday:

An Upper Peninsula man was sentenced on Thurs., Feb. 8, 2018 for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael Scott Sanders of Munising, MI was sentenced to two years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker.

One released from prison, Sanders will be on three years supervised release and must submit to random drug testing. The charge stems from an Oct. 2016 arrest in Alger County involving a 9mm semi-auto pistol.

A second charge, possession of a gun with obliterated serial number, was dismissed as part of a plea bargain.

8-15-17 Michael Scott Sanders gun indictment

For those following the ongoing Marquette federal heroin trial of Bam the alleged Gwinn drug man – here are the latest filings as trial continues

Bam the alleged drug man

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

Derrick Garrell Samuels a/k/a “Bam” of Gwinn, MI

2-8-18 Bam the drug man govt. wants Amanda Jean Rush testify in heroin trial
2-8-18 Judge rules on testimony of Amanda Jean Rush in Bam Heroin trial

Scumbag Gwinn, MI heroin dealer Derrick Garrell Samuels convicted Friday: BAM GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES: PLUS URGENT URGENT URGENT – 30-year-old Jessica Lynn Tobias is NOT GUILTY !!!: 30-year-old Jessica Lynn Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI was cleared of being heroin dealer by a federal jury in Marquette, MI – Judge made it official on Wednesday – Free and clear of all charges – Jury hands huge loss to federal prosecutors who had guilty plea from a co-defendant – and video/audio tapes

URGENT URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-9-18 – 6:45 p.m. ET

GUILTY GUILTY – Dirt bag heroin dealer Derrick Garrell Samuels a/k/a “Bam”

Bam the drug man convicted - Scumbag heroin Derrick Garrell Samuels

Scumbag heroin Derrick Garrell Samuels

2-9-18 GUILTY Derrick Garrell Samuels aka Bam the Heroin Man 2

2-9-18 GUILTY Derrick Garrell Samuels aka Bam the Heroin Man

2-8-18 – 2 a.m. ET

Federal Jury returns not guilty verdict for Jessica Lynn Tobias of the Soo – Not guilty of being a heroin dealer

Accused heroin dealer acquitted by federal jury in Marquette, MI

NOT GUILTY Jessica Tobias 2

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

(Marquette, MI) – In a stunning not guilty verdict, a federal jury in Marquette, Michigan has declared that 30-year-old Jessica Lynn Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. was not a heroin dealer.

Chief United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker

Chief United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker

The federal jury verdict means Tobias is free and clear. The jury told the judge they had reached a verdict about 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday night, Feb. 6, 2018.

On Wednesday, the judge formerly dropped the charges – however Tobias was immediately released after the verdict.

The indictment is dismissed due to the jury acquittal.

It is a huge defeat for federal prosecutors after spending untold thousands on the trial.

In their arsenal of evidence, federal prosecutors had audio and videotapes/ Plus they had a co-defendant that pleaded guilty and testified against Tobias.

Her co-defendant – 27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Sault Ste. Marie, MI – has entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors and pleaded guilty to count one of the heroin conspiracy indictment. Gravelle will be sentenced on April 11, 2018 by Judge Jonker.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. He faces up to 20 years in a federal prison.

2-6-17 Judge rules on guilty plea 27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Tobias was found not guilty of the following indictment/charge:

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.

bam-the-alleged-drug-man.jpg

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

Also in federal court in Marquette, Mi is the trial this week of accused heroin dealer 42-year-old Derrick “Bam” Samuels of Gwinn, MI. This includes a list of exhibits and uncontested facts between Samuels and federal prosecutors. Here are the latest filings in past two days:

2-7-18 Uncontested facts 42-year-old Derrick Garrel Samuels of Gwinn MI.
2-6-18 Govt. Exhibit list 42-year-old Derrick Garrel Samuels of Gwinn
2-5-18 compel witness testimony

noT GUILTY Jessica Tobias 3NOT GUILTY Jessica Tobias 1

Read the verdict:

Jessica Tobias Not Guilty (1)

Jessica Tobias Not Guilty (2)

For more background:

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/federal-judge-makes-rare-saturday-ruling-in-case-of-jessica-tobias-and-a-omnibus-hearing-is-set-for-monday-in-the-trial-of-a-gwinn-man-charged-with-heroin-sales-also-issues-over-immunity-for-prosec/
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/29/two-big-heroin-cases-set-to-be-tried-in-marquette-federal-court-with-jury-selection-next-week-you-wont-believe-the-tons-of-heroin-dealing-records-just-released-by-federal-prosecutors-as-they-prep/

Federal Judge makes rare Saturday ruling in case of Jessica Tobias, and a omnibus hearing is set for Monday in the trial of a Gwinn man charged with heroin sales – also issues over immunity for prosecution witnesses.

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-4-18 – 4 p.m. ET – Update Federal Heroin Trial/Jury selection in Marquette, MI

Marquette federal heroin trials include many motions – and prompts Saturday ruling from a federal judge

Jessica Tobias 2

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

 

joseph Gravelle Mug shot 1

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

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433
(Marquette,MI) – In a rare Saturday ruling, a federal judge approved an admission of undisputed facts involving alleged heroin buys from a Soo woman who is on trial in Marquette Federal Court.

And sentencing set for co-defendant 27-year-old Joseph Gideon Gravelle of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. (scroll down a bit for those details), who will testify against accused heroin dealer 30-year-old Jessica Lynn Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Jury selection started last week in Marquette, MI in two back to back federal heroin trials in unrelated cases from the Soo and Gwinn.

In an unrelated trial that is scheduled before Tobias’s trial – is the case of “Bam” the alleged heroin man:

And the jury selection and federal trial of another alleged heroin dealer from Gwinn now involves immunity for prosecution material witnesses – who may refuse to testify or give false testimony to the jury.

An omnibus hearing is set for 8 a.m. ET in federal court for this Monday, Feb. 5. 2018 in the trial of Alleged Gwinn, MI heroin dealer 42-year-old Derrick “Bam” Garrel Samuels of Gwinn, MI.
There is also concern over other witnesses and self-incrimination – they are heroin suspects Russel Leslie Gustafson, Julaine Nicole Mankowsi, Katie Marie Seymour, and Sara Ann Turner.

“The government has reason to believe that one or more of these witnesses, upon being duly sworn, is likely to refuse to give or provide testimony on the basis of the privilege against self incrimination.,” a motion states.

Federal prosecutors have filed a motion asking the Asst. U.S. Attorney Lochner (7)croppedjudge “to issue an order compelling the testimony of Julaine Nicole Mankowski, Katie Marie Seymour and Sara Ann Turner.”

On Friday, a judge ruled Mankowski and Gustafson can testify with immunity for this trial.
It is not clear if the judge has granted immunity for Turner and Seymore, but likely would.

In the second unrelated case, accused heroin dealer 30-year-old Jessica Lynn Tobias of Sault Ste. Marie, MI is on trial for what could be a big part of her future life.
This after the judge denied a defense motion demanding to see the heroin allegedly sold by Tobias almost five years ago.

Chief United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker

Chief United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker

The judge did not see the value of ordering prosecutors to produce the actual heroin packages that would have been shown to the Tobias jury.
The rulings were made by Chief United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker.

Tobias is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Elizabeth A. LaCosse (above right) and Federal Public Defender Sharon A. Turek (above left).
The judge late last week approved the proposed new defense questions for prospective jurors including have they ever heard the word “snitch.”

Another defense question was would you believe the testimony of a convicted drug dealer. One more defense question is would you believe testimony from Tobias even though she is charged in a “criminal conspiracy.”

(Scroll down to read all the recent federal documents or download for free, U.P. Breaking News paid for them)

In the wake of the rulings, the defense has agreed with the prosecution on certain facts. It’s not clear what the defense strategy will be – as now they concede Tobias was involved in the heroin sales to undercover SANE agents. Possibly that the heroin buys were a pressured set-up that she was forced into.

Those facts – really admissions – were approved Saturday by Judge Jonker in a “stipulation of uncontested facts.”

Her co-defendant – Gravelle – has entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors and pleaded guilty to count one of the heroin conspiracy indictment.

Gravelle will be sentenced on April 4, 2018 by Judge Jonker.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. He faces up to 20 years in a federal prison.

Gravelle was bound over on December 22, 2015 on state charges of manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance and maintaining a drug house. Gravelle and was charged as an habitual offender.

Gravelle was one of 12 people busted on December 1 by the Tri-County Drug Enforcement TaskForce (TRIDENT). The state charges became federal charges, as often happens with U.P. drug probes.

Joseph Gideon Gravelle:
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

Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (SANE): SANE is a multijurisdictional drug task force team the investigates drug and criminal activity in Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, Luce, Mackinac, and Otsego Counties.

  • April 13, 2012 controlled purchase involving Tobias. SANE officers seized four small aluminum foil folded heroin bindles
  • May 24, 2012 controlled purchase from Tobias. SANE officers seized four small white paper folded heroin bindles
  • May 24, 2012 second controlled purchase involving Tobias. SANE officers seized three small white paper folded heroin bindles
  • June 26, 2012 controlled purchase involving co-defendant Joseph Gideon Gravelle. SANE officers seized a knotted plastic bag containing heroin – a light brown powder
  • July 24, 2012, controlled purchase involving co-defendant Joseph Gideon Gravelle. SANE officers seized a small knotted plastic bag containing heroin as a light brown powder

The heroin was verified in a Michigan State Police )MSP) lab by forensic scientist Karen S. Brooks, with Forensic Science Division of the MSP Controlled Substances Unit.

The federal prosecutors in the case are Assistant United States Attorney Paul D. Lochner (above right) and United States Attorney Andrew Byerly Birge (above left), Western District of Michigan.

Background: with lots of exhibits
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/29/two-big-heroin-cases-set-to-be-tried-in-marquette-federal-court-with-jury-selection-next-week-you-wont-believe-the-tons-of-heroin-dealing-records-just-released-by-federal-prosecutors-as-they-prep/
Read the motions, we paid for them, download for free:
Tobias admits stipulated facts with Tobias admissions 2-3-18
Tobias proposed supplemental voir dire 2-2-18
Tobias business records motion 1-24-17
Julaine Nicole Mankowsi immunity motion, ruling (1)
Julaine Nicole Mankowsi immunity motion, ruling (2)
Julaine Nicole Mankowsi immunity motion, ruling (3)
Omnibus Hrg 1-5-18 for Derrick Garrel Samuels of Gwinn, MI.
Derrick Garrel Samuels Change of plea hearing 1-22-18
Gravelle Sentenciing date set 1-18-17 for April 11, 2018
Plea Agreement report and recommendation Magistrate Judge Greeley to Judge Maloney 1-22-18
Plea agreement for 42-year-old Derrick Garrel Samuels of Gwinn, MI 1-4-18

 

 

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

 

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

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.

Drug Bust Houghton Upset news release.jpg


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.


gogebic-giant-banner-2

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.

Convicted drug dealer and burglar faces federal gun charges – and probe involves Dickinson County residents, and an Ishpeming drug suspect who allegedly conned an Ishpeming gun dealer

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 1-8-18 8 pm ET

ATF/MSP Bust: A “known” drug dealer and burglar has been busted by the feds on a firearms charge – and probe involves two Dickinson County residents, an Ishpeming drug suspect and gun shop

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

**This story is a thumbnail sketch on the probe – read or download your copy – hey we paid for it:
2018 Mqt Gun charge 1-6-18 (2)
2018 Mqt Gun charge 1-6-18 (1)

(Marquette, MI) – A convicted Dickinson County drug dealer and burglar has been charged in federal court at Marquette with illegal possession of handgun and ammo – in a lengthy saga involving several U.P. Counties and an Ishpeming gun dealer.

Kyle James Murray mug 1

29-year-old Kyle James Murray of Kingsford, MI is named in a felony criminal “information,” an initial charging tool used by federal prosecutors rather than an indictment. While court records show Murray having a Balsam St. address in Kingsford, his Facebook page states he is from Iron Mountain now living in Madison, WI.

Murray was paroled from Michigan state prison in July 2014 after serving five and one half years for two counts of controlled substance – delivery/manufacture of narcotics/cocaine during 2009 in Dickinson County, MI. Using others, Murray allegedly purchased a gun from Wilderness Sports in Ishpeming.

The case was cracked by lots of gumshoe work by Michigan State Police troopers, Dickinson County Sheriff’s department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)

Drug arrest 28-year-old Amber Jarvi, Ishpeming

28-year-old Amber Jarvi of Ishpeming, MI

Drug suspect Amber Jarvi of Ishpeming allegedly bought the weapon for Murray, whom one suspect called a Yooper “gun girl.

Jarvi told the ATF that she had test fired the weapon with her father and Murray in June 2017 at the Jarvi camp on a two-track road off Dishno Road – the Peshekee Grade road in the Michigamme area.

Murray is currently jailed at the Dickinson County Jail for felony resisting arrest and obstruction of a police officer. Murray pleaded guilty and was set to be sentenced today, Jan. 8, 2018 on that two-year felony.

During questioning by the ATF, Amber Jarvi “became emotionally unglued and starting screaming, crying and using profanity,” the federal complaint states.

Amber Jarvi was then arrested on an outstanding Marquette County Warrant after trying to leave the interview with the ATF.
Amber Jarvi, who is charged with numerous felonies including one charge involving a minor, has been the subject of a lengthy state and federal probe into alleged meth trafficking.

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/11/27/state-and-federal-upper-peninsula-drug-probe-leads-to-more-charges-including-delivery-to-a-minor-for-the-second-time-this-month-a-marquette-county-woman-is-booked-into-the-marquette-county-jail-on-d
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/upper-peninsula-drug-busts-continue-tonight-from-cities-like-ishpeming-ironwood-gwinn-and-menominee-mi

ATF agents also questioned Jarvi’s father, David Kestila of Ishpeming.
Others drug suspects mentioned as aiding in the case are 43-year-old Joshua Jay Mitchell of Kingsford and 35-year-old Bobby Jo Wagner of Vulcan, MI – who where both busted in the same Iron County hotel room – The Bigfoot Hideaway in Crystal Falls, MI. Troopers first made contact with the trio when someone called 911 to report a suspicious vehicle parked in the rear of the motel.

Bobby Jo Wagner mugshot 2

Bobby Jo Wagner

Wagner is in state prison after being sentenced in Oct. 2017 to 1-5 years for third-degree home invasion in Dickinson County. She pleaded no contest and was found guilty of the July 2015 burglary involving the theft of prescription drugs from a Vulcan, MI home. Wagner has been the subject of numerous U.P. news stories.

Murray was convicted in 2011 of two burglary-related felonies in Marinette County, Wisconsin including theft of movable property/special facts and burglary building/dwelling. Murray was convicted of burglaries in Dickinson and Iron County.

The weapon Murray allegedly possessed illegally is a Kel-Tech, Model P-11, 9 mm pistol – serial number ATR29 and 9 rounds of CCI 9 MM ammo.
A “mufti-convicted felon,” Murray allegedly “knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition” despite his criminal convictions and prison time.

The allegations involved the time period June 23-30, 2017. The criminal complaint was sworn to by ATF Agent James Petschke before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley on Jan. 5, 2018.

Other law enforcement who assisted in the case included ATF Agent Aaron Voogd. Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department Detective Lt. Derek Dixon and Michigan State Police Trooper Doug Weesner.

http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=977630
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kel-Tec_P-11

MDOC Number: 680462
Name: Kyle James Murray
Image Date: 5/21/2010
MDOC Status: Discharged
Discharge Date: 7/03/2014

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

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

Delta County vs Big Pharma, Chain Pharmacies graphic 1

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

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

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

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

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

Read or download the Delta County lawsuit:

Delta County vs Big Pharma, Chain Pharmacies (1)

Delta County vs Big Pharma, Chain Pharmacies (2)

 

The alleged bad guys:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

opioid crisis Chippewa County graphic.jpg

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).

Chippew lawsuit header

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.