TC man charged with heroin, fentanyl-related crimes after March incident | News

Amos Joel Martin was arraigned on charges of delivery or manufacture of heroin and fentanyl less than 50 grams, possession of heroin and fentanyl less than 25 grams, use of a narcotic, heroin and fentanyl, for his connection with an incident on March 29 in Antioch Township, court records incidcate. A habitual offender third offense notice was added to the charges which carry a penalty of up to twice the maximum sentence on the primary offense.

If convicted, Martin faces up to 40 years and/or $50,000 in fines.

The charges are merely accusations and not evidence of guilt. Martin is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Troopers from the Seventh District Hometown Security Team stopped a car for speeding on M-115 near Elm Flats Road, also known as 21 1/2 Road, at nearly 5:30 p.m. on March 29, according to Monday’s press release from the Michigan State Police. The driver of the vehicle was determined to be Martin who was traveling north from the Saginaw area, police said.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and items believed to be related to the delivery of drugs were located in the vehicle including six individual packages or bindles of powder of suspected heroin, the release said. Two other larger baggies of suspected heroin also were found with syringes, police said.

In all, 5.3 grams of suspected drugs were found in the vehicle and troopers also found evidence to suggest the powder was laced with fentanyl, according to the release.

The powders of suspected drugs were sent to the state police’s forensic laboratory for examination and analysis. The lab found the presence of both heroin and fentanyl in one submitted item and the presence of fentanyl in another item, according to police.

As a result, the findings were sent to the Wexford County Prosecutor’s office and the felony warrant charging Martin was issued.

At the time of the March traffic stop, MSP Seventh District Public Information Officer Spl/Lt. Travis House said Martin was taken into custody because there was an additional investigation that needed to be followed up on. After the lab results came back and the other part of the investigation was completed, House said the warrant was issued for Martin’s arrest.

The Seventh District Fugitive Team located and arrested Martin on June 27 and he was lodged in the Wexford County Jail until his arraignment in the 84th District Court.

A $250,000 cash or surety bond was issued and a probable cause conference was scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 9.