Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
A recent article at the Northwest Indiana Times revealed that 47-year-old Dawn Maxson was arrested on October 29 for selling drugs in a Kmart parking lot, and is now charged with seven felony drug counts. Maxson is a LaPorte County deputy coroner, however she has been suspended from her duties without pay pending the outcome of her criminal case.
On Thursday, Maxson was arrested for allegedly selling a narcotic painkiller; the drug she was selling in the Kmart parking lot was said to be hydromorphone, a morphine derivative. Maxson was arrested by officers from the LaPorte Police Dept., Indiana State Police, and Sheriff’s Office which comprises the Metro Operations Unit. She was charged at that time with felony dealing a schedule I, II, or III controlled substance.
Since the initial charge, Maxson has been charged with six additional counts involving the sale of 7 to 15 hydromorphone pills for between $50 and $100, and the sale of six Norco pills for $130. The initial charge involved the sale of 70 hydromorphone pills in the Kmart parking lot for $500.
Court documents indicate the Maxson began making the drug transactions in August, with most of the deals taking place inside her apartment at The Commons. Some of the deals were made outside other business locations in LaPorte. Maxson was caught when she sold drugs to a confidential informant who was under surveillance by narcotics investigators.
Maxson did have legal prescriptions for a legitimate medical condition she suffers from, but sold a portion of the narcotics. Her arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday November 4. All of the charges against Maxson are classified as felonies.
Selling or distributing controlled or prescription drugs can result in life-changing consequences for those who are found guilty. In the state of Michigan, anyone who is convicted of possession of schedule I or II drugs with the intent to deliver or distribute those drugs (including marijuana, LSD, Hydrocodone, methadone, Oxycodone, and other substances) may face criminal penalties which include substantial prison time and hefty fines. For example, the sale of between 50 and 450 grams of a schedule I or II substance may result in fines of up to $250,000 and/or 20 years in prison. Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication in the same class with Oxycodone and morphine.
If you have been arrested or charged with selling prescription painkillers, your freedom and future are in jeopardy. It is imperative you work with a highly qualified Michigan drug crimes lawyer who will protect your legal rights first and foremost, and work to develop a solid, effective legal defense.