Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Saturday, April 25, a routine traffic stop in Price, Utah for a minor traffic violation resulted in a drug bust and the arrests of three people, according to a news article at Fox 13. Police officers noticed drug paraphernalia in the back seat of the 2001 Pontiac Grand Am after pulling the vehicle over, which led to a search of the car.
Upon searching, authorities found several prescription drug pills, an ounce of heroin, five ounces of meth, more than $5,000 in cash, and a large folding knife.
There were four individuals in the vehicle at the time, three men and a woman, who has not been arrested. Those arrested include 39-year-old Jeremy Saccomanno of Spring Glen, 37-year-old Jeff Andrew Vigil of Price, and 41-year-old Christopher Gill of Helper, the driver of the vehicle.
Gill has a long criminal history involving drug offenses, weapons, and theft. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, possession of meth with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of a weapon by a restricted person, and traffic offenses.
Vigil was arrested on charges of possession of paraphernalia and a retail theft charge unrelated to the traffic stop. Saccomanno was arrested on charges of possession of paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.
As in most other states, the criminal penalties in Utah for these drug offenses depend on the type and amount of drug involved and the individual’s criminal history. In the state of Michigan, those convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute may face punishment which includes a maximum prison term of 20 years and fines of up to $25,000. Methamphetamine is a Schedule 2 drug. Heroin is a Schedule 1 drug; those convicted of possession with intent to deliver involving 1,000 grams or more could face up to life in prison, along with fines of as much as $1 million.
It is evident that drug crimes are punished harshly in every state. If you have been arrested for possession, manufacture, or distribution of any drug or illicit substance in the state of Michigan, it is imperative you contact an experienced Michigan drug crime attorney immediately in an effort to protect your legal rights and freedom, and to limit the damaging consequences to your life.