Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Thursday, May 7, two owners of a small local grocery store in Keokee, Kelly’s Grocery, were arrested after a lengthy investigation revealed 49-year-old Laura Kelly and 44-year-old William Kelly were selling drugs out of the store.
According to a news report at the Times News, the couple were arrested on multiple drug-related charges. Officers with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant on the grocery store on Thursday, and found a stolen gun among other weapons, narcotics, and what they referred to as a “significant” amount of cash, along with a large number of tools. The article did not specify what was meant by “tools.”
Authorities were able to secure a search warrant after a year-long investigation that involved surveillance, gathering informants, and drug transactions. Gary Parsons, Lee County Sheriff, said that it was difficult to get informants in the case due to the fact that Keokee is a small community where everyone knows everyone else.
Both Laura and William Kelly were charged with possession of schedule two narcotics with intent to sell, owning or maintaining a house of nuisance involving drugs, and possession of a firearm while distributing illegal narcotics. Because the grocery store was being used to distribute drugs, Stacy Muncy, a Lee County Commonwealth attorney, made the decision to seize the store.
In Michigan, possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to deliver can result in extremely harsh criminal penalties for those convicted. Schedule II substances include cocaine, methadone, Oxycodone, methamphetamines, and other drugs. The punishment an individual faces if found guilty depends on a number of factors, including his/her criminal history, and type and amount of drug involved. For instance, possession of less than 50 grams of these substances with intent to distribute/deliver may result in fines of up to $25,000 along with up to 20 years in prison. In cases involving more than 1,000 grams, offenders may face a maximum of life in prison.
Regardless of your situation, any drug crime can leave you with a criminal record and scarred reputation, not to mention possible loss of your freedom. Work with a skilled and aggressive Michigan drug crime attorney who is capable of obtaining good results, and who has a proven track record for winning.