STING
Strike Team Investigative Narcotics Group
State/County/Local
Multijurisdictional Task Force
2006 Annual Activity Report
2006 STING Board of Directors
Sheriff
Kirk Wakefield
Sheriff
Michael Larrison
Sheriff
Fran Staley, Board Chairman
City
of
Robert
Woolever, Council Member
City
of West Branch
Chief
Rodger Williams
Richard
Meyer,
Chief
Robert Lavack
Captain
Charles Bush, Division Commander, SID
Captain
Tim C. Rod, 7th District Headquarters
Captain
Dan Miller, 3rd District Headquarters
F/Lt.
Jeff Anthony, Post Commander, West Branch
F/Lt.
Pat Boyd, Post Commander,
F/Lt.
Robert Lesneski, Post Commander,
Board Chairman Comments
This
past year has been a challenging one for everyone in law enforcement.
I am glad to report that our Team has had a successful year and I
look forward to 2007 with enthusiasm.
The
Team is now operating in Crawford, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and
The
Team added 2
investigators this past year. I
wish to thank F/Lt. Patrick Boyd,
Again,
I want to congratulate the Team on a very productive, successful year.
Keep up the good work!
Sheriff Fran Staley
Sheriff Fran Staley, Roscommon County
Chairman
STING Executive Board
Unit Commander’s Comments
Once
again, we wrap up another year. I
want to thank all that have supported us in the past and look forward to
your support for the upcoming year. Without
your support, we might not be here!
We
have worked diligently this year to provide timely service to our citizens
and to communicate with those we work so closely with.
Without these relationships our jobs would be much more difficult.
We
saw significant increases in complaints, arrests and seizures in 2006.
This is a result of the dedicated, hard working officers on the
Team. I cannot tell you enough
how impressed I am with the work ethics and commitment these men and women
have. Unfortunately,
these increases are indicative of the willingness of a certain part of our
population to risk jail to sell drugs.
I
personally thank F/Lt. Lesneski and F/Lt. Boyd for their vital support.
They have worked closely with me and I truly appreciate their help.
I
would also like to thank the members of the STING Board for their support
and cooperation. Without
this group effort, we couldn’t exist.
I
look forward to another successful year.
Please feel free to contact me; if you don’t, I will probably end
up on your doorstep anyway!
D/Lt Jeff Keister
D/Lt Jeff Keister
Unit Commander
STING
2006 Significant Cases
Crawford
County/Grayling
STING
narcotics conducted an investigation on a potential meth lab.
In
January, suspects purchased multiple items commonly used to produce
methamphetamine at the Glens Market and Walmart Store in
Suspects
collectively purchased the following items:
(2)
packages of “Sudafed” (20 tab count) which contain pseudoephedrine.
(7)
packages of “Actifed” (24 tab count) which contain pseudoephedrine.
(3)
packages of Diamond match books.
(6)
bottles of hydrogen peroxide.
(1)gallon
of camp fuel.
(2)gallons
of acetone.
(1)dust
mask.
(3)funnels.
(4)bottles
of gasoline antifreeze.
(2)propane
tanks
(1)item
of paint rags
Witness(s)
stated that suspects had been in Glens Market (West Branch) in earlier
months and had purchased approximately eight or more boxes of “Sudafed”
at one time. These items are
commonly used to produce meth in a clandestine type lab.
Suspects have traveled a great distance just to purchase items that
could have been commonly found closer to home.
STING
officers contacted suspect at his/her home in reference to the meth lab.
Suspect admitted there was a meth lab in his/her travel trailer on
the property. A search warrant
was obtained and executed. Suspected
methamphetamine, marijuana, a firearm, and suspected methamphetamine lab
components were found.
During
the interview with the suspect another subject was implicated to be the
“cook” of the meth lab. This
suspect was named as the primary person using this meth lab.
On
The
first suspect was also arrested.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Crawford
County/Grayling Township
STING
was contacted in February by a CI to purchase marijuana.
STING officers met the CI at a location then proceeded to purchase
approximately 28 grams of suspected marijuana for $175.00.
A
second buy was conducted, in May, by STING Officers who met with the CI
again to purchase narcotics. The
suspect was away from the residence for a brief period, but we could obtain
narcotics from the residence. STING
officers and the CI arrived at the residence.
Officers purchased a plastic bag containing approximately 6.9 grams
of suspected marijuana for $60.00 of prerecorded STING money.
Same
suspect(s), different case, STING officers arranged to purchase marijuana.
Sting officers drove to a driveway/parking area in the City of
Suspect
advised that he/she had been selling plastic bags “all day”.
Suspect
has been arrested and charged on both cases.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
February,
CI advised STING that he/she could purchase Crack Cocaine at a residence.
CI purchased approximately 1.1 grams of suspected crack cocaine for
$100 from the suspect.
Suspect
lives down state and frequently visits the
Suspect
arrested again, this time for delivery/manufacture cocaine.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
STING
officers met with CI who said he/she could buy pills from suspect.
We went to his/her residence and bought 10 Vicodin and 10 Fiorocet.
Same
suspect, different case, officers called suspect
and asked if he/she had any pills for sale. Officers went to his/her
residence and bought 20 Darvocet.
Suspect
arrested for two counts of delivery to a minor.
Officers received a fax from DHS advising that they intended to visit
the suspects residence.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Iosco
County/Plainfield Township
March,
STING officers were contacted by a CI. He/she
advised that within the last 24 hours, he/she had been to a residence North
of Hale on M-65. While at the
residence, the CI had observed a quantity of white powder that he/she knew
to be cocaine. CI advised that
while at the residence, he/she observed one narcotics transaction in which
cocaine was exchanged for cash. The
CI also reported that he/she observed people at the residence
"snorting" the cocaine with a straw.
CI reported that two were at the residence while this was occurring.
A
search warrant was obtained and served at the residence.
Items seized were: scales, money, 11.2 grams of marijuana and 8.8
grams of cocaine.
A
warrant was obtained for the suspect for one count Controlled Substance -
Possession with Intent to Deliver (Cocaine) and for one count of Possession
of Marijuana. Suspect has been
arrested.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Crawford
County/Grayling
End
of March, STING officers met with a CI who advised that he/she could
purchase a gram of cocaine from suspect in Grayling.
Suspect was not home, but another suspect was at the residence and
said that he/she could get the cocaine for the CI.
The CI did not know the second suspect so he/she went to a bar in
downtown and told first suspect that he/she wanted to purchase a gram of
cocaine. Suspect said that
his/her partner was at the house and he/she would sell him/her a gram of
cocaine. The CI went back to the
residence and bought 1.5 grams cocaine.
Different
case, same suspect - STING was contacted by a CI who advised that he/she had
observed a quantity of cocaine at residence in Grayling.
He/she advised that they saw what appeared to be large masses of
cocaine in baggies in the upstairs bedroom.
The CI said that he/she was in the residence within the last 24
hours. The CI also saw what
appeared to be lines of cocaine and knife blades in the bedroom on the
dresser. The CI was concerned
because the house was so close to the school.
This
CI has provided credible information in the past regarding the trafficking
of narcotics; specifically cocaine. Based
on the CI's information, a search warrant was executed on the residence.
DHS contacted.
Items
seized were: Approx. $2,000, safe, 56.8 grams of cocaine, razor blades, 2
grams marijuana, scale and two vehicles.
Three
suspects arrested.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ogemaw
County/Goodar Township
April,
STING was contacted by a subject who advised that a suspect was selling
prescription pills on behalf of his/her parents.
The CI reported that suspect was collecting the money, and then
making deposits in her parents bank account.
Parents live in Gladwin
The
CI contacted STING and advised that he/she could purchase a quantity of
prescription pills from suspect at suspect’s residence. Suspect was
selling Vicodin for $3.00 each.
CI
purchased 30 Vicodin pills.
A
second buy was conducted and the CI purchased 10 Lortab pills.
A
search warrant was executed, on another case – same suspect.
Items seized: 5.9 grams
marijuana, money and 107 more pills were seized.
Suspect was arrested. DHS
was contacted.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ogemaw
County/Rose City
On
Based
on the CI's past credibility, and the "fresh" information
regarding suspect’s residence, and search warrant was prepared and served
on suspect's residence.
Marijuana
was found in a dresser, under couch cushions and on the person.
A total of ½ pound of marijuana was found.
Officers forfeited $288, video surveillance system and a loaded
shotgun. Suspect has had prior
convictions. Suspect was later
located and arrested.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Crawford
County/Grayling
On
On
Suspect
was lodged in
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Roscommon
County/Roscommon Township
STING
was contacted by a CI that stated they could purchase marijuana and possibly
cocaine. The CI informed they
had spoken to suspect and was advised to stop by and get it. STING officers
and the CI went to residence, waited for 2nd suspect then
exchanged marijuana for $100.
Both
suspects were arrested, both suspects had numerous related B & E
complaints.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Iosco
County/Oscoda Township
In
a separate case, also on
Four
suspects arrested on these complaints.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ogemaw
County/Rose City
STING
Officers were contacted by a CI who advised that on
Suspect
arrested for delivery/manufacture marijuana.
This
second complaint, in May, was initiated when we received information that an
active confidential informant (CI) had arranged to obtain prescription
medication on his own behalf. STING
currently has open investigations ongoing with suspect B as the CI.
Suspect B had done a controlled purchase of prescription medication
from other suspect A; above paragraph. Within
the last week, D/Sgt. Wiley was contacted by a female, suspect A’s
ex-wife. She wished to report
that suspect A was selling his prescription medication, and would be filling
a new prescription on
With
this information STING anticipated a telephone call from Suspect B.
It was Thursday,
Suspect
B arrested with possible enhanced charge being within 1,000 feet of school
property.
A
third complaint, in September, officers received a call from female advising
that her ex-husband, suspect A, was again selling his prescription
medication. Female had also been
source of information on a prior incident involving suspect A’s sale of
his prescription medication.
STING
had also arrested suspect A for selling his
Female
informed officers that a couple of weeks ago, she had allowed suspect A to
move into her residence on a temporary basis.
Suspect A and female have a teenage son together who lives with
female. Female states that
suspect A continues to sell his prescription medication, with several of the
sales occurring at her residence.
Female
told officers that suspect A was scheduled to visit his new doctor in
Standish on
Surveillance
was done on the residence, the blue vehicle was spotted.
A traffic stop was initiated, subjects were talked to, 7
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Iosco
County/AuSable Township
On
Suspect
arrested in August for delivery/manufacture Cocaine.
A
few days later on
On
Officers
met with the CI at a secluded meet site.
The CI advised that he/she had "ordered" two 50's from
suspect. This meant he/she was
to purchase two $50.00 packets of heroin. The
CI was provided with $100.00 of pre-recorded MSP buy money.
Surveillance
was provided. CI purchased .2
grams of Heroin.
Suspect
was arrested again in January.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Roscommon
County/Roscommon Township
STING
officers were contacted by a CI who stated that he/she could purchase
various narcotics such as cocaine, marijuana, and subscription pills form a
suspect in
Suspect
arrested in June for delivery/manufacture Cocaine.
A
second case on
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ogemaw
County/Mills Township
In
June, STING officers met with suspect in
Suspect
was arrested on December 26 after a traffic stop.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ogemaw
County/Hill Township
The
Bay Area Narcotics Team received an anonymous letter on
STING
officers immediately recalled handling a complaint in February 2000
involving the arrest of Neil Price for receiving methamphetamine from
Officers
searched AICS for past STING reports involving Samantha Wayne and found a
December 2002 complaint; STG-124-02. In
that complaint, Samantha Wayne was living in the Hale area and was involved
in arranging to have FedEx packages containing methamphetamine, mailed to
various residences in the Hale area. That
investigation, by D/Sgt. Randy Barnes, resulted in Samantha Wayne being
arrested for conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine.
Her criminal history shows a conviction for possession of a
controlled substance less than 25 grams for which she was sentenced to 9
months in the
STING
contacted a FedEx employee at the Freeland facility, with the 4 addresses
listed in the anonymous letter, as well as last name associated with those
addresses.
On
As
a result of the call from FedEx, STING contacted Tpr. Joe Labelle at the Bay
City MSP post. Tpr. Labelle is
the canine unit at the Post. We
arranged for him to meet us at the FedEx in Freeland at about
As
a result of this check, we did not have probable cause or enough information
to obtain a search warrant and check the package.
We advised Bob that we would not be seizing the package, and
requested if any more packages are found going to our target addresses from
On
STING
officers contacted the Bay City Post, and requested a Trooper obtain
possession of the package from Robert at the Freeland FedEx office.
Trooper Pennoni took possession of the package from Robert, and
Trooper Zinz, of the West Branch Post, obtained possession from the Bay City
Post. Tpr. Zinz transported the
package to the West Branch Post where STING officers retrieved it from a
property locker.
Officers
found that the package had contained a standard white letter sized envelope
addressed to
STING
officers opened the plastic containing the powder, and found it be appear to
be consistent with the drug methamphetamine or "ice".
The powder contained small pieces of clear, hard chunks like small
ice chips. Officers tested a
small portion of the powder, and received a positive test for
methamphetamine.
Since
the recipient on
Officers
prepared an anticipatory search warrant for the residence.
Based on training and experience, people to use illegal narcotics,
often have additional illegal narcotics in their residences.
Officers also wished to search for any money orders that may show an
occupant of the residence had sent money to
One
of our STING officers was used to make the delivery of the FedEx package.
He used a plain mini van. He
was met in the yard by a male subject who signed for the package.
There was also a younger w/m outside the residence.
The undercover officer said that prior to the suspect signing for the
package, the undercover officer read the name from the package and asked
Nick "Are you Samuel Hoover?", Suspect replied "Yes",
and signed for the package. The
undercover officer stayed in the van long enough to observed both males
enter the residence.
STING
officers waited approximately 3 to 5 minutes, and drove to the residence
from just around the corner to serve the search warrant.
Tpr. Gough was with us to provide a uniform presence.
While STING members were approaching the front door, one suspect was
on the front deck. He was
ordered to the ground and handcuffed.
STING
members entered the residence where a second white male was secured just
inside the front door. STING officers observed the FedEx package on the
kitchen counter.
STING
officers seized .6 grams of methamphetamine, 27 marijuana plants and 11.3
grams of marijuana. Two suspects
were arrested.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Iosco
County/AuSable Township
STING
officers arrested him on a single count of Possession of Marijuana with the
Intent to Deliver.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Iosco
County/AuSable Township
On
In
November, two warrants were obtained for the suspect.
These warrants were served on the suspect who happened to be lodged
on related charges.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ogemaw
County/West Branch Township
Evelyn
provided suspect name and address, as well as his vehicle registration plate
he used when he registered. A
LEIN check showed suspect to have an address in Alger.
This residence is located within 15 miles of the hotel.
LEIN also showed suspect to have a Bench Warrant for his arrest out
of
The
situation involving suspect sounded like narcotics were being sold from the
room. It was even more suspicious when officers learned that suspect lived
"local" and had spent in excess of $2200.00 in the last 3 months
to use a hotel room.
Based
on the warrant, officers completed an anticipatory search warrant for the
Quality Inn, room #118, only be executed if surveillance placed suspect in
room #118. STING contacted
Danielle Woletz and received room keys to room #115, across the hall from
#118. Officers spent time in the
room, and observed suspect and a younger female arrive at room #118.
STING
officers met and reviewed a diagram of the hotel and a SOS picture of the
suspect. STING officers went
back to room #115 to do surveillance. Suspect
was seen leaving room #118. While
waiting for a uniform officer, officers observed Suspect and another white
male returning to the hotel. Officers
decided to contact them as they entered their room.
The suspect was arrested. A
search was done on the room and officers seized 134.2 grams of marijuana.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ogemaw
County/Rose City
STING
officers asked the female if the boyfriend was also selling the pills.
The female stated that he was, and that he was selling 80 milligram
pills for $40 each. The female
stated that she was so concerned about the well being of her step-daughter,
that she was willing to introduce an officer to the boyfriend to "get
him off the street".
A
purchase of Oxycontin's involving an undercover officer was arranged.
A STING officer purchased 6 Oxycontin pills and 4 grams of marijuana.
The
delivery of the marijuana and the oxycodone occurred less than 500 feet from
the
On
On
STING
officers conducted a consent search on a residence.
The suspect gave the location of where he hid the money – it
wasn’t there. A search
was done of a vehicle seen leaving the residence.
Another subject was found to be carrying over $1,000.
A
search warrant was executed in September on a
On
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *