ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Two Wilson men facing multiple drug charges appeared in court for preliminary examinations on Thursday. However, with evidence still coming in, those proceedings were delayed.
In February, law enforcement arrested Colton Brunette and Tristan Halfaday during a traffic stop. Police found nearly 200 grams of cocaine, more than 100 grams of fentanyl, 101 grams of ecstasy, tabs of acid and ketamine, gabapentin and amphetamine pills, and psilocybin mushroom. Officers also discovered $13,503 and found Halfaday to be illegally in possession of a handgun and ammunition.
Days later, Brunette was arraigned on four counts of conspiracy with intent to deliver or manufacture controlled substances. On Thursday, County Prosecutor Lauren Wickman told a judge that forensic evidence in Brunette’s case is still being analyzed by the Michigan State Police.
Wickman dismissed the case against Brunette and said she intends to refile the charges once all evidence is able to be presented in court. Brunette’s attorney did not object to the dismissal. As a result, the judge said that Brunette would be processed out of jail.
Halfaday is being charged with eight counts, including a felony firearm charge. On Thursday, the case against Halfaday was adjourned until May as the prosecution and defense await the return of forensic evidence.
WZMQ 19 will continue to follow these cases as they develop.
