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Monroe
Prosecutor Beth Hand: “The amount of fentanyl possessed by Monroe is the most I have seen in my time here in Mason County,”
LUDINGTON – A drug dealer pleaded guilty just as opening arguments of his jury trial were set to begin Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Matthew Steven Monroe, 31, was charged with five counts including felonies possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver 50 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to deliver less than 50 grams of cocaine and misdemeanors operating a vehicle without insurance and operating a vehicle with an improper plate.
The charges arose from a traffic stop by the Michigan State Police on May 16, 2024, according to Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand.
“Monroe’s car was impounded because it was uninsured and when searched officers found approximately eight ounces of methamphetamine, eight (8) ounces of fentanyl and 40 grams of cocaine in the trunk,” Hand said.
Monroe’s case was set for trial in 51st Circuit Court at the Mason County Courthouse beginning Wednesday.
“Following jury selection, the court recessed for lunch,” Hand said. “Upon return, Monroe changed his plea from not guilty to one of guilty as charged on all counts as a habitual second offender.”
Monroe has no plea agreement with the prosecutor. He is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 28.
“The amount of fentanyl possessed by Monroe is the most I have seen in my time here in Mason County,” Hand said. “There are 28.3 grams in each ounce; multiply that by eight for the methamphetamine and fentanyl, and we are talking about a significant quantity of these illegal and dangerous drugs. Drugs are frequently sold to users in gram or half gram quantities (sometimes more, sometimes even less). Had Monroe not been stopped, the number of people who would have been affected by these oftentimes fatal drugs would have been staggering.
“Drug dealers who think they can bring this poison into our county should think again. I intend to hold them accountable and see that they are punished to furthest extent of the law.”
Hand said the investigation and prosecution was a joint effort of the Michigan State Police, the State, Sheriff, Chief Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT), a multi-jurisdictional drug task force, and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.
“As always, I deeply appreciate the effort and dedication of our law enforcement in getting drugs off our streets and making our county a safer place to live and work.”
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