Monroe
LUDINGTON — A 62-year-old man who was scheduled for trial for multiple drug offenses changed his plea from not guilty to guilty last week. David James Monroe was charged in four separate cases by Mason County Prosecutor Beth Hand including delivery of fentanyl causing the death of 52-year-old William Willoughby of Ludington. Other offenses included two counts of possession of less than 25 grams of fentanyl and bringing a controlled substance into a correctional facility (the Mason County Jail). He was also charged with being a habitual offender.
Willoughby died on May 23, 2024.
William Willoughby
Monroe’s trial in 51st Circuit Court ,at the Mason County Courthouse, was scheduled to begin today, Sept. 22.
According to Mason County Prosecutor Beth Hand, the charge of delivery of a controlled substance causing death carries a penalty of up to life in prison, adding that she has not offered a sentencing agreement.
Monroe was charged in four separate cases which occurred at various times between May 2, 2024 and Aug. 12, 2024.
“The cases were trial ready, and the prosecution was prepared to proceed,” Hand stated in a press release. “The plea in these cases brings the family and friends of the victim one step closer to closure. The family members of the victim will have an opportunity to speak to the court at sentencing to explain to the judge how the death of their loved one has impacted their lives.”
“The victim’s death is tragic. This case is just one more example of how dangerous fentanyl is to our community,” Hand said. “People who deliver drugs know that they take the risk that the drugs they peddle may result in ending a human life. If it does, they need to be held accountable. Society needs to deter people from delivering drugs and that is one reason this charge carries such as a severe penalty. As the prosecutor of this county, I want dealers to know this and understand the potential outcome of their actions.”
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