Somsel
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
LUDINGTON — A 51-year-old woman was sentenced to 72 months (six years) to 40 years in prison for a conviction of delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 2.
April Lynn Somsel, who was on parole at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty to the charge, Oct. 22. Her sentence runs consecutively to any parole violation sanctions she receives. Somsel was a fourth-offense habitual offender, said Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand.
“A City of Ludington police officer responded to a citizen complaint,” said Prosecutor Hand. “At the conclusion of the investigation, the citizen making the complaint was found in possession of methamphetamine. When questioned, the citizen stated they had purchased the methamphetamine from April Somsel. Based on that and other information, a search warrant was obtained and executed at Somsel’s residence. Officers located a small amount of cash — consistent with the amount and denomination the citizen claimed to have used to purchase from Somsel; a digital scale with white residue; and a plastic bag with a small amount of methamphetamine. Somsel admitted to law enforcement to providing this citizen with methamphetamine.”
“The conviction in this case is the result of sound police work by members of the Ludington Police Department,” said the prosecutor. “Following the information provided, not only were they successful in seizing drugs from the consumer — they worked their way up the chain to determine the identity of the distributor in this situation. Dealers should take note of the severe consequences for distributing this dangerous and addictive drug. Selling even this small quantity of drugs resulted in a substantial prison sentence. Reducing the number of distributors is a step toward decreasing the availability of this poison for those who suffer from its addictive powers.
“‘Do not sell drugs in Mason County’ is the message that needs to be heard loud and clear.”
Somsel has prior convictions of home invasion, stealing/retaining a financial transaction device and third-offense domestic violence, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.
One count of methamphetamine possession was dismissed. She was also ordered to pay $198 in fines and costs.
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