Chassell Meth Case Arraignments

The case against two of the suspects who allegedly operated a meth lab in Chassell is moving forward.

25–year–old Nicole Saatio and 26–year–old Michael Newberry are charged with possession of methamphetamines or ecstasy and operating a laboratory involving methamphetamine.

Both charges are felonies and, if convicted, carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.

Saatio waived her arraignment in Houghton County Circuit Court.  The prosecution had described her as the least culpable of the four people believed to be involved in the operation.

She is out on bond after it was reduced in District Court.

Newberry appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all charges.  A request to have his bond also reduced was denied.

He’ll have to return to court in 30 days for a pre-trial conference.

The third suspect, 21–year–old Kendall Clifton, has a pending preliminary exam in 97th District Court.

The fourth, 22–year–old Kurtis Stough, is being held in the Marquette County Jail.