Crystal meth suspect arraigned
HOUGHTON — An Atlantic Mine man is charged with two felonies after he was arrested earlier this week by Deputies of the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department.
Steven John Ruotsala, 47, was arraigned in 97th District Court on one count of Delivery or Manufacture of Meth, a 20 year felony, and one count of Felony Domestic Violence—3rd offense, punishable by 5 years in prison. Ruotsala was taken into custody early Wednesday morning after law enforcement responded to a domestic violence complaint, then discovered a “substantial amount” of crystal meth during the investigation.
Prosecutor Michael Makinen said there was about seven grams worth of meth believed to have been obtained from a source in Wisconsin and meant for sale here. Makinen said that means federal authorities may become involved in the case.
Ruotsala is currently lodged in the Houghton County Jail. Bond was set at $1 million.
A probable cause conference is scheduled to be held in 14 days and a preliminary exam in 21 days.