Baraga drug bust defendants appear in court

L’ANSE — Three of the 17 people involved in a large drug bust from December appeared in 97th District Court in L’anse this morning for preliminary exams.

55–year–old Brenda Maki, of Nisula decided to waive her right to a preliminary exam and her case will be bound over to Circuit Court. She was originally arraigned on charges of delivery or manufacture of suboxone, which is a 7–year, 2 thousand dollar felony.

73–year–old Warren Selden of Pelkie requested that his preliminary exam be adjourned for two weeks, in order to gather more evidence for his case. He was arraigned on delivery or manufacture of hydromorphone earlier this month. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and 25 thousand dollars.

41–year–old Thomas Bianco of Baraga also waived his right to a preliminary exam and will face a Circuit Court arraignment. He was originally charged with three counts of delivery or manufacture of suboxone. In addition, Bianco was charged with violating his probation by failing to complete his community service requirements. He stood mute on that charge and will have a hearing in 2 weeks.