Seven Suspects Face Multiple Felony Charges
EMMET COUNTY -- Seven people are behind bars after authorities found a methamphetamine lab in an Emmet County home.
On Tuesday, February 16th, the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement responded to a residence on 1162 Tower Road in Harbor Springs. Inside they found a full functional and active meth lab and firearms. A minor lived inside the home with his mother. The 15-year old is in protective custody.
Arrested were Brian Haag, Christopher Greenier, Maribeth Lauer, Karen Bergey, and Matthew Stoll, and two other suspects currently on probation. Haag is charged with 11 felonies including possession of controlled substances, firearm offenses, and maintaining a drug house. Bergey is charged with eight felony counts including operating/maintaining a laboratory in the presence of a minor. Stoll is charged with 13 drug related offenses including felony firearm.
Greenier is charged with four felonies and one misdemeanor including two drug and three firearm offenses. Lauer is charged with two felony drug offenses.
Emmet County Sheriff, Peter Wallin says “Not only are they dangerous, but you get these people that have these meth labs and when they're done, they just throw it in garbage in the backyard. The contamination alone is just unbelievable."
Authorities say they’ve seen an increase in meth labs recently.
Sheriff Wallin says “Are there more? It’s possible. Is it a trend? Could be. There have been three in the last week. One in Marquette, one in Indian River, and now this one in Emmet County.”
The sheriff adds that a lot of time and money goes into these drug busts.
Wallin says "These sites are hazardous and dangerous. The clean up alone can reach up to $50,000 that's why we call in the experts like SANE. They were at the site for 14 hours cleaning it up."
The investigation is still open. The suspects are awaiting a preliminary hearing.
