Melissa Norton is facing charges in a drug death case in Wexford Co.
WEXFORD CO. -- A six month death investigation in Mesick has lead to the arrest of a Manistee County woman.
Melissa Norton, 32, of Wellston was arrested Thursday on a three count warrant for Delivery of a controlled substance causing death, Delivery of methadone and Delivery of fentanyl.
The charges stem from the death of Debra Lofton, who died on November 30, 2010 at her home in Mesick. The Traverse Narcotics Team said the initial investigation at the scene indicated the cause of death was a suspected drug overdose.
Further investigation by the TNT and Wexford County Sheriff's Office determined the death was related to the illegal delivery of prescription narcotics.
The Wexford County Undersheriff, Martin Dahlstrom, tells UpNorthLive.Com that the six month investigation went fairly smooth and methodical. The Undersheriff did say the two woman were acquaintances, but was not able to confirm if the drugs were prescribed to Norton.
Norton faces up to life in prison if convicted of the crimes. The Prosecutor's Office also tells UpNorthLive.Com that Norton is also being charged with being a habitual offender from a previous drug conviction. The charge enhances each possible sentence one and 1/2 times.
Norton will be back in court for a pretrial on May 24.
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