Home U.P. News Updates Copper Country Man Faces Trial Early Next Year on Multiple Drug Charges

Copper Country Man Faces Trial Early Next Year on Multiple Drug Charges

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Trial expected early next year for Copper Country man on drug charges

MARQUETTE, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News) – The case involving drug charges against a former Copper Country business owner is expected to go to trial early next year.

46-year-old Michael Jestila of Houghton is charged with possession of 50 to 449 grams of cocaine, heroin or other narcotics, a 20-year felony, and a two-year felony possession charge. Similar charges against Jestila were dismissed in Marquette County after a plea deal.

The Houghton County Prosecutor is waiting for evidence to be evaluated by the Michigan State Police and also needs time to interview possible witnesses from Marquette and State Police investigators from downstate.

Jestila’s attorney said his client plans on challenging the validity of the search warrant carried out at Backroom Multi-Entertainment in Houghton in December.  Police said the search yielded dozens of packets of materials that tested positive for chemicals commonly contained in bath salts, as well as mushrooms.

A motion also will be filed calling for the return of Jestila’s personal property seized in the search that the defense says is not relevant to the case against him.

Another pretrial hearing is possible in early November.  The trial is expected to be scheduled in late January or early February.

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