Meth Arrest Leads to Conviction

From the Office of Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz

Alert work by the Michigan State Police resulted in the discovery of several grams of methamphetamine in rural Newburg Township of Cass County on April 5, 2020.  

As a result of that investigation, drug user Betsy Collins was charged with possession of methamphetamine.  Her trial began on May 3, 2022.  A Cass County Jury found Collins guilty of this offense earlier today.  

Jury selection and the presentation of testimony began on Tuesday morning.  State Police Trooper Alex Sussdorf and Detective Joshua Ashlock established that on April 5, 2020, Collins was the rear-seat passenger in a Cadillac Deville that was pulled over for driving without insurance.  A search of the vehicle revealed that there were approximately 4 grams of methamphetamine hidden in a cigarette pack which was in the seat cubby directly in front of Collins.  

Assistant Prosecutor Tom Hubbert tried the case and argued Collins was constructively possessing the methamphetamine found directly in front of her.  Evidence presented at trial also established that Collins admitted to the officers that she used methamphetamine.

The jury began deliberations shortly before 4:30 PM and were sent home after an hour of deliberations.  They returned the following morning and reached a decision at approximately 10:00 AM.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz praised law enforcement after the verdict, indicating that “Diligent police work makes a difference.  Unlike past decades, most meth now comes from Cartel processing centers.  The road from Mexico to a thousand places like Cass County is littered with mayhem, human trafficking and even death.  If you are selfish enough to imbibe, you are part of the problem.  We want you in jail.”

Collins is scheduled for sentencing on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 8:30 a.m.  She faces a maximum sentence of 10 Years in prison and/or a fine of $15,000.00.  Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman will preside.