Brown City Banner

5 busted for cocaine, pills; meth lab site investigated







Ashley Kollias

Ashley Kollias

Four individuals were arraigned in 73rd District Court on drug-related charges Friday, and a fifth person on Monday, following arrests by the Sanilac County Drug Task Force.

Meanwhile, the task force has reported the discovery of a meth lab site just outside the village of Peck.

Four of the suspected drug dealers were arrested Thursday evening in connection with 2 unrelated investigations.

Kevin Porter, 23, of Carsonville, and Ashley Kollias, 22, of Deckerville are charged in 2 cases involving 2 counts each of manufacture/delivery narcotics or cocaine less than 50 grams. The pair, who are boyfriend and girlfriend according to the drug task force, are scheduled for preliminary exams Aug. 5.

In a separate case, Julie Kavalick, 54, of Croswell and Heather Brenzier- Johnson, 33, of Croswell were charged with controlled substance – delivery and manufacture Schedule 1,2 3 (prescription drugs). The pair, who are mother and daughter according to the task force, are also scheduled for preliminary exams Aug. 5.

Kevin Porter

Kevin Porter

The fifth suspect was arrested over the weekend and arraigned Monday afternoon. Philip Roll, 21, of Lexington is charged with delivery/ manufacture narcotics or cocaine less than 50 grams. He is scheduled for a preliminary exam Aug. 7.

The arrests were part of “an ongoing investigation into heroin, cocaine and prescription drug sales in Sanilac County,” said DTF Sgt. Paul Rich.

“There are several more that we plan to arrest in this investigation… This all started with citizen tips, and we also received a lot of information from our area police departments about these individuals.”

The arrests reflect the changes that have been occurring in drug trafficking in the area, according to Jim Johnson, director of the Sanilac County Drug Task Force.

“Most sales to residents of Sanilac County have traditionally come from the user traveling to the major city areas to obtain their drugs or from outside sources traveling to make the drug sales,” said Johnson.

Heather Brenzier- Johnson

Heather Brenzier- Johnson

“To have residents of Sanilac County not only use illegal drugs, but to be selling them for a profit or to cover their own drug habit costs is cause for concern. Anyone who chooses to sell heroin, cocaine, meth or prescription drugs to others are dealers and need to be addressed.”

Meanwhile, the task force is investigating a meth lab site discovered by an Elk Township fireman.

According to Rich, the fireman observed materials used in making methamphetamine in a pole barn that’s under construction in the 400 block of East Peck Road, just west of Peck.

Rich, who is also the chief of police in Peck, said the fireman had received training from the task force on recognizing meth components. When he saw the materials last Thursday afternoon, “he realized it was serious and notified us.”

With the assistance of the St. Clair County Drug Task Force, the site was tested and confirmed as a meth lab site. The materials along with any toxic items and other possible evidence were removed from the scene. “We do have a suspect,” said Rich. “Charges will be sought.”

Julie Kavalick

Julie Kavalick

The property owner was not aware of the meth operation, Rich said.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.