MARQUETTE - The owner of businesses in Marquette and Houghton was arrested Friday felony charges alleging the unlawful delivery and manufacture of controlled substances.
According to the Marquette County Prosecutor's Office and the Marquette City Police Department, the Houghton man, whose name is being withheld pending arraignment, is charged with the unlawful delivery and manufacture of Pyrovalerone and JWH/250, both felonies with a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment and/or $10,000.
The suspect, who owns Backroom Obsessions in Marquette and Houghton, was arrested at the Houghton store by personnel from the Houghton City Police Department and Houghton County Sheriff's Office and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
The warrants, authorized by the Marquette County Prosecutor's Office, stemmed from a joint investigation by the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team and Marquette police.
In addition, the prosecutor's office has also filed a public nuisance complaint against the owner and the Marquette business, located on South Front Street, alleging they were engaged in the unlawful sale of controlled substances in violation of Michigan's Controlled Substances Act and that the actions significantly interfered with the public's health and safety.
Marquette County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Solka, at the request of the prosecutor's office, has also issued a temporary restraining order closing the Marquette business pending further proceedings. The order, which took effect Friday, temporarily declared the business to be a public and common law nuisance.
Solka also issued a permanent order of abatement enjoining the business and its owner from unlawfully selling controlled substances on the premises. A hearing before Solka has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 23.
Last February, the Marquette County Health Department issued an Emergency Order to Protect Imminent Danger to Health or Lives directed at the business and its owner based on the alleged sale of the products known as "white rush" and "bath salts," which officials said are highly dangerous when consumed by humans.
In early December, Marquette police and UPSET executed a search warrant at the store as part of an ongoing drug-related investigation. During the search, officials seized what police said were items of suspected illegal contraband, but made no arrests.
Johanna Boyle can be reached at 906-486-4401. Her email address is jboyle@miningjournal.net.