Brandon Nertoli

SAULT STE. MARIE — An arrest has been made in a Chippewa County investigation involving a woman’s death in late February.

Brandon Nertoli, 31, of Sault Ste. Marie, has been arrested and charged with delivery of a controlled substance causing death in connection to a Feb. 20 incident in Dafter Township. On that occasion, troopers from the Michigan State Police post in Sault Ste. Marie responded to a report of a female believed by a 911 caller to be in cardiac arrest at a residence in Dafter Township. According to an MSP news release, troopers arrived at the residence and checked the woman for signs of life. However, it was determined she had been deceased for several hours prior to their arrival.

“This arrest was an important step in this case,” Lt. Ben Eckola, MSP Eighth District public information officer, said in the news release. “Troopers are continuing their work to hold those responsible for this death accountable.”

Drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, were observed at the scene. The subsequent investigation revealed the woman had been in contact with a local man and had purchased drugs from him leading up to that night. An autopsy later determined the cause of death to be a drug overdose involving fentanyl and methamphetamine, the press release noted.

On Wednesday, troopers from the MSP Sault Ste. Marie post, UPSET detectives, MSP Emergency Support Team personnel and Sault Tribe Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Nertoli’s residence, resulting in the arrest of the suspect and the seizure of methamphetamine and small quantities of prescription pills.

Troopers also seized $4,360 in U.S. currency, which is subject to forfeiture and $4,440 in counterfeit bills. The suspect was lodged in the Chippewa County Jail.

On Thursday, Nertoli was arraigned in the 91st District Court in Sault Ste. Marie on a charge of delivery of a controlled substance causing death. He was also arraigned as a habitual offender, which, if convicted, could result in enhanced penalties.

His bond was set at $100,000 cash/surety with additional conditions. If Nertoli posts bond, he will be subject to GPS monitoring and house arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 16.