News file photo Troy Wardlaw is pictured in the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena County. He is charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver 50 to 450 grams of cocaine and one count of weapons felony firearm.

ALPENA — Troy Wardlaw, 57, had a hearing in the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena on Monday where a motion filed by the defense to suppress evidence of a firearm was ultimately denied.

Wardlaw is charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver 50 to 450 grams of cocaine and one count of weapons felony firearm.

Wardlaw allegedly possessed 425 grams of crack cocaine and over $2,000 cash when he was arrested on Sept. 28. That amount equates to approximately one pound of cocaine.

He was given a $50,000 cash or surety bond. If found guilty, Wardlaw could face imprisonment for not more than 20 years, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.

Prosecuting Attorney Cynthia Muszynski said at Wardlaw’s arraignment in the 88th District Court last fall, that Wardlaw has allegedly made a lot of money off the addicts in the community.

Wardlaw posted bond and was released from jail on Oct. 6. He has since successfully completed 60 days in an addiction treatment facility, The News previously reported. Wardlaw waived preliminary examination on Dec. 2 in the 88th District Court and was then bound over to the 26th Circuit Court for Judge Ed Black to oversee the case from the bench.

At a hearing on May 5, Muszynski and Wardlaw’s defense attorney Bill Pfeifer agreed to set a trial date since a resolution is yet to be reached.

At Monday’s hearing, Pfeifer and Muzynski presented oral arguments regarding the motion to suppress evidence of a firearm found during a search warrant.

According to a text from Muszynski, Judge Black denied the motion, so evidence regarding the firearm can be presented at trial.

Wardlaw’s trial is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on July 22.

SENTENCINGS

James Dixon, 32, was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison with credit for 90 days served, according to MiCourt. Dixon was found guilty of two counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct — multiple variables in a jury trial in April.

John Miller, 45, was sentenced to 18 months to 7 years and 6 months in prison for one count of aggravated stalking. He pleaded guilty to that charge on June 1.

Kyle Kortman, 40, was sentenced to 12 months and one day to 10 years in prison for possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy and probation violation. He pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy on June 1.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at rvoetberg@thealpenanews.com or 989-358-5683.