NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
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BENZIE COUNTY - On Jan. 4, 2024, deputies from the Benzie County Sheriff's Office responded to a suspected overdose death at a residence in Colfax Township. A 59-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives from the Traverse Narcotics Team (TNT) were contacted and assisted the sheriff’s office with the investigation. A suspect was quickly developed through interviews and other investigative resources. The Benzie County Prosecutor’s Office issued a three-count felony warrant for the arrest of 28-year-old James Joseph Smith of Interlochen.
On Jan. 11, Smith was taken into custody near his residence by troopers from the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post and lodged at the Benzie County Jail. Smith was arraigned in the 85th District Court on Jan. 12 for the following charges:
• Delivery of cocaine less than 50 grams
• Delivery of fentanyl less than 50 grams
• Using a computer to commit a crime
• Resist/obstruct a police officer
Smith was given a $500,000/10 per cent bond. The investigation continues, and more charges are expected.
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