NEWS RELEASE
CHIPPEWA COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
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Dealing drugs is NOT a victimless crime. On November 1, 2020 a local man was found deceased after ingesting methamphetamine provided to him by Brittney Knight. Michigan State Police Trooper Rachel Oleson conducted the investigation which ultimately revealed that the victim had never before used methamphetamine, and the defendant not only provided him with the substance, but taught him how to use it. On that first time ever ingesting the substance, the victim died.
Brittney Knight was Sentenced on October 4, 2022 in the 50th Circuit court for manslaughter with habitual 3rd Notice. During arguments, it was revealed that Knight had previously been convicted of delivering drugs 4 times in Chippewa County. Each time, she received a jail sentence, and various services including rehabilitation services. Rather than taking any of the many opportunities that the Court bestowed upon her, Knight continued to deal drugs in Chippewa County. Ultimately, she killed a man in 2020 with her actions. She took a father from his sons.
The prevailing sentiment in the media these days is that substance use is a disease, and it is not in the best interest of society to lock up people who engage in using or selling drugs. The reality is that controlled substances take lives. They take mothers, fathers, and children alike. The effects can not only kill, but also destroy lives from within. Unfortunately, in our community, too many families know the heartbreak of watching a loved one spiral down the road to addiction and experience the mental, physical and emotional damage to those loved ones.
"Addiction is a terrible hurdle to overcome, and it all starts with that first time a person is given a drug. I am exceedingly proud of Trooper Oleson and her thorough investigation which led to one of Chippewa County's prevalent drug dealers finally being removed from the community. Hopefully this will send a message to those other people in the community who are financially benefiting by selling and distributing drugs that the punishment is coming." Robert L. Stratton III stated.
Brittney Knight was sentenced to 30 years in prison and is eligible to see a parole board after 7 years.
Sadly, the victim will never have a second chance. He will never again spend a holiday with his children. He will never again be there to hug or support them. Methamphetamine is a scourge upon Chippewa County. It takes lives, and the law enforcement agencies in Chippewa County and Chippewa Prosecutor's Office are determined to do everything possible to locate and punish those who are selling it in this county.
