MANISTIQUE - The second suspect accused of operating a meth lab in a vehicle in Manistique last fall pleaded guilty to the charge on Wednesday. His co-defendant admitted to the crime last week.
Danny Elliot Springer, 40, formerly of Plainwell, appeared in Schoolcraft County Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to controlled substance - operating a lab involving methamphetamine. In exchange for the guilty plea, the court dismissed one count of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer and fourth offense habitual offender.
Springer will be sentenced on March 8 in circuit court. Maximum punishment for the felony is 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Last Thursday, co-defendant Michelle Lee Sloboda, 33, of Gladstone, pleaded guilty to controlled substance - operating a methamphetamine lab, second or subsequent offense.
She will be sentenced in circuit court on Feb. 9. The prior offense will enhance the maximum sentencing.
Sloboda was driving the car when Michigan State Police from the Manistique Post attempted to stop the vehicle for a traffic violation. The incident occurred on Tannery Road at around 3:15 a.m. during the early hours of Oct. 9.
Following a brief chase, Sloboda pulled over for troopers. Springer, the passenger, ran away on foot and was apprehended shortly after fleeing the scene. Evidence for making methamphetamine was confiscated from inside the car.
Both Sloboda and Springer remain lodged in Schoolcraft County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond each.