ESCANABA — Amelia Ann Emery, 32, of Escanaba was sentenced to 36 months to 8 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections following the entry of a plea to one count of Police Officer-Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing Causing Injury and four counts of Police Officer-Assaulting/Resisting Obstructing. Emery was sentence as a Third Habitual Offender, resulting in the doubling of her maximum penalty due to having at least two prior felony convictions.

On October 30, 2021, Michigan state troopers and a deputy from Delta County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of an assault and property destruction. During the course of their investigation, they responded to a residence in Escanaba, where they located Emery. Emery was subsequently arrested, but even after being placed in handcuffs, attempted to pull away from the officers. She was placed in the front seat of the Michigan State Police patrol car and seat belted. Emery was able to loosen the seatbelt and escape the vehicle. She was captured the following day, with the handcuffs still on her.

On December 19, 2021, after being released on bond on the above-matter, trooper from Michigan State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the Bark River area. The trooper made contact with the front seat passenger, whom he recognized as Emery. Emery provided him with a false name. The trooper attempted to take Emery into custody on warrants, but Emery fought with the trooper. During the struggle, the trooper suffered injuries to his hand. Back up arrived and Emery was taken into custody. While officers were attempting to search Emery, she spun away from officers, and attempted to run into a nearby field. She was subsequently tackled and taken back into custody.

In both investigations, Michigan State Troopers were assisted by the Delta County Sheriff’s Office. Michigan State Police were additionally assisted by Hannahville Tribal Police Department.

Alexander Michael Wells, 28, of Escanaba was sentenced to nine months in the Delta County Jail following the entry of a guilty plea on the eve of trial to one count of Police Officer-Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing and Operating While Intoxicated, Occupant Less than 16.

On October 24, 2021, officers from Escanaba Department of Public Safety received a “be on the lookout” for a vehicle for an intoxicated male, identified as Wells, driving in the city of Escanaba. The vehicle was stopped in the city of Escanaba and the driver was identified as Wells. His 4 year-old daughter was located in the rear seat. Wells was observed to smell like alcohol, slurring his words, and admitted to being intoxicated. Officers attempted to have Wells perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests, but he refused. Officers placed him under arrest, and he had to be physically placed into the rear of the patrol vehicle. A test of Wells’ blood alcohol level showed .301, nearly four times the legal limit.

Officers from Escanaba Public Safety were assisted by the Delta County Sheriff’s Office.

Brenen Joseph Lauscher, 24, of DePere, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 12 months in the Delta County Jail following the entry of a plea to Possession of Methamphetamine and Police Officer-Fleeing-Third Degree.

On November 26, 2021, deputies from the Delta County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle, later to be determined to be driven by Lauscher nearly cause an accident. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it continued south on M-35, reaching speeds of 105 mph. The vehicle was eventually stopped on the Interstate Bridge, at the Wisconsin-Michigan border. A search of the vehicle located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The Delta County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee City Police, and Marinette, Wisconsin Police.

Boyd Stephen Nelson, 37, of Escanaba was sentenced to seven years to 20 years following the entry of a plea to two counts of Delivery/Manufacture Methamphetamine.

On May 20, 2021, the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team conducted an investigation in the city of Escanaba that resulted in the purchase of methamphetamine from Nelson at a residence on South 14th Street in the city of Escanaba.

On June 01, 2021, the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team conducted an investigation in the city of Escanaba that resulted in the purchase of methamphetamine from Nelson at a residence on South 19th Street in the city of Escanaba.

A search warrant was later executed at the residence on South 19th Street on June 1, 2021. Paraphernalia, including scales, baggies, and drug packaging was located in the residence. A search of Nelson’s person located methamphetamine in his wallet.

UPSET was assisted in their investigation by Escanaba Department of Public Safety, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police.

Blair Lawrence Pryal, 40, of Escanaba was sentenced to 18 months to five years in prison following the entry of a plea to Firearms – Possession by Felon.

On May 6, 2021, Escanaba Department of Public Safety responded to a residence in the city of Escanaba. At the residence, they located Pryal, along with another occupant. The other occupant reported that Pryal had guns in the residence. Officers were familiar with Pryal and aware that he was a felon. A search of the residence located two shotguns and ammunition.

Escanaba Public Safety was assisted in the matter by the Delta County Sheriff’s Office.

Brandon Joseph Townsend, 29, of Escanaba was sentenced to six years to 20 years in prison following the entry of a plea to Delivery/Manufacture Methamphetamine.

On July 21, 2021, Troopers from Michigan State Police conducted a traffic stop. Through the course of their investigation, it was determined that Townsend had methamphetamine that he intended to sell to another individual. The methamphetamine was located under the seat where Townsend was located in the vehicle. A test of the substance located confirmed it to be methamphetamine.

Brandon Kip Wandahsega, 45, of Wilson, Michigan was sentenced to 12 months in the Delta County Jail following the entry of a plea to Domestic Violence, 3rd Offense.

On January 16, 2022, officers from Escanaba Department of Public Safety responded to a domestic assault. Upon arrival, officers located a female victim and Wandahsega. The victim reported that Wandahsega had punched her multiple times. Officers observed swelling on the victim’s face as well.