By Ilsa Minor

iminor@dailypress.net

MENOMINEE — A Menominee man was sentenced to prison recently after receiving more than a pound of cocaine through the mail.

Christopher Martinez-Aldea, 37, was sentenced to four years to 20 years in prison for Controlled Substance – Possession of Cocaine, 50-449 grams. The sentence, which was the first prison sentencing in Menominee’s 41st Circuit Court for the year, was handed down Jan. 5. Martinez-Aldea had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on May 16, 2023.

According to court documents and information presented in open court, detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) ascertained on May 18, 2021 that a package was sent from Puerto Rico to Martinez-Aldea that contained 510 grams — nearly 18 ounces — of cocaine. On May 26, 2021, a “controlled delivery” of the package was made to Martinez-Aldea’s home by postal authorities and UPSET detectives. Authorities estimate the street value of the cocaine was in in excess of $50,000.

A search warrant was executed at Martinez-Aldea’s home, which led to the seizure of the cocaine, as well as digital scales, two rifles and a 9 mm handgun, which were located near the cocaine.

“Deadly drugs like cocaine and criminal activity tied to the drug trade are responsible for shattering families and devastating our communities in the Upper Peninsula,” said Menominee County Prosecutor Jeffery T. Rogg in a press release announcing the sentencing. “The prosecution of this Puerto Rican-based trafficking organization exemplifies my ongoing commitment to disrupt drug networks, reduce drug-induced violence, and build strong and safe communities.”

Rogg stated in the press release that the investigation revealed Martinez-Aldea was a high-level cocaine supplier in Menominee county. He thanked UPSET and his law enforcement partners for their work in the case.