MENOMINEE — A Stephenson man waived his arraignment relating to charges with driving under the influence of drugs and reckless driving, both causing death, in Menominee County District Court Wednesday.

Kane Alexander Richard, 20, of W8971 Church Road, Stephenson, was officially charged with one count of operating while under the influence of drugs causing death, a 15-year felony, and one count of reckless driving causing death, a 15-year felony, on Wednesday. Richard did not appear in court because he waived his arraignment in writing.

On Feb. 26, Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Rogg charged the 20-year-old in connection with the death of Derek John Bryant, 29, of Vulcan, following a two-vehicle crash on Oct. 21, 2019, in Lake Township.

About 1:30 p.m., a 1995 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck driven by Richard disregarded a stop sign posted on County Road 356 at the intersection of County Road 577, and crashed into a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Croy Smith, 36, of Norway.

The impact of the crash forced the Suburban off the roadway, partially ejecting one of five occupants, Bryant, who died as a result of his injuries sustained in the crash.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Richard’s blood was sent to the Michigan State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Quantities of THC, a Schedule One controlled substance, and Diazepam, a Schedule Four controlled substance, were detected.

Richard is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference Monday, March 16, at 9 a.m. and a preliminary examination Monday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m.

A $50,000 personal recognizance bond, previously set by Menominee County District Court Judge Robert Jamo, did not change. Richard is currently serving a 12-month sentence in Menominee County Jail on an unrelated convictions pertaining to accosting a minor for immoral purposes, possession of marijuana, and assault and battery.