Tristan Russell Halfaday was recently sentenced in the 47th Circuit Court of Delta County. In this photo, Halfaday sits with his lawyer during his preliminary examination in April 2025. (Daily Press file photo)

ESCANABA – A man who pleaded guilty to multiple drug and weapons charges was recently sentenced.

Tristan Russell Halfaday, of Wilson, appeared in the 47th Circuit Court of Delta County on Monday alongside his attorney, Grant Carlson of Iron Mountain, after pleading guilty to the following charges: one count of possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, one count of carrying concealed weapon and one count of possession with intent to deliver less than 50 grams of a mixture containing cocaine.

The charges stem from Halfaday’s arrest on Feb. 16., 2025, where law enforcement located 197 grams of cocaine, roughly 103 grams of suspected fentanyl, 101 grams of ecstasy and other illegal substances. A loaded gun and over $13,000 in cash was also found in the investigation.

In exchange for Halfaday’s guilty pleas, the prosecution agreed to dismiss: one count of possession with intent to deliver 50 grams or more, but less than 450 grams of cocaine; one count of possession with intent to deliver ketamine; two counts of carrying a concealed weapon; one count of weapons felony firearm; and one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.

Judge John Economopoulos presided over the case, delivering a sentence of 11 months with credit for 158 days served for each count. All counts are to be served concurrently. Halfaday also received 36 months probation and was ordered to pay $1,069 as part of his sentencing.

Halfaday was arrested last February alongside Colton Brunette, also of Wilson. Both men appeared in the 94th District Court before Judge Steven C. Parks in April 2025 for their preliminary hearings.

During Brunette’s preliminary hearing, Delta County Prosecutor Lauren Wickman said her office had been working with the sheriff’s department and the Michigan State Police to obtain necessary evidence from the labs, but they had not received it. Therefore, the charges against Brunette were dismissed with the intention to be refiled upon receiving necessary evidence.

While Brunette’s case was temporarily dismissed, Halfaday’s case was adjourned. Wickman explained after their hearings in April that the case against Halfaday was stronger, as Halfaday was also charged with multiple firearm related offenses.

“Because of those additional charges, our case was stronger as it related to Mr. Halfaday than it related to Mr. Brunette absent the evidentiary issues and the lab issues. And so we were able to adjourn it pending those labs because additional charges are levied against Mr. Halfaday that are not levied against Mr. Brunette,” said Wickman.

Wickman reiterated at that time that while the case for Brunette is dismissed for the time being, her office plans to pursue it. As of now, the Daily Press has yet to hear back from the prosecutor’s office on the standing of Brunette’s case.