WARREN (WWJ) — Three people have been hit with a long list of felony charges after a month-long investigation led to a major drug bust in Clinton Township last week.
Warren police officials say 33-year-old Brian Matthews of Detroit, 34-year-old Thomas King of Clinton Township and 56-year-old Lisa Lawrence of Clinton Township were all arrested last Thursday.
Their arrests were the culmination of a Warren Special Investigation Narcotics Unit (SID) investigation that began in March when they got word that a man was selling large amounts of narcotics throughout Macomb County.
After identifying the suspect, SID investigators learned he is a convicted felon who is currently on federal probation for various drug trafficking and weapons offenses, according to Warren police. Authorities did not disclose any details of his prior convictions.
On April 4 Warren police officers saw two suspects inside a car loitering near area hotels. When officers tried to conduct a traffic stop, the suspects took off.
Authorities said the suspects threw drugs — 100 grams of cocaine and 9 grams of fentanyl — from their car as they fled police. The drugs were recovered by police. The chase was ultimately cut short after officers were able to confirm the identities of both suspects.
Officers then performed surveillance on a home in Clinton Twp., believed to be associated with one of the suspects. During surveillance they saw a woman leave the residence with two large duffle bags and assault rifles in her hands.
She then got into a car and drove away. Warren officers contacted members of the Clinton Township Police Department for assistance.
Warren officers tried to stop the woman’s car, but she took off, leading them on a short pursuit, which ended when she stopped in the area of 8 Mile and Groesbeck. She was arrested without incident.
Authorities found two assault rifles, 151 grams of crack cocaine, 120 grams of meth and 200 grams of fentanyl in her car.
A search of the Clinton Twp. home led to the seizure of bulk quantities of ammunition, allong with narcotics packaging materials.
All three suspects were arraigned in 37th District Court, where they all pleaded guilty.
King was arraigned on the following charges:
• Delivery/Manufacture Cocaine/Heroin, 450 – 999 grams (30 year felony)
• Conspiracy to Commit Controlled Substance Delivery, 450 – 999 grams (30 year felony)
• Delivery/Manufacture Cocaine/Heroin, 50 – 449 grams (20 year felony)
• Conspiracy to Commit Controlled Substance Delivery, 50 – 449 grams (20 year felony)
• Delivery/Manufacture Methamphetamine (20 year felony)
• Fleeing & Eluding 4th Degree (2 year felony)
Due to his criminal history and status on federal probation, King’s bond was set at $1 million cash/surety.
Lawrence was charged with the following:
• Fleeing & Eluding 4th Degree (2 year felony)
• Delivery/Manufacture Cocaine/Heroin, 450 - 999 grams (30 year felony)
• Delivery/Manufacture Cocaine/Heroin, 50 – 449 grams, (20 year felony)
• Conspiracy to Commit Controlled Substance Delivery, 450 -999 grams (30 year felony)
• 2 counts of Felony Firearm (2 year mandatory felony)
Her bond was set at $200,000 cash/surety.
Matthews was charged with one count each of delivery/manufacture cocaine/heroin (50-449 grams) and delivery/manufacture methamphetamine, both of which are 20-year felonies. Bond was set at $500,000 for Matthews, who officials say also has previous felony convictions for drugs and other crimes.
All suspects will have their next court dates set in the upcoming weeks.