Noah Johnson Daily Press Tristan Russell Halfaday sits with his lawyer during his preliminary examination on Thursday.

ESCANABA — Two men facing several felony gun and drug charges got a dismissal and an adjournment in their respective cases — at least for now.

Colton Troy Brunette, 23, of Wilson, and Tristan Russell Halfaday, 20, of Wilson, were present in the 94th District Court before Judge Steven C. Parks on Thursday for their respective preliminary hearings.

The charges stem from their arrests on Sunday, Feb. 16., where law enforcement located 197 grams of cocaine, roughly 103 grams of suspected fentanyl, 101 grams of ecstasy, and other illegal substances. The investigation also found a loaded gun and over $13,000 in cash.

Brunette appeared with his attorney Trenton Stupak, where he heard that the charges against him would be dismissed, at least for now.

He was previously arraigned on four charges, including conspiracy to commit controlled substance – delivery/manufacture (cocaine, heroin or another narcotic) 50 to 449 grams; two counts of conspiracy to commit controlled substance – delivery/manufacture (schedules 1, 2, and 3 except marijuana and cocaine); and one count of a controlled substance – delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine.

Delta County Prosecutor Lauren Wickman said her office has been working with the sheriff’s department as well as Michigan State Police (MSP) to obtain necessary evidence from the labs, but it has yet to receive it.

“Unfortunately, we do not have those labs, and considering the lack of those labs at this point and other evidentiary matters that we need to reorganize and regroup on, we would be dismissing the matter at this time with the intention of refiling once those labs and other evidence has been reorganized and we’ll be able to present it in an adequate fashion,” Wickman said.

The defense did not object to the dismissal.

Parks said he would begin the paperwork for Brunette to be processed out of jail.

Halfaday was represented by Grant Carlson of Iron Mountain.

He was previously arraigned on eight charges, including controlled substance – delivery/manufacture (cocaine, heroin or another narcotic) 50 to 449 grams; two counts of controlled substance – delivery/manufacture (schedules 1, 2, and 3 except marijuana and cocaine); three counts of weapons – carrying concealed; one count of weapons felony firearm; and one count of a controlled substance – delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine.

Similarly to Brunette, the prosecution is awaiting evidence from labs to present to the court.

Wickman said the evidence, as well as discussions with defense counsel, determined the best course for justice would be an adjournment.

“I would concur with the Delta County Prosecutor’s representations. There have been a few developments, a few things that have come to light as we proceeded to be ready for today’s date. I think it would be in the interest of justice to provide a brief adjournment,” Carlson said.

Parks ultimately granted the request and adjourned the case for Halfaday until Thursday, May 1.

After the hearings, Wickman explained why the case for Brunette was dismissed while the case for Halfaday was adjourned.

She explained her office is awaiting lab results of both cases, but Halfadays’ case is being handled differently as he was also charged with multiple firearm related offenses.

“Mr. Halfaday is charged with a couple firearm related charges; it changes the analysis a little bit,” Wickman said.

She explained the evidence related to the controlled substance charges is the same for Brunette and Halfaday, but the difference is the firearm found on Halfaday and the associated charges.

“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,” she explained.

She reiterated that while the case for Brunette is currently dismissed, her office plans to pursue it.

“It’s still going to be on the forefront. I’ll be actively making phone calls today, tomorrow, and working with MSP and the sheriff’s department to ensure that we can recharge it,” Wickman said.