Interlochen Man Arrested in Connection to Overdose Death

A 28-year-old Interlochen man has been arrested on drug charges in connection to the overdose death of a 59-year-old Colfax Township man.

According to the Michigan State Police (MSP), deputies from the Benzie County Sheriff's Office responded to a suspected overdose death at a residence in Colfax Township on January 4. A 59-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives from the Traverse Narcotics Team (TNT) were contacted and assisted the sheriff’s office with the investigation. A suspect was "quickly developed through interviews and other investigative resources," according to MSP.

The Benzie County Prosecutor’s Office issued a three-count felony warrant for the arrest of 28-year-old James Joseph Smith of Interlochen (pictured). On January 11, Smith was taken into custody near his residence by troopers from the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post and lodged at the Benzie County Jail. Smith was arraigned in the 85th District Court on January 12 on the following charges: delivery of cocaine less than 50 grams, delivery of fentanyl less than 50 grams, using a computer to commit a crime, and resesisting and obstructing a police officer.

Smith was given a $500,000/10 percent bond. The investigation continues, and more charges are expected, according to MSP.