Charlevoix County Prosecutor John Jarema

The department and EMS responded to a call on Jan. 14 from 911 Central Dispatch, stating a woman was believed to be dead in her apartment. Roberta King had died and the county medical examiner determined the death was from an overdose of drugs. Results of an autopsy are still pending.

The investigative team is called in by the prosecuting attorney when a death is unattended or when a drug overdose is suspected. With a team of experienced investigators of different jurisdictions, it provides a consistent and more rapid investigation, said Boyne City Police Chief Randy Howard.

Ò"It's a proactive approach, not a reactive one," Howard said. Ò"It provides a uniform investigation and prosecution." He explained having the team on scene means numerous leads are followed up by several investigators.

The team was developed and instituted by county prosecutor John Jarema in early 2005. Its purpose is to provide a thorough investigation of all drug related deaths in Charlevoix County.

Six investigators from various law enforcement agencies make up the team: one from the Michigan State Police, two from the sheriffÕs office and one from each of the countyÕs cities, Boyne City, East Jordan and Charlevoix.

"My goal is to have a swift investigation, to get the best possible investigation we can and hold people accountable," Jarema said. Federal law and a new Michigan statute provide for prosecution of anyone who supplies drugs to a person who dies from those drugs.Ê The Michigan statute is MCL 333.7401, known as "delivery of controlled subfelony is punishable by life or any term of years in prison.

The team has been used in three drug related deaths in the area. The team was instrumental in putting together a case against drug dealer, Robert King, former husband of Roberta King. He was charged under the federal law for two drug overdose deaths. Robert King is now serving a 24-year sentence in federal prison.