On September 20, 2021, Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski charged Matthew Joseph Gola of Snover, with one felony count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, one felony count of Resisting & Obstructing a Police Officer, one felony count of Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
The charges stem from a traffic stop occurring on September 18, 2021, by the Michigan State Police where Gola was found in possession of over 35 grams of pure methamphetamine and a spring-loaded double-edged knife. During the traffic stop, Gola escaped from custody and was located the following morning by the Bad Axe Police Department.
After a multi-day Preliminary Examination in the 73-B District Court of Huron County ending on March 3, 2022, Gola was bound over to the 52nd Circuit Court of Huron County by the Honorable David B. Herrington on all counts with an enhancement for being a Habitual Offender—Fourth Offense. In the Circuit Court, the misdemeanor charge of Operating Without A License was added to the three other felony charges.
A one-day jury trial was held in the 52nd Circuit Court on May 31, 2022, tried by Prosecutor Rutkowski. After 60 minutes of deliberation, a jury of seven women and five men found Gola guilty on all four counts. Gola’s sentencing is set for July 18, 2022, before the Honorable Gerald M. Prill.
