Matthew Walter Barron of Jonesville and Charles Henry Osborn of Osseo — both in their 30s — appeared before Hillsdale County District court Wednesday for a pre-trial examination after each being arraigned Monday on four charges: maintaining a drug lab involving methamphetamine, conspiracy to run a drug lab involving meth, maintaining a drug house, and possession of meth.
Barron, represented by public defender Kim Burger, settled on a plea bargain with the prosecutor. He will appear before the Hillsdale County Circuit court next week.
Osborn, on the other hand, was reluctant to agree on a plea bargain. The prosecutor refused to drop charges lower than possession of meth, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison. Osborn, represented by public defender Barry Poulson, expressed a desire to take his case to a jury trial. However, Poulson cautioned Osborn of a jury trial, due to a spoon found in Osborn’s bedroom that tested positive for meth.
The state police officer who initially investigated Osborn’s residence testified before the district court Wednesday as well. The officer said he visited Osborn’s trailer after being informed that Barron and Osborn had recently cooked meth there. The officer found used lithium strips and filters with Coleman fuel in the on-site dumpster, which he said are all necessary ingredients for meth.
The officer said that, at the time, Osborn told him that he allowed Barron to cook meth at his trailer, and that Osborn himself had used meth. The officer said Osborn was cooperative and showed him the dumpster.
Osborn will appear with Barron before the circuit court next week.
