Branch man turns down plea deal for drugs delivery charge

Morse

LUDINGTON — A 43-year-old Branch Township man turned down a plea deal from the Mason County Prosecutor’s Office today in 51st Circuit Court. Samuel Donald Morse, 2023 N. Benson Road, was arrested Feb. 20, 2013 by the State, Sheriff’s, Chief’s Enforcement Narcotic Team for the delivery of less than 50 grams of methadone.

He was charged with two counts, each punishable by up to 20 years in prison. He was also charged with being a habitual offender, which would give him a punishment of life in prison. Prosecutor Paul Spaniola offered Morse one year in jail, serving the entire term, along with fines, restitution and probation in exchange for pleading guilty as charged.

Morse, who was over an hour late for his court appointment, turned down the agreement. However, his attorney, Ryan Glanville, said that he is sure that they can come to an agreement with the prosecutor and that a trial should not be necessary. Another court date was scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.