Drug death yields prison term.

Neta Sohn with attorney Tracie Dinehart.

Drug death yields prison term.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON – A 34-year-old Sheridan Township woman was sentenced to four and a half to 20 years in prison in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 14, in connection to the death of Katie Lynn Fulton, 35, of Ludington.

Neta Margett Sohn, of 4513 North Benson Rd., pleaded guilty, Dec. 3, to delivery of fentanyl less than 50 grams. Charges of delivery of a controlled substance causing death and maintaining a drug house were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Fulton died from an accidental drug overdose of heroin and fentanyl, Nov. 30, 2018, at a residence on 610 N. James Street in the City of Ludington.

Sohn’s sentence is near the top of the sentencing guidelines for the offense, which are 29-57 months, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. She is one of four people convicted in connection to Fulton’s death, Spaniola said.

Co-defendant Michael Thomas Martinez, 34, of 4513 North Benson Rd., pleaded guilty, Nov. 13, to delivery of fentanyl causing death and third-offense habitual offender. Martinez faces a 10-60 year prison term. He was scheduled for sentencing Tuesday, but his case was adjourned due to illness of his attorney, said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. It will be re-scheduled.

Between Sohn and Martinez, “it’s difficult to discern who was the leader,” Spaniola said.

Jeremy Jason Bonneau, 45, of 610 N. James St. — the address where Fulton died, pleaded guilty last June to heroin possession less than 25 grams and was ordered to serve six months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term.

Heather Elizabeth Sobers, 24, of 694 Kahill Dr., Apt. 1-3, Baldwin, pleaded guilty to a high-court misdemeanor of maintaining a drug house in connection to Fulton’s death, Spaniola said.

Sohn was facing up to 20 years in prison for her conviction. She has a long history of drug abuse, said Spaniola, including meth, cocaine, prescription pills and heroin.

“Ms. Fulton had a long substance abuse history and was a long-term customer of Mr. Martinez,” the prosecutor said. “Ms. Sohn was in a relationship with (Martinez). Ms. Sohn was the one who actually provided the substances which resulted in the death.”

The 54-month minimum for Sohn’s sentence was met with approval of the victim’s parents, said Spaniola. They were invited to attend the sentencing but opted not to go, he said.

“It’s important to note that she has only been convicted of one prior felony and one prior misdemeanor,” said Sohn’s attorney Tracie Dinehart. “She realizes her culpability in this matter. She was friends with Ms. Fulton — she never wanted Ms. Fulton to pass away.”

Dinehart asked Judge Sniegowski to consider allowing Sohn to eventually be released from prison and placed into Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI) or “boot camp.”

“She is not eligible for SAI at this time,” the defense attorney said, “but we are asking that you allow it if she becomes available in the future.

“This isn’t a life she wants to lead,” Dinehart said. “When matters of addiction take hold, they take hold hard.”

Sohn had no comment when asked by Judge Sniegowski if she had anything to say.

“The comments made by both attorneys today are very accurate,” said the judge.

Sohn received credit for 277 days served in jail.

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