Published: May 21, 2009 10:35 pm      

Authorities: Man had role in overdose death

BELLAIRE -- An Ellsworth man could head to prison after authorities charged him with contributing to the overdose death of a Central Lake man.

James Maurice Spangler III, 28, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance causing death, a felony that carries a life sentence. Investigators believe he provided heroin to Matthew Kruse, 29, who died of an overdose on Dec. 23.

Spangler was arraigned Thursday and remained in custody. A preliminary examination, held to determine if there's enough evidence to proceed to trial, is scheduled for June 4.

Kruse died of a heroin overdose in the Central Lake home where he lived with his parents, Assistant Antrim County Prosecutor James Rossiter said. Investigators aren't entirely sure of the connection between Kruse and Spangler, or if Spangler regularly provided drugs to Kruse.

"We don't know how extensive the relationship was between them, but there obviously was some relationship," Rossiter said.

It's critical for authorities to take a tough stance with drug providers, Rossiter said.

"It's very important to pursue charges in a case like this, particularly when you have somebody who died," he said. "It's illegal even if they don't die ... when you end up with a death, that makes it that much more severe. The bottom line is, this is not a victimless crime."

Rossiter wouldn't say if investigators believe Spangler was providing drugs to others, citing an ongoing investigation.

Kruse did carpentry work with his father, said his grandfather, Harold Kruse. His death was a devastating blow to his family, Kruse said, and the family still struggles with his loss.

Kruse believes authorities should continue to crack down on those who provide drugs.

"I think it's a good idea; I think this has to be stopped," he said. "If you have an individual who is guilty of providing drugs, he should be prosecuted."

Authorities in Grand Traverse County could soon issue similar charges tied to the overdose deaths of three Traverse City-area individuals since February. The prescription painkillers methadone and fentanyl were involved in those cases, though none of the victims had prescriptions.

Police said they've pinned down who provided the drugs to each individual.