A Sault Ste. Marie man has been arrested for delivery of a controlled substance causing death as part of an ongoing investigation into a woman’s recent death.
On February 20, 2026, troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Sault Ste. Marie Post responded to a report of a female believed by a 911 caller to be in cardiac arrest at a residence in Dafter Township.
Troopers arrived at the residence and checked the woman for signs of life; however, it was determined she had been deceased for several hours prior to their arrival.
“The 911 caller mistakenly thought the woman was actively having a heart attack, but in reality, the woman had already been deceased for several hours. Troopers got there as quickly as they could, which was approximately 6 minutes after they received the dispatched call. That is actually a very quick response time given the large geographic area the post covers.”
Drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, were observed at the scene. The subsequent investigation revealed the woman had been in contact with a local man and had purchased drugs from him leading up to that night. An autopsy later determined the cause of death to be a drug overdose involving fentanyl and methamphetamine.
On April 1, 2026, troopers from the MSP Sault Ste. Marie Post, UPSET detectives, MSP Emergency Support Team personnel, and Sault Tribe Police Department officers executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. The search resulted in the arrest of the suspect and the seizure of methamphetamine and small quantities of prescription pills.
Troopers also seized $4,360 in U.S. currency, which is subject to forfeiture, and $4,440 in counterfeit bills. The suspect was lodged in the Chippewa County Jail.
On April 2, 2026, 31-year-old Brandon Nertoli of Sault Ste. Marie was arraigned in the 91st District Court on a charge of delivery of a controlled substance causing death. He was also arraigned as a habitual offender, which, if convicted, could result in enhanced penalties.
His bond was set at $100,000 cash/surety with additional conditions. If Nertoli posts bond, he will be subject to GPS monitoring and house arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 16, 2026. The defendant is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
“This arrest was an important step in this case. Troopers are continuing their work to hold those responsible for this death accountable,” said Lt. Ben Eckola, MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer.
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