HOUGHTON - A Chassell woman charged with involvement in a meth lab pleaded no contest Monday.
Nicole Saatio, 25, pleaded to attempted delivery-manufacture of methamphetamine and ecstasy, a 20-year felony, in Houghton County Circuit Court.
Charges of possession of methamphetamines and operating a meth lab, both 20-year felonies, were dismissed in the plea bargain. The agreement also stipulates Saatio will only serve county jail time.
Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette
Nicole Saatio is seen with her attorney Thomas Mercier in Houghton County Circuit Court Monday. Saatio pleaded no contest to attempted delivery-manufacture of methamphetamine and ecstasy.
Houghton County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Makinen said Saatio made the plea to avoid potential civil liabilities from contamination of the property.
Saatio was one of four people arrested last June in relation to the lab, which police shut down.
Her attorney, Thomas Mercier, asked Judge Charles Goodman to let Saatio remain out on bond, citing her lack of flight risk. Goodman revoked the bond on the basis of the no contest plea.
Saatio's sentencing will take place in approximately six weeks.