Florence Township man found guilty on several counts

A Florence Township man was found guilty by a jury trial last week in St. Joseph County Circuit Court.

Prosecutor David Marvin said Michael Grassnick, 45, was found guilty Wednesday of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting and obstructing police, and felony firearm following a trial lasting a day and a half.

Grassnick’s arrest stems from a November 2021 incident in which Grassnick was a passenger in a car stopped by a sheriff’s deputy in the area of Klinger Lake Road.

Authorities said the driver was found to be operating with a suspended license and the vehicle had an invalid registration plate. Grassnick refused to exit the vehicle and following several minutes of discussion, Grassnick physically assaulted the deputy.

During the struggle, Grassnick had to be tased by the deputy and a responding officer from the Constantine Police Department. A subsequent search of the vehicle recovered more than 18 grams of methamphetamine, narcotic packaging materials and a loaded 9-mm handgun.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Casey Johnson tried the case on behalf of the People of the State of Michigan.