Man charged in connection to K2 outbreak pleaded guilty to felony possession

A man accused of making synthetic marijuana after more than 20 overdoses in Columbia previously pleaded guilty to three counts of felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Court records show 45-year-old Michael McTye pleaded guilty in 1991. On Thursday, McTye was charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance. Police said they found 90 grams of K2 at McTye’s business and a gallon-sized bag at his home in Columbia.

Boone County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Shelton said these types of cases can be tricky to prosecute because it’s tough to identify whose drugs caused which overdose. Because McTye is charged with delivery and manufacturing, the prosecutor doesn’t have to prove in court that people have overdosed. However, Shelton said if McTye is convicted, the overdoses would be brought up at sentencing.

While the Columbia Police Department has responded to more than 20 overdoses since Nov. 1, Columbia Assistant Fire Chief Brad Fraizer said Thursday that the department is no longer dealing with overdoses.

McTye is currently being held in the Boone County Jail with no bond. He has a court date scheduled Friday.