News Release

Ernest Westerhoff

Alyssa Kring

PLYMOUTH — A lengthy investigation into a fentanyl overdose death of a White Pigeon, Mich., man ultimately concluded on Thursday, Oct. 2, with the arrest of two people from Marshall County.

Formal charges have been filed against Ernest Westerhoff, 35; and Alyssa Kring, 32, both of Plymouth, for dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a level 1 felony.

In April, Detective Dave Caswell of the Indiana State Police was contacted by a detective with the Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team concerning an overdose death of a man that was found deceased in his vehicle in Michigan. An autopsy concluded the combination of several drugs, including fentanyl, led to the man’s death. The investigation in Michigan led authorities to believe that Westerhoff and Kring may be involved in this.

Caswell, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jonathan Bryant, the Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team, and members of the Plymouth Police Department began a lengthy and highly detailed investigation that spanned several months. This investigation concluded that Westerhoff and Kring were involved in providing the fentanyl that led to the man’s death.

The Marshall County Prosecutor’s office received this investigation and found probable cause for the charges against Westerhoff and Kring. These warrants were served to both of them in the Marshall County Jail, where they are currently incarcerated for other charges.

Westerhoff and Kring’s initial hearings occurred Oct. 2, where bond was set at $100,000 cash for each of them.