The Macomb County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET) executed a search warrant on November 13 at a residence on Grand Avenue in Mount Clemens, uncovering what investigators describe as a fully functioning homemade drug lab tied to a counterfeit pill operation.
SET — a joint unit of detectives from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and Warren Police Department — began investigating after learning that 52-year-old Dennis Baran Jr. was allegedly distributing counterfeit methamphetamine/fentanyl pills in the Mount Clemens area. Detectives say Baran was also using a false identity while running a black-market drug operation, ordering chemicals from overseas to manufacture unregulated substances locally.
Inside the home, detectives found an active lab equipped with an autoclave, glassware, packaging materials, labeling equipment, and various chemicals. Seized items included:
- Approximately 225 grams of Etizolam (Schedule I)
- Over 1,000 suspected pressed methamphetamine/fentanyl pills
- A pill press with assorted pill stamps
- Approximately 1,300 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
- Ketamine
- Schedule III anabolic steroids
- Two pistols
- One vehicle
- Large quantities of narcotics packaging materials, labels, and vials
Two suspects — Baran and 41-year-old Natalie Fraley, both of Mount Clemens — were arrested and lodged at the Macomb County Jail.
They face the following charges:
Charges for Dennis Baran Jr.
- Operating/maintaining a controlled substance laboratory near specified places (20-year felony)
- Delivery/manufacture of controlled substances (Schedules 1, 2, and 3) – two counts (7-year felonies)
- Possession of ammunition by a prohibited person (5-year felony)
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (5-year felony)
- Felony firearm (2-year consecutive felony)
- Delivery/manufacture of Schedule 4 controlled substance (4-year felony)
- Possession of analogues (2-year felony)
- Obstructing by disguise (1-year misdemeanor)
- Operating with a suspended license (93-day misdemeanor)
- Habitual Offender – 4th Offense notice
Bond: $500,000 cash/surety (no 10%), tether required upon release.
Charges for Natalie Fraley
- Delivery/manufacture of controlled substances (Schedules 1–3 except marijuana/cocaine) – 7-year felony
- Possession of analogues – 2-year felony
Bond: $50,000 personal bond, tether required upon release.
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the case underscores SET’s commitment to public safety: “Conducting illegal drug activity anywhere is unacceptable, but doing so near an elementary school shows a blatant disregard for the safety of our children. The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office will continue to pursue those who threaten the well-being of this community.”
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