HOUGHTON – A Houghton County man was found guilty on all counts, including one count of felony resisting and obstructing a police officer, after a day-long trial in Houghton County Circuit Court Thursday.

Douglas Makela, 33, also faces an investigation for allegedly threatening a witness in his case. The two-year-old murder charge stemmed from a Sept. 17, 2022, incident in Calumet Township. The jury also found Makela guilty of a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace from the same incident.

Helmer noted that the 2-year-old case is part of the legacy backlog his office is still clearing after he began working as prosecutor in December.

“This was Houghton County’s first criminal trial in many years due to staffing issues, COVID-19 and instability in the DA’s Office prior to my taking office,” Houghton County Prosecutor Dan Helmer, who handled the case with assistance from the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, said in a statement. “I am proud to have taken this case to trial and am grateful for the jury’s careful deliberation and verdict. The message here should be clear: If you commit a crime in Houghton County, we will seek justice – and if necessary, we will go to trial.”

After the verdict, Judge Fraser Strome revoked Makela’s bond and ordered him taken into the custody of the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department. Makela also faces another investigation after a trial witness indicated that Makela threatened to harm both her and the arresting officers if he was convicted. That investigation is ongoing, Helmer said.

“Trying to subvert the justice system instead of your fair shake in court is about as disgusting as it comes.” Helmer said. “I will not tolerate this and I assure the residents of Houghton County that this will be investigated and if he is charged – Mr. Makela will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Makela’s sentencing is scheduled for December 16 at 1 p.m.