In a landmark bribery case, former Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson was handed a 55-month federal prison sentence on Thursday. Johnson, 70, from LeRoy, Michigan, faced charges for accepting bribes totaling over $110,200, including liaisons funded by lobbyists, during his tenure as chairman of Michigan's emerging medical marijuana licensing board.
The bribes, facilitated by Detroit businessman John Dawood Dalaly and Lansing lobbyists Vincent Brown and Brian Pierce, were in exchange for Johnson's aid in expediting their business applications, divulging confidential board deliberations, and influencing approvals. He accepted cash payments, a "loan", services from an adult entertainment worker, and private jet trips to confer with Canadian investors.
The legal proceedings have raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the state's marijuana licensing process. U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering, overseeing the case in Grand Rapids, recently sentenced Dalaly to a 28-month prison term. While Johnson and his accomplices pleaded guilty in April, with hints of further indictments, no additional charges have surfaced.
Prosecutors highlighted the case's significance, noting, "Johnson's crime has severely undermined trust in his role as MMLB Chair and in state governance."
Johnson's attorney, Nicholas Dondzila, advocated for a lighter sentence, highlighting Johnson's cooperation with the investigation, his public service, and clean prior record.
Johnson's political stint began in 1971 as the Rose Lake Township treasurer, advancing to a five-year term in the state House and culminating as the House Speaker from 2001-2004. His subsequent role in a lobbying firm and controversial appointment to the marijuana board by then-Gov. Rick Snyder, given his prior ties to the industry, drew public scrutiny.
The remaining lobbyists, Pierce and Brown, await their sentencing on October 18th.
The Grand Rapids Police Department is urgently seeking the public's assistance in tracking down a prime suspect linked to a spree of break-ins across West Michigan. The string of burglaries has particularly targeted marijuana dispensaries, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding cannabis store security in the region.
Nehemiah Chilton, aged 18, is suspected of orchestrating over 30 break-ins, prominently at cannabis dispensaries and liquor outlets in Grand Rapids, starting in July. His most recent suspected involvement was reported earlier this week.
Beyond Grand Rapids, Chilton is also on the wanted list for similar criminal activities spanning Kent County, as well as the Portage and Kalamazoo regions. Notably, he is believed to have purloined nine vehicles within Grand Rapids, subsequently using them to facilitate his burglary operations.
While the Grand Rapids Police have successfully detained and charged three accomplices linked to Chilton, he remains at large. The public is cautioned against approaching Chilton directly due to potential risks.
Anyone possessing relevant information or who might have clues about Chilton's location is strongly encouraged to reach out to Grand Rapids detectives at 616-456-3380. For those wishing to provide tips anonymously, the Silent Observer can be contacted at 616-774-2345 or visited online at www.silentobserver.org.
The SAFER (Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation) Banking Act is making significant strides in the United States Senate, indicating bipartisan support to usher state-legal marijuana businesses into the financial mainstream. This transformative move could eliminate the current cash-only conundrum many cannabis businesses face, bolstering safety and operational efficiency.
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Prima, a cannabis genetics firm based in Bay City, Michigan, announced today the launch of its new Aviator seed line. Previously known for its role in the commercial cannabis genetics market in Michigan, Prima is now extending its seed products to the broader U.S. market through its online platform.
Nate Niehuus, the founder of Prima, has a background as a disabled combat veteran. He mentioned, "We have invested in extensive research over the years, which has contributed to our collection of cannabis genetics. Our approach, combined with our Clean Stock Program, positions us to share these genetics with the seed market."
Prima's goal is not only to supply seeds but also to provide valuable support to its customers.
Acknowledging the significance of seeds for genetic conservation and evolution, Prima integrates advanced techniques such as tissue culture and simultaneous flowering of multiple varieties. The firm's focus on genetic refinement has led to the development of the Aviator seed line, which features certain qualities like stability and productive flower yield. These photoperiod seeds cater to growers and those interested in breeding.
Prima's approach to cannabis genetics includes tissue culture remediation and partnerships with industry peers. The company plans to introduce more seed types, including feminized and regular photoperiod seeds. The Aviator line is now accessible to the U.S. market.
Niehuus added, "The decision to offer seeds to a wider audience aligns with our broader vision. Seeds hold a special place in the cannabis genetics community."
In the cannabis industry, genetic IP is crucial for various stakeholders. A comprehensive genetics program can offer advantages that some operators might not yet have.
Midnight Wash Co, a company in the cannabis sector, shared their experience: "We've had a positive experience cultivating with Prima's plants. The announcement of their seed availability got our attention."
Looking ahead, Prima is considering several niche breeding projects, with an emphasis on quality across different cannabis product categories. They aim to maintain a high standard in cannabis genetics.
The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has issued a voluntary recall for specific marijuana-infused edibles, produced under the "Viola Grandma's Kitchen" brand by the cannabis company Shango.
This decision is based on two primary concerns:
Among the recalled edible variants are "Big Apple Dreaming," "Uptown Espresso," "Paradise Island," and "Auntie's Punch." Shango, a significant cannabis enterprise, operates in various states including Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Michigan.
Approximately 2,200 of these products were sold between late May and late July at several dispensaries such as Information Entropy in Ann Arbor, Shango's outlet in Hazel Park, Emerald Fire Provisioning Center in Coleman, and Plan B Wellness Center in Detroit. An additional 6,800 units are currently quarantined at Michigan dispensaries, as confirmed by David Harns, a CRA representative.
Viola, the company behind the recalled edibles, was founded by ex-NBA player Al Harrington. They collaborated with Shango to meet the growing demand for Viola's edibles. Viola expressed surprise at the discovery of Shango's non-compliance with industry standards. They have shown full support towards the recall, emphasizing that no other Viola items are affected.
Shango has yet to issue a response.
Consistency in THC distribution is vital in cannabis edibles to ensure users receive a uniform experience. It's worth noting that recreational marijuana edibles are restricted to a maximum of 10 milligrams of THC per dose.
For comprehensive details on dispensaries that sold these products and the specific dates of sale, please visit Michigan.gov/CRA/Bulletins.
In a series of events that has Michigan residents on edge and sheds light on the risks law enforcement face daily, a seemingly routine traffic stop escalated dramatically in Jackson County's Summit Township.
On a quiet Sunday morning around 9 a.m., a Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper pulled over a vehicle for speeding. The driver, identified as Tavion Beasley, was clocked driving a staggering 92 miles per hour down US 127. However, what seemed like a standard speeding infraction quickly became a dangerous situation when the trooper detected the unmistakable scent of marijuana emanating from inside Beasley's car.
Body camera footage, later released by MSP, captures the interaction. After the trooper calmly requested Beasley's license and registration, she inquired if he had marijuana burning inside the vehicle. Beasley's affirmative response led to the trooper reminding him of Michigan's laws, specifically, "you know that it's illegal to smoke marijuana while you're driving?"
Throughout the traffic stop, Beasley, apparently unperturbed, continued to use his phone. Despite repeated commands from the trooper, the situation escalated when Beasley defiantly made his way back to the driver's seat. The subsequent struggle, caught on the officer's body camera, culminates in the chilling sound of the car accelerating, followed by the officer's pleas for Beasley to "stop and let me out."
Tragically, the trooper was dragged nearly a mile by the fleeing vehicle. While she was fortunately released from the hospital after receiving treatment for minor injuries, the body camera she wore was dislodged during the incident.
Following the incident, local authorities immediately appealed to the community for assistance. Residents were requested to check their security and doorbell cameras for any footage of the harrowing episode.
Remarkably, Beasley chose to turn himself in after discussing the event with his family members. Upon his arraignment, he faced several serious charges, including assault with intent to murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and assaulting a police officer, leading to injury. As of now, Beasley remains in Jackson County Jail, with his bond set at a hefty $500,000.
While Michigan has made progressive strides in marijuana legalization, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with such freedoms. It underscores the importance of abiding by laws that prohibit driving under the influence of marijuana and sheds light on the potential dangers that law enforcement face each day. This occurrence, now a major topic of discussion in Michigan's cannabis community, emphasizes the importance of safety and responsibility for all parties involved.
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