A Saginaw man, Jerry Bryant, survived a gunshot wound to the chest at an unauthorized cannabis cultivation site but was left with a severed spinal cord. The alleged shooter, Owen M. Pipkins, his roommate and coworker, is now facing charges of attempted murder.
The preliminary hearing for 51-year-old Pipkins took place on Monday, July 1st, before Saginaw County District Judge David D. Hoffman. Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa J. Hoover presented the case, with Hampton Township Public Safety Department Officer David Wheaton as the primary witness.
Wheaton, formerly a Saginaw Police detective, testified about responding to the incident at a commercial building at 2006 S. Niagara St. on June 10th. Pipkins had called 911, reporting that he had shot Bryant, 42.
The site housed a cannabis growing operation owned by multiple partners. Pipkins and Bryant also resided there, sleeping in two beds located on the premises.
When police arrived, they found Pipkins outside, and Bryant was transported to a local hospital. Pipkins was taken into custody and later interviewed by Wheaton at police headquarters, where he waived his Miranda rights.
According to Wheaton, Pipkins recounted that he and Bryant had prior altercations, including instances where Bryant allegedly used racial slurs and threatened him with a shovel. On the morning of June 10, Pipkins was asleep in a boat when Bryant entered, shouting and using a racial slur. Pipkins, who is Black, said Bryant, who is white, called him lazy.
In response, Pipkins fired a single shot from a handgun without seeing Bryant clearly, hitting him in the chest. Pipkins then contacted one of the owners of the cannabis operation before calling 911. While awaiting the police, Bryant told Pipkins he could not feel his legs.
Bryant had to be resuscitated at the hospital and remains bedridden, unable to move, Wheaton testified. No further witnesses were called by the prosecution.
Defense attorney Matthew M. Evans argued that there was no evidence of intent to kill. However, Judge Hoffman ruled in favor of the prosecution and moved the case to Circuit Court on charges of assault with intent to murder and felony firearm.
Pipkins has a criminal history, with four convictions in Sacramento, California. These include three from 1991 and a 2015 conviction for carrying a loaded firearm in public, for which he served 120 days in jail and three years' probation.
The Lapeer City Commission has unanimously voted to extend the current moratorium on new cannabis business applications for an additional six months. This decision, made on Monday, follows a similar six-month moratorium approved in January at the behest of City Manager Mike Womack, who sought time to collaborate with staff on amending ordinances and policies related to cannabis businesses.
City staff have identified several issues with the existing cannabis ordinances. Womack, in a memo to the City Commission, emphasized the need for the moratorium to allow staff to focus on studying and proposing necessary changes. "By imposing a moratorium, the City's staff can redirect the time normally required for their current cannabis-related work towards studying and proposing possible changes and solutions," Womack noted. "Also, by imposing a moratorium, we avoid a situation where a cannabis business attempts to obtain licensure or zoning approval during a time of changing rules and requirements."
Currently, Lapeer has licensed seven cannabis dispensaries, but there is no limit on the number of cannabis grow and processing facilities. The odor from these grow facilities has become a significant concern for residents and passersby, particularly along Saginaw and Court streets.
Additionally, the location of dispensaries and grow facilities has raised concerns among the public and some city officials. Issues have been noted regarding the impact of cannabis business operations on major roadways adjacent to other retail and commercial businesses, as well as their proximity to residential areas.
Lapeer's journey with cannabis laws began in April 2018 with the approval of medical marijuana, followed by the approval of recreational marijuana in 2020. In November 2021, city voters decisively rejected a ballot proposal to prohibit cannabis businesses by a 2-1 margin, with 1,137 votes against and 405 in favor.
"I had hoped to have the draft completed in six months, but life happened and I wasn't able to," Womack said. "I think three to four months is likely to get it done, and we will cancel the moratorium when a new ordinance is adopted."
The moratorium applies only to new cannabis licensure or zoning approval requests and does not affect existing approved requests. Renewals of current licenses are being processed through the City's regular procedures.
In related developments, Womack and city staff are negotiating with a Livonia company regarding a potential land swap. This would relocate a proposed cannabis grow facility from a vacant lot on Genesee Street, between Arnold's Car Wash and Krave restaurant, to a city-owned parcel in the industrial park on John Conley Drive.
The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) is amplifying its efforts to maintain the integrity of Michigan's regulated cannabis market through both proactive enforcement and community engagement. Recognizing the vital role that public tips play in uncovering illegal activities, the CRA is calling on citizens to report any knowledge of "brokers" transporting cannabis with a THC percentage greater than 0.3% across or through state lines into Michigan's regulated market.
Public involvement can significantly impact the success of enforcement investigations. Even minor observations or details can provide the crucial information needed to expose unlawful activities and maintain the safety and accountability of the cannabis community. The CRA emphasizes that those who comply with the state's cannabis laws should have the opportunity to thrive without the threat of illegal competition.
The CRA invites individuals to submit tips via email to [email protected], including relevant names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Each report will be thoroughly evaluated, and the CRA may collaborate with federal and state law enforcement agencies to address the reported activities.
By working together, Michigan can ensure a fair and law-abiding cannabis industry where legitimate businesses can flourish.
The cannabis industry is expanding in Charlotte, Michigan, as Hollywood Jacks prepares to become the second dispensary to open in Eaton County. This marks a significant development for a community that has long resisted the establishment of cannabis facilities.
Brian Miller, the owner of Hollywood Jacks, is eager to welcome customers to his new dispensary.
"It's absolutely a dream come true," Miller expressed, highlighting his enthusiasm for the business venture.
As Hollywood Jacks gets ready to open, local business owners and residents are sharing their perspectives on this new addition to the community. Isaac Howard, the manager of Domino's, noted an uptick in activity in recent weeks.
"It's been kind of busy lately, it's increased over the past couple weeks," Howard said. "It will probably help the rest of the town get more traffic going."
Eaton County has historically been cautious about allowing recreational cannabis stores, even as such establishments became more common in surrounding areas. City council members have conducted extensive research into the potential impact of these stores on public safety and community welfare.
Mitch Maltz, the store manager at Harbor Farmz, the first cannabis shop to open in Charlotte, shared his positive experience.
"Business has been really good, love the fact we have our own products here," Maltz said.
The arrival of both Harbor Farmz and Hollywood Jacks is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to Charlotte. In Michigan's 2023 fiscal year, each licensed retail store and microbusiness generated over $59,000 for their respective municipalities and counties. Eaton County, which did not receive any of this revenue in the past, is now poised to benefit from this additional income.
Brian Miller extended his gratitude to the community, expressing appreciation for the support he has received.
"I just would like to thank all the community," Miller said.
The Berrien County Health Department has launched a new campaign aimed at curbing the rising trend of underage cannabis use in the area. With targeted ads planned for multiple social media platforms, the department is reinforcing the message that cannabis use is illegal for individuals under the age of 21. The campaign highlights the risks associated with early cannabis use, including the potential for addiction and exacerbation of mental health issues.
Recent data from the 2021-2022 school year reveals that 28% of high school students in Berrien County have experimented with cannabis. Officials believe these numbers have likely increased in subsequent years. Lisa Peeples-Hurst, the Public Health Promotion and Prevention Supervisor at the Berrien County Health Department, emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than using substances as a coping mechanism. "The real issues that may be occurring still need to be tackled once the high wears off," Peeples-Hurst said. "It's crucial to educate students and parents about the heightened mental health component."
A significant concern is the source of cannabis for these minors. The health department suspects that while legalization has increased access, most underage users do not obtain cannabis directly from licensed dispensaries. Instead, they acquire it through other means. Peeples-Hurst mentioned that youth referred to the department through the juvenile court or pre-arrest diversion programs often obtain cannabis from non-commercial sources. "The good thing is we don't hear a lot about kids buying vapes," she noted.
Jorden Peterson, Floor Manager at the ReLeaf Center in Niles, confirmed that stringent checks are in place to prevent underage customers from entering their store. He acknowledged the possibility of adults purchasing cannabis for minors and emphasized the importance of ensuring that cannabis remains with the purchaser. "We are working hard to make sure this stuff stays with the person who buys it and leaves here properly," Peterson said.
Health professionals urge parents to discuss the risks of cannabis use with their children at an early age. According to Peeples-Hurst, the age of first substance use in Berrien County is alarmingly low, starting at just 11 years old. "We cannot wait until high school to get these messages out; we have to start sooner. We are currently reaching out to fifth graders in Berrien County classrooms," she stated.
Rainbow Realty Group IV, LLC, in collaboration with Rainbow Realty Group II, LLC, and MJ Real Estate Investment Trust, has finalized a senior mortgage secured by a newly constructed industrial building in Detroit, Michigan.
The 110,670-square-foot building, situated on 5.49 acres, is operating as a licensed cannabis cultivation facility serving both the recreational and medical markets in Michigan. The borrower acquired the land in 2018, obtained its cannabis license in 2022, and subsequently developed a state-of-the-art facility. Additionally, the borrower holds several retail dispensary licenses throughout Michigan, where its products are expected to be sold.
Ben Bolanos, Rainbow's Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the transaction, stating, "We are thrilled to finalize this mortgage transaction secured by a cutting-edge industrial facility. Equipped with advanced growing technology and equipment, the property positions the borrower to deliver high-quality cannabis products at competitive costs."
This announcement follows the recent news that Michigan's cannabis market has surpassed California's to become the largest in the United States by sales volume as of June 2024. This transaction marks Rainbow's third investment in Michigan, underscoring the firm's strong confidence in the state's robust cannabis market.
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