A Sanford man was convicted on multiple felony charges for his predatory actions involving two 13-year-old sisters, including the use of cannabis to facilitate sexual abuse. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday following a three-day trial in the Midland County Circuit Court under Judge Stephen Carras.
Dwayne Acklin, 39, faced serious accusations, culminating in convictions for first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC), three counts of second-degree CSC, and two counts of delivering cannabis to minors. These charges detailed Acklin's exploitation of the minors during family visits, where he not only engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct but also provided them with cannabis, thereby using the substance as a means to commit his crimes.
The jury, which began deliberations on Tuesday afternoon, heard that Acklin leveraged the cannabis to manipulate and sexually abuse one of the sisters. This disturbing strategy played a central role in the case, highlighting the severe misuse of controlled substances to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Acklin's history of criminal behavior, including a 2010 conviction for larceny and a prior acquittal on charges related to child sexual abuse, contributed to his current status as a habitual offender. This designation may extend his sentencing by an additional 25%.
Following the jury's decision, Acklin was remanded to the Midland County Jail, where he awaits sentencing scheduled for July 3rd at 2 p.m. by Judge Carras.
The case was brought to light after the mother of one of the victims uncovered incriminating text messages from Acklin to her daughter, prompting immediate law enforcement intervention. Midland County Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks underscored the tragic and lasting emotional impact such crimes have on victims, while acknowledging the efforts of Assistant District Attorney Courtney Driscoll and Sheriff's Office Detective Scott Holzinger for their roles in securing the conviction.
Midland County Sheriff Myron Greene remarked on the swift action taken by deputies following the mother's alert, leading to Acklin's arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings that confirmed the grievous nature of his offenses.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by the misuse of substances like cannabis in criminal acts against minors, emphasizing the need for vigilant community and legal oversight.
In Michigan, the cannabis industry is making significant financial contributions through state-imposed excise taxes, with more than $202 million collectively allocated to education and transportation in the recent fiscal year. Specifically, the state has gathered over $101 million for school funding and an equal amount for transportation projects from the 10% excise tax levied on all cannabis products.
Local cannabis businesses such as Emerald Fire Farms in Coleman are substantial contributors, with the farm recently paying over $59,000 in state taxes. Although Sanford's LaCannaville opened too late in 2023 to contribute to that year's tax roll, it is expected to participate in the 2024 allocations.
The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency reports that 269 municipalities benefited from cannabis revenue this year, including 99 cities, 30 villages, 69 townships, and 71 counties. These funds are deployed towards various community enhancements. For instance, Coleman used the additional resources to improve city parks, introducing new playground equipment, a disc golf course, and a street sweeper.
Besides tax contributions, Emerald Fire Farms also supports local organizations and initiatives independently, including veterans groups, Midland County Pit Stop, Boy Scouts of America, and various local sports and youth programs.
Despite these contributions, the largest municipality in Midland County remains resistant to permitting cannabis businesses within its borders. Midland Mayor Maureen Donker noted that cannabis is not currently on the city's agenda. Residents seeking cannabis products are directed to neighboring towns like Sanford or Coleman or can opt for delivery services.
This stance has sparked criticism from some residents, including Julie Roehrs who argues that the benefits of cannabis, such as pain relief and mental health support, justify establishing a dispensary in Midland. She expressed frustration over the necessity for residents to travel to other towns for access, pointing to local opposition as a barrier to potential local benefits.
As 4/20 approaches, marking a day celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts, Michigan traffic safety officials are intensifying their calls for responsible celebration. Recognized unofficially as a cannabis appreciation day, 4/20 also serves as a critical moment for raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of cannabis, which remains illegal under Michigan law even though recreational use is permitted for adults.
Katie Bower, Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, emphasized the importance of safety on this high-profile day. "Those who plan to use cannabis on 4/20—or any day—should not drive," Bower stated. She advises anyone who finds themselves impaired to seek alternative transportation methods such as taxis, rideshares, designated drivers, or public transportation.
Statistics underscore the gravity of the issue. In 2022, Michigan recorded 1,053 fatal crashes, with 21.7% involving drugs. Moreover, of the drug-involved crashes, over half were single-vehicle incidents, which points to the heightened risk that impaired drivers pose to themselves and others. Cannabis affects the driver's ability to react quickly and maintain cognitive function, crucial for safe driving.
Lt. Rene Gonzalez of the Michigan State Police also weighed in, reminding residents that "even though this is a day to celebrate, it is still illegal to drive while you are under the influence of any type of drug, including cannabis." The data is alarming: out of 15,000 car crashes in Michigan in 2022, 229 fatal accidents involved drug-impaired drivers.
Authorities like Scott Wrigglesworth, the Ingham County Sheriff, urge the public to act responsibly. "If you've been smoking, you're probably legally intoxicated, and you should find another way to get yourself from point A to point B," he cautioned. The Michigan State Police and other law enforcement agencies will likely be on high alert during the holiday to prevent accidents related to impaired driving.
As 4/20 continues to grow in popularity among cannabis enthusiasts, the day also represents a significant opportunity to educate the public on the risks of drug-impaired driving and the importance of responsible consumption practices. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, along with national organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is using this occasion to remind everyone on the road: the decisions you make while impaired don't just affect you—they affect everyone around you.
In a notable legal decision that reiterates the stringent boundaries of disability and age discrimination under U.S. law, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's ruling in favor of L. Perrigo Company, dismissing claims filed by former employee Steve Arndt. Arndt had contested his termination, arguing it was due to age and wrongful perception of disability. This article delves into the complexities of the case, the legal arguments presented, and the implications of the court's decision.
Steve Arndt, a 61-year-old facilities electrician turned vision system technician, was terminated from Perrigo after testing positive for marijuana—a result he attributed to the use of a lip balm containing hemp oil. Perrigo, a leading U.S. manufacturer of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, maintains a zero-tolerance stance on drug use, employing third-party testing to enforce this policy.
Arndt's legal challenge revolved around the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), contending that his dismissal was based on the company's misperception of him as a drug user, equating this misperception with disability. Additionally, he suggested that age discrimination was a contributing factor to his termination.
The crux of the Sixth Circuit's decision lay in the interpretation of what constitutes a "disability" under the ADA. The court emphasized that merely perceiving an employee as a user of illegal drugs does not equate to perceiving them as having a disabling impairment. Moreover, Arndt failed to demonstrate that Perrigo regarded him as having a disability that substantially limited one or more major life activities, a key component of the ADA's protection scope.
Regarding the age discrimination claim under the ADEA, the court noted that Arndt could not prove that his age was the basis for his dismissal. The company's honest belief that Arndt violated its drug policy—regardless of the lip balm's potential effects—served as a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for his termination.
The court's ruling underscores the rigorous standards required to establish claims of discrimination based on perceived disability and age. It highlights the significance of employers maintaining clear, well-documented policies and procedures, especially concerning compliance issues like drug testing.
For employees, the decision serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of protection under employment discrimination laws, particularly in cases involving compliance with workplace policies. It also sheds light on the importance of evidence and the burden of proof in discrimination claims.
The Sixth Circuit's affirmation of Steve Arndt's case dismissal provides a clear message on the boundaries of the ADA and ADEA. It reinforces the principle that without concrete evidence of discrimination or a substantial legal basis, employee claims against terminations that align with established company policies are unlikely to succeed.
This decision not only clarifies aspects of employment law concerning drug use and discrimination but also stresses the judicial system's role in interpreting statutory protections in the context of evolving workplace norms and societal values.
Detroit-based cannabis company Calyxeum is set to launch its first retail store this Saturday, April 20th, aligning with the cannabis industry's most significant day of the year. The new outlet, Moses Roses Powered By Calyxeum, located at 6237 Federal St. in Southwest Detroit, will mark its opening with a grand celebration.
Founded in 2019 by Detroit natives Rebecca Colett and LaToyia Rucker, Calyxeum has developed a robust presence in the cannabis sector with two cultivation sites in Detroit and Lansing, and a processing facility in Lansing. The addition of this retail dispensary represents a critical step in completing the company's strategy for vertical integration.
The store will feature an extensive selection of premium products, including specialty flowers, a variety of Michigan-made gummies, Calyxeum's exclusive dessert gummy line, and rosin-infused pre-rolls.
Rebecca Colett, CEO of Calyxeum and co-owner of the new dispensary, expressed her enthusiasm about the expansion, highlighting the significance of establishing a Black woman-owned and operated, vertically integrated cannabis business in their hometown. "This achievement is a proud moment for us as we aim to transform the cannabis experience in Detroit," she stated.
Both Colett and Rucker have been strong advocates for cannabis reform locally and nationally, working towards broader acceptance and potential federal legalization. They continue to commit themselves to giving back to their community and supporting other minority women aspiring to enter the cannabis industry.
LaToyia Rucker, COO of Calyxeum and co-owner of the dispensary, shared her excitement about the milestone. "This opening is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a beacon for future minority women entrepreneurs in the cannabis sector," she said.
The grand opening event promises to be a lively celebration with exclusive deals, a live DJ, complimentary food, comedy performances, and more. The dispensary will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
In recent times, Pleasantrees, a cannabis retailer in Michigan, has found itself in a swirl of controversy over its checkout practices. Reports from customers suggest that the retailer may be engaging in illegal rounding-up of transaction totals, leading to allegations of violating Michigan Consumer Protection laws.
A compilation of customer experiences shared on Reddit highlights growing dissatisfaction with Pleasantrees. Several patrons have noted that their bill totals at checkout were higher than the amounts confirmed during online ordering. Notably, these discrepancies arise from the company's purported policy of rounding up totals to the nearest dollar due to an alleged coin shortage triggered by the pandemic.
According to one account, a customer who expected to pay the exact total as shown on their online order was surprised at the counter when the amount demanded was higher. Even the printed receipt displayed the correct total, including taxes, but the computer system rounded up. When questioned, the management referred to a policy that mandates rounding up totals exceeding fifty cents to the nearest dollar post-tax.
In defense of its practices, Pleasantrees points to notices on its website and online ordering platform. These notices explicitly state that due to a federal coin shortage, all transactions will be rounded to the nearest dollar, and that the store does not accept coins. This policy, which has been in place for nearly two years, suggests that customers are forewarned about the rounding up practice at the point of online purchase.
However, legal experts and consumer rights advocates argue that even if such a policy is disclosed, the manner of its implementation may still fall foul of the law. Michigan statutes demand that any rounding policy must be clearly and conspicuously communicated to consumers, ideally at the physical point of sale or verbally during the transaction. The apparent lack of such disclosures at physical checkout points may constitute a violation of consumer protection laws.
This issue has sparked considerable debate among customers and industry observers. Some defend the company's policy as a legitimate response to logistical challenges posed by coin shortages during the pandemic. Others view it as an opportunistic move that exploits consumers, comparing it unfavorably with competitors who either round down or maintain exact change policies.
Moreover, past actions by Pleasantrees attempting to limit the operations of smaller cannabis caregivers have also colored public perception, contributing to a narrative of a corporation that might prioritize profits over fairness.
From a legal standpoint, the rounding up of prices without explicit consent at the point of sale is questionable. Michigan's consumer protection laws provide avenues for redressal, including compensation up to ten times the difference between the charged and actual price, capped at $5 per incident. These provisions aim to deter deceptive pricing practices and protect consumer rights.
As Pleasantrees navigates this controversy, the broader implications for trust and transparency in the retail cannabis market in Michigan are clear. Retailers must balance operational challenges with strict adherence to consumer protection laws to maintain credibility and trust with their customer base.
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