Four individuals were arraigned in Hillsdale County, Michigan, following their involvement in a burglary at a marijuana dispensary and subsequent cross-state police chase. The incident, unfolding on January 31st, led to the apprehension of the suspects on February 2nd.
The accused, Dontay Dequan Banks, 19; Treshaun Omeirr Boykins, 23; Milton Tyier Hudson, 18; and Jeremiah Javon Smith, 18, face multiple felony charges. These include breaking and entering with the intent to commit larceny, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, receiving and concealing stolen property, third-degree fleeing from police, and resisting arrest. Their arraignment took place via video teleconference from the Hillsdale County Jail, where they were informed of their charges and assigned court-appointed attorneys.
The incident began when the Michigan State Police were alerted to a break-in at The Pinnacle Emporium, a marijuana dispensary in Camden, Michigan. Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspects along with a juvenile in a 2018 white Kia parked outside the premises. Attempting to evade capture, the suspects led police on a high-speed pursuit that extended from Michigan into Ohio and Indiana, with speeds surpassing 100 miles per hour. The chase eventually circled back into Michigan, where a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver was used to halt the vehicle in southern Branch County, just shy of Calhoun County.
Following the vehicle's immobilization, the suspects attempted to flee on foot but were quickly captured by law enforcement. The juvenile involved was released to his parents, while the four men were detained at the Branch County Jail before being transferred to Hillsdale County Jail.
Investigations revealed the vehicle used in the crime was stolen. In court, Judge Megan Stiverson highlighted the Hillsdale County Court's new Community Corrections Program, labeling the defendants as "low-risk" for future court appearances due to their lack of prior criminal history. Consequently, Stiverson granted each man a personal recognizance bond and mandated adherence to the program's supervision requirements.
The four are slated to return to court for probable cause conferences on February 14th, facing a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Early this morning, emergency services were called to a significant fire on Imlay City Road in Lapeer, at a premises formerly occupied by Cut Rate Auto Repair. The building, now leased by MKX Potency for the storage of marijuana products, is situated to the east of the local Walmart and beside Thompson Motors.
The situation escalated to a three-alarm fire when part of the roof caved in, triggering a "mayday" signal. The incident resulted in minor shoulder injuries to one firefighter, who was hit by falling debris during the efforts to control the blaze.
Responding to the initial alarm at approximately 6 a.m. were units from Lapeer Fire & Rescue and the Elba Township Fire Department. As the situation intensified, the Metamora Township Fire Department and later the Attica Township Fire Department were called in for additional support. To combat the fire, aerial trucks from Lapeer and Elba Township were deployed, allowing firefighters to douse the flames from above.
Efforts to reach and extinguish remaining hot spots were aided by a front-end loader from the Lapeer Department of Public Works, which cleared away parts of the roof and other debris. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to adjacent buildings.
The incident led to the closure of Imlay City Road to through traffic, though Lapeer Fire & Rescue Chief Mike Vogt expects the road to reopen within hours.
With Lapeer's fire units committed to the scene, Vogt has arranged for the Davison-Richfield Fire Department to be on standby, ready to respond to any additional emergencies that may arise while local resources are engaged.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is under investigation. This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and the readiness of emergency services to respond to unforeseen events.
A Michigan federal judge has temporarily halted a legal battle involving two cannabis retailers, the City of Menominee, and other competing businesses, indicating a preference for the resolution of related state-level disputes over city licenses for recreational marijuana sales. This pause aims to potentially eliminate the necessity for the federal lawsuit's continuation.
U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker, in a recent order, expressed a mutual agreement among all involved parties to delay the federal lawsuit, originally initiated on August 21st by First Property Holdings LLC (operating as Rize) and The Fire Station LLC. These companies had taken legal action against Menominee, a city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and several competing businesses. Judge Jonker's decision to grant Menominee's request for a stay came after discussions with all parties involved.
The controversy stems from Menominee's initial decision to award only two licenses in 2021 for the sale of recreational marijuana within the city, which were granted to the plaintiffs of the federal suit. This decision led to lawsuits from other retailers who were not granted licenses, challenging the city's limit in state court. Following a settlement agreement from these challenges, Menominee lifted the cap on the number of available licenses.
The federal lawsuit by the original licensees alleges that five retailers who were initially unsuccessful in obtaining licenses attempted to influence the licensing process through unofficial means while the state litigation was pending. These retailers include Rocky North LLC, Highwire Farms LLC, Nu Group, Higher Love, and O.I. Holdings.
Judge Jonker expressed reservations about the federal court's jurisdiction over a matter that involves the licensing for sales of a substance still considered illegal under federal law. By delaying proceedings, there is hope that resolution in other related legal actions might reduce or eliminate the need to address certain legal questions in this case.
The judge has mandated that all parties involved provide a status update by April 30th, with subsequent reports every 90 days, detailing the progress of related proceedings in state court.
Representation for the plaintiffs includes attorneys from The Mike Cox Law Firm PLLC, Dickinson Wright PLLC, and John R. Turner PLC. The City of Menominee is represented by Plunkett Cooney PC, with the other businesses represented by a variety of legal firms.
This case highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding the issuance of licenses for the sale of recreational marijuana, reflecting broader challenges within the industry as it navigates both state and federal legal frameworks.
Mark Crowley, a 28-year-old resident of the Chicago area, is facing severe legal consequences for allegedly transporting over 1,000 THC vape cartridges across state lines, an action that not only violates drug laws but also marks a repeat offense for Crowley. This recent arrest in La Porte County, Indiana, echoes a similar incident from 2019 when Crowley was apprehended for carrying marijuana and related products in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania.
In the latest incident, Crowley was charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with dealing in a Schedule I, II, or III substance as a Level 2 felony, potentially facing a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years. The charges stem from a routine traffic stop on Interstate 94 for improper lane usage and speeding. Crowley's nervous demeanor and evasive answers about his trip from Michigan raised the officer's suspicions, leading to the discovery of two large boxes filled with 600 THC vape cartridges each in his trunk. This significant quantity suggests intent to distribute, as it far exceeds personal consumption levels.
Crowley's prior encounter with law enforcement occurred in 2019, when Pennsylvania State Police arrested him on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for speeding. During the stop, officers detected the smell of marijuana emanating from his vehicle. This led to the discovery of various forms of marijuana and related paraphernalia, including vapes, sealed cans of marijuana, liquid marijuana, and marijuana-infused chocolate bars. Crowley faced multiple charges, including felony manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, alongside misdemeanor charges for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.
The repetition of such offenses underscores the risks associated with interstate transportation of marijuana products, particularly from states like Michigan, where they can be purchased legally and at lower prices, to states where such activities remain illegal. Crowley's actions reflect a broader challenge faced by law enforcement in managing the implications of disparate state marijuana laws, especially as more states move towards legalization in various forms.
These incidents serve as cautionary tales about the severe legal repercussions of transporting marijuana products across state lines, a felony offense that carries significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. They highlight the ongoing legal and societal challenges posed by the patchwork of marijuana legislation in the United States.
In Michigan's bustling marijuana industry, the quest for higher THC potency has not only influenced consumer preferences but also raised concerns about the integrity of potency testing. Industry insiders and regulators have voiced worries about the potential manipulation of THC test results, which are pivotal in determining the price and profitability of marijuana products across the state.
The significance of THC potency in setting prices has led to suspicions of unethical practices among some testing labs and marijuana producers. Allegations suggest a "pay-to-play" scheme, where higher potency figures are reported in exchange for financial benefits, disadvantaging labs committed to accurate testing.
Ben Rosman, co-founder and CEO of PSI Labs in Ann Arbor, one of Michigan's first licensed marijuana safety testing facilities, observed firsthand how prioritizing accuracy in test results could negatively impact business. PSI Labs, known for its commitment to reliable data, ultimately closed its doors after eight and a half years, underscoring the challenging dynamics between accuracy and market demands.
The phenomenon of "lab shopping," where producers seek out labs that report higher THC levels to remain competitive, highlights a systemic issue within the industry. Despite the common knowledge among budtenders and retailers that THC potency is not the sole indicator of marijuana's effects, consumer behavior indicates a strong preference for higher potency products. This trend has led to an increase in strains boasting THC levels above 28%, while those with lower potency struggle to find a place in the market.
David Egerton, laboratory manager at Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs in Jackson, Michigan, has encountered direct requests from customers seeking inflated potency results, emphasizing the pressure labs face to retain clients by bending the rules.
The closure of PSI Labs and the challenges it faced in maintaining a commitment to accurate testing reflect a broader issue within the cannabis industry: the cycle of potency inflation. This cycle perpetuates the demand for higher THC levels, encouraging producers to seek out labs that will report such results, ultimately compromising the integrity of the testing process.
A study examining THC potency accuracy in Colorado's marijuana market revealed that a significant portion of tested samples had potency levels more than 15% lower than stated on packaging, suggesting that potency inflation may be a widespread problem in the U.S. cannabis industry.
In Michigan, the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has taken steps to address concerns about THC potency testing, particularly focusing on the practices of Viridis Laboratories. The CRA's investigations and ongoing legal battles with Viridis highlight the complexities of standardizing testing methods and ensuring accurate results.
The CRA plans to open a state-run lab by the end of 2024, aiming to audit private lab results and contribute to the development of standardized testing procedures. However, achieving lasting change in the industry may require more than regulatory oversight and the establishment of reference labs. Stakeholders like Rosman believe that legal actions, similar to lawsuits filed in California over potency inflation, might be necessary to prompt significant reforms.
As Michigan's marijuana market continues to evolve, the challenges surrounding THC potency testing underscore the need for a balanced approach that ensures consumer safety and confidence while fostering a competitive and ethical industry.
In a distressing incident in Kent County, a 2-month-old infant tragically lost his life, leading to serious charges against his mother. Jennifer Louise Mast, 39, was arraigned on charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse on January 31st at the 63rd District Court in Kent County.
This case, which has garnered significant attention, stems from a Kent County Sheriff's Office investigation in 2023. The critical events unfolded in the early hours of August 25th, when sheriff's deputies received an emergency call about an unresponsive infant at a residence in Solon Township.
Upon arriving at the scene around 6:38 a.m., deputies immediately noticed a strong odor of burnt marijuana within the house. Additionally, visible marijuana paraphernalia and an empty vodka bottle on the dining table were reported, as detailed in an affidavit of probable cause for complaints.
During the on-scene investigation, detectives interviewed Mast. She disclosed consuming alcohol, including two mixed vodka drinks and a shot, and admitted to smoking marijuana shortly before retiring to bed. At that time, Mast stated, the baby was already asleep in his bouncy seat.
The sequence of events as recounted by Mast indicates that she attended to the baby later in the night, feeding and changing him, before laying him in bed with her. The next morning, the baby's father, who was also in the home, woke up Mast as he prepared for work. It was then that Mast discovered the baby was unresponsive. Despite immediate CPR attempts by Mast and subsequent emergency response efforts, the baby could not be revived.
The Kent County Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation by suffocation.
Following these tragic events, Mast is scheduled for further court appearances, including a probable cause conference on February 14th and a preliminary examination on February 21st. She has been released on bond as of the afternoon of January 31st.
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