Michigan law enforcement agencies took nine people into custody for the manufacture and delivery of marijuana in breach of the state’s Medical Marijuana Act. The detainments followed a Michigan State Police and West Michigan Enforcement Team investigation that started in 2010.
The Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office reports that the probe led authorities to execute search warrants at Deuces Wild Smoke Shop in Muskegon and the owner’s prior and new homes on July 9. Then on July 24, the 36-year-old man and his 24-year-old girlfriend were detained around 5:30 p.m.
He is charged as a fourth-time habitual lawbreaker with one count of conspiracy to deliver and one count of manufacture and delivery of 20 to 200 marijuana plants. His bond is set at $100,000 surety or cash. Due to the habitual count, the man faces a maximum life prison sentence if he is convicted. However, the minimum sentence under state sentencing guidelines could be much less severe.
The girlfriend and six of the man’s associates are charged with the felony manufacture and delivery of marijuana. The charges carry a maximum prison penalty of four years if they are convicted. The girlfriend remains in custody on $50,000 bond.
The lawyer for the accused called the detainment unnecessary. He was there when authorities executed two of the warrants on July 9 and says that an official promised to notify the accused when they needed to turn themselves in, instead of police going to pick them up.
When people face marijuana-related drug charges, their lawyers may be able to find proof that police conducted illegal search and seizure procedures or violated the accused’s rights. If evidence was gathered illegally, the judge could rule the evidence inadmissible.
Source: MLive, “Medical-marijuana advocate jailed, charged with major drug felonies in Muskegon”, John S. Hausman, July 25, 2014
