(WWJ) A dozen people are facing criminal charges in connection with a series of break-ins at marijuana dispensaries all across the state.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday that she has issued warrants for 12 suspects who are allegedly responsible for over 20 marijuana dispensary break-ins in Michigan in May of last year.
Most pf the defendants are being charged with Safe Breaking, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Additional charges in the case include Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony, and breaking and entering a building with intent, a 10-year felony.
Many of the suspects were initially identified with the help of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, according to the AG's office, after they tried to break a safe stolen from a dispensary by throwing it off the rooftop of a house.
While investigating that crime, authorities then discovered 20 dispensaries with related break-ins around that time.
Officials say Michigan marijuana shops are often targeted by crooks who believe they could lot of cash on hand. This is because, as marijuana businesses remain illegal federally, they cannot do business at traditional banks.
“This is an unfortunate example of why Congress must pass the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act,” said Nessel, in a statement. “Without access to traditional banking the cannabis industry is left as a ripe target for criminals. Any legal business should have fair access to our banking institutions for the security of their own business and employees as well as public safety.”
Two defendants were recently arrested in a separate case involving an alleged attempted theft from a dispensary in Bay County in March of 2022. The Bay County Prosecutor’s Office is handling that investigation, which is separate from these charges.
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