LANSING (WWJ) A Traverse City man was arrested and charged in connection to running a "black-market marijuana operation."
John Cunningham, 55, was charged with two counts of Filing a False or Fraudulent Income Tax Return, both five-year felonies, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced.
The charges come after Michigan State Police (MSP) Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Section investigated a "large-scale, multi-building and unlicensed" marijuana grow/distribution operation in Grand Traverse County, the Michigan Attorney General's Office said.
They said, in January of 2023, MSP recovered 134 marijuana plants, 230 pounds of processed marijuana and over $100,000 in cash. During the execution of the search warrants at Cunningham's home; MSP also found two vehicles and six Rolex watches worth over $100,000. Prosecutors allege Cunningham received income from the black-market marijuana operation and failed to file taxes in 2021 and 2022.
“When Michiganders voted to legalize marijuana, they did so with the expectation that sales would be taxed and the revenue would go toward benefiting our communities,” Nessel said. “People must pay their taxes, and my office will continue to hold accountable those who seek to profit outside the law.”
He was arraigned on Wednesday, September 3, in the 54A District Court in Lansing. He is due back in court for a probable cause conference hearing on September 11.