Arkansas dispensary employees arrested, accused of fraud & stealing marijuana

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Eight former employees at a medical marijuana dispensary in Helena, Arkansas, were arrested by the Alcoholic Beverage Enforcement Division (ABC) and accused of fraud.

The ABC announced on Monday that after a “lengthy” investigation into the Green Light Dispensary, it was determined that employees at the business used patient allotments for people who were elderly, deceased, out of the area, or in jail to create fake transactions and illegally obtain medical marijuana.

The employees are also accused of allowing people who do not hold a patient card to access the dispensary and buy marijuana products under legitimate patient allotments.

Warrants of arrest for Obtaining Drugs by Fraud, a Class D Felony, were issued for seven suspects – April Jones, Shameka Wright, Gerald W. Jennings, Lauren Delk, Austen Delk, Taylor Perkins, and Demario Rose.

Greg McDaniel was also arrested for Obtaining Drugs by Fraud; Use of a Communication Device, Class C Felony; and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor.

According to a press release from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, McDaniel was employed as a police officer at the Helena Police Department at the time of the investigation. He resigned as a result of the investigation.

“ABC enforcement is committed to compliance in our medical marijuana program through licensee education and data driven enforcement policy,” ABC Enforcement Director David Potter said. “However, instances of diversion, fraud, and theft will be proactively investigated and criminal charges will be sought to remove bad actors, regardless of their position or influence. I would like to thank Phillips County Sheriff Neal Byrd and his office for their assistance in this investigation.”

The DFA says the investigation is still underway and other arrests could be forthcoming. If you have any information regarding this case or similar cases, call ABC Enforcement at 501-682-8174.

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