All four defendants signed plea deals admitting guilt to the charges.
Rick Johnson, a former Republican Michigan House speaker turned cannabis regulator, received more than $110,000 in bribes in exchange for supporting companies seeking medical marijuana licenses, alleges a federal charging document filed in federal district court Thursday.
Johnson was charged alongside three defendants: John Dalaly, a business owner charged with paying bribes; and Brian Pierce and Vincent Brown, lobbyists charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.
All four defendants signed plea deals admitting guilt to the charges. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/06/former-michigan-house-speaker-charged-with-accepting-bribes-for-cannabis-licenses-00090859
“[The marijuana industry has] been held out as an equalizing opportunity,” U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten said at a press conference Thursday. “Yet what we’ve learned today is that one of its key leaders … acted corruptly and did so at a moment that mattered most for those who want to get ahead in this industry.”
Former Michigan House speaker charged with accepting bribes for cannabis licenses
All four defendants signed plea deals admitting guilt to the charges.
