ABC arrests 8 former dispensary employees for illegal theft, diversion of medical marijuana
HELENA-WEST HELENA — The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division (ABC Enforcement) on Monday announced the arrests of eight former employees of a medical marijuana dispensary in Helena.
ABC Enforcement became aware of the possible diversion of medical marijuana occurring at the Green Light Dispensary in Helena. Upon the conclusion of a lengthy ABC Enforcement investigation, it was determined employees of the dispensary used patient allotments for persons who were elderly, deceased, out of area, or incarcerated to create fraudulent transactions and illegally obtain medical marijuana. Employees also allowed individuals not holding a patient card to access the dispensary and purchase marijuana products under legitimate patient allotments.
Seven suspects were identified and warrants of arrest were issued for Obtaining Drugs by Fraud, Class D Felony: April Jones, Shameka Wright, Gerald W. Jennings, Lauren Delk, Austen Delk, Taylor Perkins, and Demario Rose.
In addition, Greg McDaniel was arrested for Obtaining Drugs by Fraud, Class D Felony; Use of a Communication Device, Class C Felony; and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor. At the time of this investigation, Greg McDaniel was employed by the Helena Police Department as a police officer. As a result of this investigation, he has resigned his position.
“ABC enforcement is committed to compliance in our medical marijuana program through licensee education
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and data driven enforcement policy,” said ABC Enforcement Director David Potter. “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 Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is proud of the work of Director Potter and our enforcement agents participating in this investigation,” said DFA Secretary Jim Hudson, which includes ABC. “Medical marijuana is a regulated product in Arkansas, and its distribution must strictly comply with all applicable laws. Whenever those working in the industry illegally divert a licensed product or engage in fraud, ABC will act swiftly to protect the public.”
This criminal matter is still under investigation and other arrests could be forthcoming.
If you have additional information related to this case, a similar situation, or believe that you have been a victim of allotment fraud, contact ABC Enforcement at (501) 682-8174 or via email at abc.enforcement@dfa.ark ansas.gov.
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Mother accused of abusing infant
JONESBORO — A baby boy was born in Craighead County about seven weeks ago with fentanyl and THC in his bloodstream, officials said.
Then, last week, he was taken to a local hospital with broken bones.
On Wednesday, the child’s mother, Katie A.
Williams, 24, of Bay, appeared before a judge.
Craighead County District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to charge Williams with second-degree domestic battery, a Class C felony that carries a potential 10-year prison sentence.
“But Ms. Williams, I want to tell you I am deeply troubled by the facts in this case,” Fowler said. He set bail at $250,000 and ordered her to wear an electronic ankle monitor should she gain her release.
The infant is in the custody of the Department of Human Services and Williams will not be allowed to have contact with her son.
Bay Police Chief Keith Milam said in a probable cause affidavit that he received a report from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Unit on Oct. 16.
On the same day, Williams took the baby to a Jonesboro hospital for “what she believed was a dislocated leg,” Milam said.
However, X-rays showed an acute nondisplaced fracture midshaft of the left tibia.
The infant was transferred to Arkansas Childrens Hospital, where a doctor said the boy’s broken bone was consistent with a 45-degree bend, “with a twisting motion,” Milam said. On Monday, ACH reported discovering a second fracture in the boy’s left ankle, but were unable to determine whether that occurred at the same time as the first injury.
During an interview on Oct. 17, Milam said Williams told him she had gotten up between 11 p.m. Oct. 15 and 1 a.m.
Oct. 16 to feed her baby as he slept.
“She stated that after she fed him, he needed a diaper change,” Milam wrote in his affidavit.
“Katie states that she felt and heard what she believe a bone pop while changing Michael.”
According to hospital records, the baby was taken to an emergency room at 11:52 a.m. on Oct. 16.
Fowler bound the case over to Craighead County Circuit Court., where Williams must appear Nov. 14.
