Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Federal agents involved with recent raids on multiple Metro Detroit establishments, including two Oakland County medical marijuana dispensaries, remain tight-lipped about what is being called an ongoing investigation.
"We're still in the early stages," said Richard Isaacson, public information officer for U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's Detroit Field Office. "We're trying to protect our investigation and keep things private."
Agents with the DEA, Internal Revenue Service and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement raided at least five locations in Oakland County on April 12.
The two medical marijuana dispensaries raided were Caregivers of America locations in Walled Lake and Novi.
A woman who answered the phone for Caregivers of America on Tuesday would not confirm whether the businesses had reopened.
"Stop nagging us, stop leaving us messages," she said before hanging up.
Romel Casab, a well-known businessman in the Metro area, is listed online as the owner of Caregivers of America. His home in Commerce Township was also raided.
"There's nothing to represent him on; there's no medical marijuana case involving Romel Casab," said James Allen, an attorney who has represented Casab in other court cases.
Other locations raided include the Bayside Sports Grill in Walled Lake, the Coliseum Bar & Grill -- a strip club in Detroit -- and a home in Walled Lake. State records list John Semma as the owner of both businesses, though the name listed for the Coliseum is "Johni Semma." Information online indicates Semma lives at the address raided in Walled Lake.
Both Semma's businesses have reopened and resumed normal business hours.
Attempts to reach Semma on Tuesday were unsuccessful. A message left for Jeffrey Bigelman, an attorney who represented Semma in a previous court case, was not returned by press time.
Other media outlets have reported that the DEA also raided a commercial building in Romulus.
Isaacson said there is no timetable for when the investigation will be wrapped up or when more information might be available.
"Some investigations last years, some are one-hit wonders that are done in a day," Isaacson said. "Every criminal investigation we conduct is unique."
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Royal Oak, MI)
Copyright: 2011 The Daily Tribune
Contact: editor@dailytribune.com
Website: Daily Tribune
Details: MapInc
Author: Karen Workman
"We're still in the early stages," said Richard Isaacson, public information officer for U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's Detroit Field Office. "We're trying to protect our investigation and keep things private."
Agents with the DEA, Internal Revenue Service and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement raided at least five locations in Oakland County on April 12.
The two medical marijuana dispensaries raided were Caregivers of America locations in Walled Lake and Novi.
A woman who answered the phone for Caregivers of America on Tuesday would not confirm whether the businesses had reopened.
"Stop nagging us, stop leaving us messages," she said before hanging up.
Romel Casab, a well-known businessman in the Metro area, is listed online as the owner of Caregivers of America. His home in Commerce Township was also raided.
"There's nothing to represent him on; there's no medical marijuana case involving Romel Casab," said James Allen, an attorney who has represented Casab in other court cases.
Other locations raided include the Bayside Sports Grill in Walled Lake, the Coliseum Bar & Grill -- a strip club in Detroit -- and a home in Walled Lake. State records list John Semma as the owner of both businesses, though the name listed for the Coliseum is "Johni Semma." Information online indicates Semma lives at the address raided in Walled Lake.
Both Semma's businesses have reopened and resumed normal business hours.
Attempts to reach Semma on Tuesday were unsuccessful. A message left for Jeffrey Bigelman, an attorney who represented Semma in a previous court case, was not returned by press time.
Other media outlets have reported that the DEA also raided a commercial building in Romulus.
Isaacson said there is no timetable for when the investigation will be wrapped up or when more information might be available.
"Some investigations last years, some are one-hit wonders that are done in a day," Isaacson said. "Every criminal investigation we conduct is unique."
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Royal Oak, MI)
Copyright: 2011 The Daily Tribune
Contact: editor@dailytribune.com
Website: Daily Tribune
Details: MapInc
Author: Karen Workman
