FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 7, 2024
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Hardin, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
501-352-9351, scott.hardin@dfa.arkansas.gov
ABC arrests eight former dispensary employees for illegal theft and diversion of medical marijuana.
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (October 7, 2024) – The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division (ABC Enforcement) today announced the arrests of eight former employees of a medical marijuana dispensary in Helena, Arkansas. 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 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, please contact ABC Enforcement at (501) 682-8174 or abc.enforcement@dfa.arkansas.gov.
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