Attorney General John O’Connor files charges against state attorneys accused of facilitating illegal medical marijuana operations
Oklahoma City — State Attorney General John O’Connor filed charges last week consistent with a multi-county grand jury indictment against two Oklahoma attorneys accused of facilitating illegal medical marijuana operations.
The months-long investigation into Jones Brown Law Firm was initiated by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN).
As detailed in a press release O’Connor’s staff sent to CapitolBeatOK.com and other news organizations, the investigation revealed that Logan Jones, 56, and Eric Brown, 41, directed medical marijuana businesses to sign consulting agreements with Jones Brown employees, who would act as ghost owners of the company.
The consulting agreements state that the client would pay $3,000 per license per year for the law firm to provide a consultant to serve as an Oklahoma resident so the client could obtain their Oklahoma Medical Marijuana License.
“Let these charges send a loud and clear message to anyone engaging in criminal operations in Oklahoma – your actions will not go unnoticed,” said Attorney General O’Connor.
“My office is committed to eradicating these illegal operators and will continue to hold those facilitating illegal marijuana operations accountable. I am grateful for the excellent investigative work by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and their dedication to dismantling criminal organizations.”
Donnie Anderson, OBN Director, said in a statement included in a press release from O’Connor’s office, “I am extremely grateful to Attorney General John O’Connor, his staff, and the multi-county grand jury for targeting those who created fraudulent business structures and enlisted ‘ghost owners’ allowing criminal organizations to unlawfully obtain a marijuana license.
“My agency has worked tirelessly to investigate these criminal organizations that hide behind their license while moving literally tons of marijuana onto the illicit market. They also are responsible for collateral crimes including money laundering and human trafficking.”
The State’s affidavits for probable cause can be read at these links.
For Jones:
For Brown:
Summary of the Investigation:
During the investigation, OBN agents searched several locations in Oklahoma including Dao K 88 LLC in Garvin County, Evergreen Cannabis LLC in Major County, and Tianz LLC in Mayes County. A total of 20,218 marijuana plants were seized during the three search warrants.
In the summary provided by O’Connor’s office, “the investigation revealed that the Jones Brown Law Firm managed by Logan Jones and Eric Brown submitted documents to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and to OBN asserting percentages of ownership including a 75% owner as an Oklahoma resident and a 25% owner as a non-Oklahoma resident.
“Based on statements and evidence gathered during the investigation, the assertions that Oklahoma residents were 75% owners of marijuana grow operations were fraudulently submitted to the state agencies to obtain licenses. This was facilitated by the Jones Brown Law Firm through Logan Jones and Eric Brown.”
The summary affirmed, “It was discovered through the investigation that over approximately 400 marijuana grows in the state of Oklahoma listed Jones Brown Law Firm employees as 75% owners.
“Jones and Brown are each charged with one count of conspiracy to cultivate a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), six counts of offering false or forged instruments for recordation, three counts of cultivation of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), and one count of pattern of criminal offenses.”
As pointed out in the press release, “Both individuals charged in this information are innocent until proven guilty before a jury of their peers.”