In Helena, Arkansas, eight former employees of the Green Light Dispensary were arrested following an investigation by the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division (ABC Enforcement). The employees were accused of fraudulently diverting medical marijuana and creating fake transactions to illegally obtain the substance.
The investigation revealed that the suspects used patient allotments assigned to elderly, deceased, incarcerated, or out-of-area individuals. Additionally, they permitted customers without valid patient cards to purchase marijuana using legitimate patient accounts.
The following individuals were charged with Obtaining Drugs by Fraud, a Class D felony: April Jones, Shameka Wright, Gerald W. Jennings, Lauren Delk, Austen Delk, Taylor Perkins, and Demario Rose. Greg McDaniel, a former Helena police officer, faced additional charges of Use of a Communication Device (Class C felony) and Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Class A misdemeanor). McDaniel resigned from his position as a police officer following the investigation.
ABC Enforcement Director David Potter emphasized the agency’s commitment to regulating the medical marijuana program and holding individuals accountable for fraud and diversion. The Department of Finance and Administration also expressed their support for swift action to protect the public and ensure legal distribution.
Green Light Dispensary’s CEO, John Mueller, stated that the company terminated the involved employees and fully cooperated with authorities.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests may follow.