The FBI and a federal grand jury have been investigating former Michigan House speaker Rick Johnson (R) for more than two years for suspicion of taking bribes in return for awarding medical marijuana licenses, reports The Detroit News.
According to three sources familiar with the matter, who chose to remain anonymous, the investigation is covering nearly two years (from May 2017 through April 2019) of Johnson’s tenure as chairman of the Medical Marijuana Licensing Board. So, far Johnson has not been charged but court records – “United States of America vs Johnson, Rick V” obtained by the outlet confirm the federal investigation is underway. Johnson has not responded to questions for comment, the outlet added.
Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appointed Johnson to be chairman of the licensing board in May 2017 even though Johnson had previously been a marijuana lobbyist. The Snyder controversy started back then.
At that time, Brandon Dillon (then-chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party) called it. “It just smacks of corruption.”
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