GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that John Dawood Dalaly, 71, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 28 months in federal prison and fined $25,000 for paying bribes to Rick Vernon Johnson, the former Chairperson of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board. Following his release from prison, Dalaly will serve two years on supervised release. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Beckering.
“John Dalaly bribed a public official. He corrupted a process designed to give people a fair shot at entering this promising new market,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten “Now, he’ll serve time in a federal prison. Public corruption is a poison to our democracy, and we will hold offenders accountable whenever and wherever we find them.”
Rick Johnson was a member and the Chairperson of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board (MMLB) between May 2017 and April 2019. Prior to his appointment to that Board, Johnson worked as a lobbyist in Lansing, Michigan, and served as Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives.
John Dalaly operated two companies that were formed with the purpose of obtaining various operating licenses from the MMLB or exploring the licensing of a digital currency platform for medical marijuana financial transactions. Dalaly admitted paying at least $68,200 in cash and other benefits (including private charter flights) to Johnson while he served as the Chair of the MMLB. In return, Johnson voted in favor of approving the prequalification status for one of Dalaly’s companies and voted in favor of granting medical marijuana licenses to that company. Johnson also provided valuable non-public information about the anticipated rules and operation of the MMLB and assistance with license application matters to Dalaly and others who paid him money.
“The corrupt activities uncovered in this case were facilitated by men whose desire for favorable treatment outweighed notions of integrity and fair play,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Public corruption is the FBI’s top criminal investigative priority and anyone who seeks to influence public officials through bribery will be thoroughly investigated.”
Rick Johnson’s sentencing for accepting bribes is scheduled for Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in Grand Rapids before U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten is scheduled to attend Johnson’s sentencing hearing and provide comments outside immediately following.
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, sentencing hearings have been scheduled for Brian Pierce at 11 a.m. and Vince Brown at 1:30 p.m. in Grand Rapids before U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher O’Connor and Clay Stiffler are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
More Posts
The Police Took Your Cellphone – Now What?
Everything you have and say will be evidence used against you. The Police took your cellphone - Now what?After your arrest, you arrive at the police station where you go through the booking process, and your cellphone is taken from you. Once you are released, your...
Feeling Bullied? Here’s Michigan’s Anti Bullying Laws.
Michigan Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies Components of State Anti-Bullying Laws and Regulations How are bullying and cyberbullying defined in Michigan anti-bullying laws and regulations? Michigan anti-bullying laws and regulations include the following...
Former 3M scientist who made unsettling PFAS discovery says bosses deceived her
Gee - What a surprise... When a former 3M scientist discovered the company’s chemicals were in human blood in the general population, she says her bosses misled her to believe it was harmless.3M accused of deceiving its own scientist about PFAS in human blood Hansen...
Drones – What Drones?
Jersey cops launched into the night sky with catapults to throw dreamcatchers at the unknown drones to entangle their props and bring em down! Just kidding - I think.Darrr.. What drones? Those drones pose no threat there are no drones. That's just a balloon,...
Cash For Kids Judge Pardoned (The Kickback Club)
Biden’s commutation for Judge in ‘kids for cash’ scandal should anger the entire universe.Biden’s commutation in ‘kids for cash’ scandal. BY MICHAEL RUBINKAMUpdated 5:32 PM EST, December 13, 2024A judge implicated in one of the most notorious judicial scandals in U.S....
Law and Crime News NOT in the Headlines (Update 12-10-24)
Just When You Thought Your Life Was Bad...Law and Crime NOT in the Headline NewsDive Into The Rabbit Hole Don't Forget Why You Were Here At Komorn Law.Call Us When You Come Out. (248) 357-2550‘Running a brothel’: Judge killed in chambers by sheriff was part of...
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Don't do the crime - if you can't pay the price.Average Flat Fees. Some criminal defense attorneys charge a flat fee for certain types of cases, instead of billing by the hour. This may or may not include filing fees, motions, fees, etc. Flat fees include: DUI/DWI –...
Detroit Renaissance Center Could See Two Towers Knocked Down
Two towers of Detroit’s Renaissance Center would be razed and the complex converted to a mix of housing and offices under an ambitious $1.6 billion plan.Last spring, GM chose to step away from the iconic RenCen in pursuit of a more "modern" space that is currently...
What do you do when you are pulled over for suspected DUI?
If you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving you are probably going to be arrested. The less you say - the better off you are in the long run. If you find yourself being pulled over for suspected DUI, ensure you pull over safely to the roadside, maintain a...
Michigan Problem-Solving Courts Granted Nearly $19 Million
"Data show these programs strengthen communities by reducing crime, boosting employment"LANSING, MI, October 24, 2024 (Substance Abuse Prevention Month) – The Michigan Supreme Court announces that the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has awarded $18,823,910...
