By Wisconsin Owner Charged With Trafficking
Jerry McCoy, a Wisconsin hemp shop owner, faces 13 counts of trafficking illegal THC. Prosecutors allege he falsely packaged, marked, and sold illicit cannabis as hemp-derived THC products that would be legal in the state, GazetteXtra reports. The charges stem from police raids on six of his 16 Hemp 1848 locations in Rock and Green Counties.
McCoy faces more than 130 years in prison for these alleged crimes.
According to the criminal complaint, the raids uncovered about 90,000 grams of THC products. Prosecutors describe the case as an “incredibly large, complex drug delivery scheme” that involves “fraud.” These products would be legal in states that have legalized cannabis for adult use, but are illegal in Wisconsin.
High Potency Products Seized
The products tested by police had concentrations at or above 60% to 80% delta-9 THC. In Wisconsin, the threshold for legal THC products is 0.3% delta-9 THC. Prosecutors allege that McCoy assembled products including edibles and vape from the high THC products.
He sold them in packaging that mimicked products that are legally allowed for sale in Wisconsin.
Investigators did not explain where the products were produced or where, or how, McCoy and his company obtained them. The focus of the criminal complaint remains on the packaging and sales practices. The specific act of mislabeling high-potency cannabis products is central to the alleged fraud scheme.
Legal Defense And Bond Set
Michael Torphy, McCoy’s attorney, told GazetteXtra that his client “completely contests” the allegations. This statement represents the defense’s initial position in the case. McCoy’s bond was set at $50,000 by the court.
This financial requirement allows him to await trial outside of custody.
The raids targeted six specific locations out of the company’s sixteen total stores. Police focused their efforts on these sites during the investigation. The discovery of the 90,000 grams of THC products triggered the criminal complaint.
