Holland Man Charged with Fraud, Failing to Pay Taxes on More Than $1 Million in Unlicensed Marijuana Sales

LANSING – Shaun Michael Brown, 48, of Holland, was arraigned on Friday in the 58th District Court in Hudsonville by Magistrate Mark Bos on seven felony charges for allegedly defrauding a victim and failing to pay taxes on more than $1.1 million that he earned from unlicensed marijuana sales, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. He has been charged with one count of False Pretenses, $50,000 but less than $100,000, a 15-year felony, and six counts of Taxes-Failure to File/False Return, each 5-year felonies.  

Brown is accused of defrauding the victim by selling him a 2021 Corvette for $95,000 and then failing to provide the victim with a valid title to the vehicle. It is also alleged that Brown never paid income or sales taxes from 2020 through 2022 on the vehicle sale proceeds, or on the more than $1.1 million that he earned from unlicensed marijuana sales. 

This case was referred to the Attorney General’s Office by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department, who assisted with the investigation, along with the Michigan State Police’s Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Section.  

“Sales tax revenue supports our schools, our roads, and services our communities depend on,” Nessel said. “I would like to thank the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police for their diligent work in investigating this matter. My office will continue to enforce Michigan’s tax laws and protect residents from fraud.” 

“These charges reflect the steadfast resolve of our law enforcement partners and the Attorney General’s office to uphold Michigan’s regulated cannabis system, and we appreciate their unwavering work in bringing this case forward,” said Cannabis Regulatory Agency Executive Director Brian Hanna. “Cases like this demonstrate exactly why a strong, transparent regulatory framework matters – and why those who choose to operate outside it will be held accountable.” 

A probable cause conference has been scheduled on December 4, 2025, at 2 p.m., and a preliminary examination has been scheduled on December 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., both before Judge Judith Mulder in Ottawa County’s 58th District Court.