LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued warrants for 12 individuals responsible for over 20 marijuana dispensary break-ins across the state. Most defendants are being charged with Safe Breaking (a life felony); Criminal Enterprise (20-year felony); and breaking and entering a building with intent (10-year felony). 

The Department alleges that the defendants are tied to a string of break-ins to marijuana dispensaries across the state in May 2022. Many of the suspects were initially identified with the help of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department after attempting to break a safe stolen from one of the dispensaries by throwing it off the rooftop of a house. The investigation discovered 20 dispensaries with related break-ins during that time.   

“This is an unfortunate example of why Congress must pass the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act,” says Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Without access to traditional banking the cannabis industry is left as a ripe target for criminals. Any legal business should have fair access to our banking institutions for the security of their own business and employees as well as public safety.” 

Two defendants were recently arrested in a separate case involving an alleged attempted theft from a dispensary in Bay County in March 2022. The Bay County Prosecutor’s Office is handling that investigation, which is separate from these charges.

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Please note: A criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.