Statewide Grand Jury Indicts Marijuana Providers

DENVER (AP/CBS4) - A Colorado statewide grand jury has indicted 12 people on charges of defrauding investors and running an illegal medical marijuana growing operation.

The suspects are charged with 71 criminal counts under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act and felony charges of tax evasion, securities fraud and money laundering, Deputy Attorney General Matthew Durkin said Wednesday.

The charges arose from complaints from the state Department of Revenue, which has been designated to monitor medical marijuana dispensaries, he said.

"These individuals stole money from their investors to pay off personal debts and hid their illicit proceeds from law enforcement and taxing authorities and illegally expanded their medical marijuana production capabilities," Durkin said.

The indictment alleges an elaborate pattern of racketeering that began in 2008.

Also indicted were two dispensaries, Jane Medicals LLC, and All Care Wellness Centers LLC.

Attorneys for the suspects and companies could not be located.

The Colorado Attorney General's Office will prosecute the in Jefferson County. The next appearance for most of the people indicted is July 9.

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