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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — The former head of a Michigan marijuana licensing board pleaded guilty to bribery Tuesday, acknowledging he accepted at least $110,
Years ago, Rick Johnson was a powerful state lawmaker. Now, he's cooperating with the FBI over a large-ranging investigation into kickbacks for pot dispensary licenses.
Rick Johnson chaired the now defunct Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board from May 2017 to April 2019. Before that, he was a lobbyist and served as Speaker of the House from 2001 through 2004.
Johnson pleaded guilty to accepting $110,200 in cash bribes, along with gifts including private jet trips, made in exchange for approving marijuana license applications for at least two businesses.
Johnson pleaded guilty to accepting $110,200 in bribes when he was chair of the state's former medical marijuana licensing board.