U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 12-1-17 Bruce crossing man sent to federal prison for more than 12 years for rogue medical marijuana grow
The Pot Boss of Bruce Crossing: Greedy, Rogue Medical Marijuana Kingpin from Ontonagon County is sent away loses lots of property and apparently small amount of cash – plus his freedom
U.P. Breaking News Exclusive – read the sentencing and forfeiture paperwork
By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433
(Marquette, MI) – A federal judge in Marquette threw the book at the leader of a rogue medical marijuana growing operation after he admitted producing hundreds of pounds of illegal weed out of his Ontonagon County grow – while operating what were to appear as legal medical marijuana clinics.
56-year-old Troy Spencer Ward of Bruce Crossing, MI was sentenced to over 12 and one half years (151 months) without parole at a federal prison to be determined.
Ward was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov 29, 2017 by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney.
Ward had pleaded guilty to count four of a third superseding indictment in federal court at Marquette, Michigan. All others charges were dropped under an agreement with federal prosecutors. While the operation was more massive, Ward was allowed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with in tent to distribute 100 or more marijuana plants and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The government gets to seize Ward’s numerous Ontonagon County properties including 14747 N. Paynesville Road in Bruce Crossing, MI plus about $11,800 in cash from raids at his home and at Ward’s marijuana dispensary stores in Iron River, Watersmeet, and Marquette. There is an approx. $450,000 value cap on forfeitures against Ward, but only small amounts of cash were listed in the documents.
There were numerous other co-defendants in this case and most have received plea agreements and prison terms between a year and 30 months.
A seizure report was drafted by United States Marshals Service Senior Inspector Jesse Lake. Numerous motions in this case and that of its co-defendants were heard by U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley. The federal prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Maarten Vermaat.
Scroll down to read sentencing and forfeiture documents.
The judge recommended that the the U.S. Bureau of Prisons find the following for Ward:
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Receive a substance assessment and recommended treatment
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Screened for participation in the 500-hour Residential Drug Abuse Program.
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Designated to the correctional facility best able to address his medical needs and to a correctional facility close to his home in Michigan
In almost 13 years, Ward will have to live life on the outside with these conditions:
Special conditions of supervision:
1. Participate in a program of testing and treatment for substance abuse, as directed by the probation officer, and follow the rules and regulations of that program until such time as you are released from the program by the probation officer, and shall pay at least a portion of the cost according to your ability, as determined by the probation officer.
2. Must not use or possess any controlled substances without a valid prescription. If you do have a valid prescription, you must follow the instructions on the prescription. Must not possess, use, or sell marijuana or any marijuana derivative (including THC) in any form (including edibles) or for any purpose (including medical purposes). Prohibited from entering any marijuana dispensary or grow facility.
3. Must not possess or be the primary user of any cellular phone without prior permission from the probation officer. If given permission to use/possess a cell phone, you must provide the number to the probation officer and the phone must be maintained in your name or another name approved in advance by the probation officer. Must provide the probation officer with your monthly cellular and home telephone bills with each monthly report form and must report any cellular telephone you have has used or own on each report form
Forfeitures/related:
September 22, 2017 – November 29, 2017
Order of Forfeiture for a Money Judgment issued September 29, 2017
Preliminary Order of Forfeiture for Substitute Assets issued November 29, 2017
2017 Troy Spencer Ward Judgment on 11-29-30
2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (4)
2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (3)
2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (2)
2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (1)
(Marquette, MI) – An Eastern U.P. man has been sentenced to prison for distributing a powerful and highly addictive pain medication near a school playground.
Upper Peninsula Breaking News by Greg Peterson 