Former lawmaker who led Michigan marijuana board is sent to prison for bribery
A man formerly known as a powerful Michigan lawmaker is going to federal prison for nearly five years
By AP News
Published - Sep 28, 2023, 05:06 PM ET
Last Updated - Sep 28, 2023, 05:48 PM EDT
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A man formerly known as a powerful Michigan lawmaker was sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in federal prison for accepting bribes as head of a marijuana licensing board.
Rick Johnson admitted accepting at least $110,000 when he led the board from 2017 to 2019.
“I am a corrupt politician,” Johnson told the judge, according to The Detroit News.
Johnson was a powerful Republican lawmaker years ago, serving as House speaker from 2001 through 2004. He then became a lobbyist, and ultimately chair of a board that reviewed and approved applications to grow and sell marijuana for medical purposes.
