MI Man Charged In Illegal Pot Operation: AG

TORCH LAKE, MI — A northern Michigan man is facing charges in connection with an illegal pot operation, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Joseph Willbee, 50, of Torch Lake, was charged with three counts of filing a false or fraudulent income tax return, each a 5-year felony. He is scheduled to return to court Thursday.

Officials said Willbee did not file taxes on income from an illegal grow operation in Otsego County from 2019 and 2021.

Officers searched the facilities in October 2021 and found more than 1,000 marijuana plants and over 50 pounds of processed marijuana, officials said.

"Large-scale illegal marijuana operations deprive our state of revenue that funds critical services," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. "I appreciate the efforts of the Michigan State Police’s Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Section. My office will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to skirt their tax obligations."