A Massachusetts woman has received a four-year sentence for her role in a multimillion-dollar black market cannabis operation.
A United States Department of Justice (DOJ) press release states that Milton resident Deana Martin received the sentence on charges of tax evasion, money laundering, possession with intent to distribute cannabis, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50kg or more of cannabis.
According to court documents, Martin controlled a black market cannabis delivery service in Massachusetts called Northern Herb from 2015 to 2018.
A DOJ press release states that Northern Herb claimed to sell medical cannabis, but the service did not require customers to provide a medical cannabis card for purchases.
Additionally, Northern Herb delivered cannabis packages to unattended locations like front doors or cars that unknown third parties could potentially access.
According to DOJ, Northern Herb employed at least 25 workers and had distribution and storage locations in Canton, Milton, Foxborough, and Hyde Park.
DOJ says Northern Herb’s total revenue between May 2016 and July 2018 exceeded $14 million, and the company did not withhold pay or pay employment taxes.
Milton avoided paying employment taxes by dealing in cash and using nominee entities to manage Northern Herb’s finances.
DOJ also says that Northern Herb did not file IRS reports documenting payments to employees and independent contractors.
According to the DOJ, Martin caused a tax loss of more than $500,000
Following her imprisonment, Martin will serve three years of supervised release and must pay approximately $528,146.66 in restitution to the United States.
