News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
Peter F. Neronha
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island

March 5, 2012

R.I. Medical Marijuana Caregiver Pleads Guilty to Cultivating More Than 180 Marijuana Plants

PROVIDENCE, R.I.  – A registered caregiver under Rhode Island’s Medical Marijuana program administered by the Rhode Island Department of Health pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on Friday to a federal charge of cultivating more than 100 marijuana plants, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

Erik F. Johansson, 48, was arrested in September 2010 when West Warwick Police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, a former house of worship, and discovered 183 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.

According to court records and information presented to the court, police officers seized 183 marijuana plants of varying sizes in pots and trays located in several “grow” rooms, and numerous items and supplies used in the cultivation of marijuana. Officers also discovered an extensive duct system in the grow rooms which delivered heat and/or carbon dioxide to the plants.    

During the search of the defendant’s residence, officers also discovered identification cards indicating that Erik Johansson was registered in 2009 and 2010 as a caregiver under Rhode Island’s Medical Marijuana program administered by the Rhode Island Department of Health

Johansson, who is currently detained, is scheduled to be sentence by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi on May 24, 2012.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth P. Madden and Richard B. Myrus.

The matter was investigated by the West Warwick Police Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. An agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the preparation of this case.

 

Contact: 401-709-5357
USARI.Media@usdoj.gov