Morgantown man sentenced for synthetic marijuana distribution, money laundering

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Kocan, 59, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced in federal court today to 108 months in prison for synthetic marijuana distribution and money laundering charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Kocan was the owner of Mid Nite Adult in Morgantown, West Virginia where he sold synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as “spice”, “K2”, “incense”, or “fake weed” for nearly two years. Synthetic cannabinoids are designer drugs that resemble a controlled substance in molecular structure and actual or intended physiological effect.

He pled guilty in July 2016 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic Cannabinoids and Schedule I Controlled Substance Analogue,” and one count of “Engaging in a Monetary Transaction with Cash Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.