New York man sentenced for synthetic marijuana distribution

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Nicholas Graziano, 54, of Melville, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration and fined $15,000 for distributing synthetic marijuana, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Graziano pled guilty on March 27, 2017 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue.”

As a part of the sentencing, Graziano was also ordered to forfeit the following, which are proceeds of the offense of conviction, property that facilitated the offense of conviction, and property involved in the offense of conviction:

• $94,777.83 in United States Currency seized on April 29, 2014, at the business known as X-Hale, located at 218 Walnut Street, Morgantown, West Virginia;
• $2,520.91 in United States Currency seized on May 8, 2014, from a United Bank account 
• $12,230.83 in United States Currency seized on May 8, 2014 from a United Bank account
• $2,032.76 in United States Currency seized on May 8, 2014, from a United Bank account    
• One 2010 Infiniti, VIN JN1CV6AR1AM252190, registered in the State of West Virginia  
• The business license issued by the State of West Virginia to Hookabuy,Inc.

In July 2012 through April 2014, Nicholas Graziano, owner and operator of X Hale Hookah Lounge in Morgantown, West Virginia, was distributing synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as spice, K2, incense, or fake weed. Synthetic cannabinoids are designer drugs that resemble a controlled substance in molecular structure and actual or intended physiological effect. 
 
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, investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.