Two men admit to synthetic marijuana distribution

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Nicholas Graziano, 53, of Melville, New York, and Stephen Graziano, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia, were convicted of distributing synthetic marijuana, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

In July 2012 through April 2014, Nicholas and Stephen Graziano, owner and operators of X Hale Hookah Lounge in Morgantown, West Virginia, were allegedly 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.

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

They each face up to twenty years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.