LANSING, MI – A Michigan man charged with financial crimes allegedly failed to file taxes on income from an illegal marijuana operation in Northern Michigan.

Joseph Willbee, 50, of Torch Lake, was arraigned in the 54A District Court in Lansing on three counts of filing a false or fraudulent income tax return on Sept. 9, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced.

Willbee allegedly operated a marijuana growing and distribution operation in Otsego County between 2019 and 2021.

A search warrant executed at Willbee’s residence and facilities in October 2021 reportedly uncovered more than 1,000 marijuana plants and over 50 pounds of processed marijuana.

This case was referred to the Department of Attorney General by the Michigan State Police’s Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Sectio

See Full Page