A Torch Lake man accused of tax evasion in connection with an illegal Otsego County marijuana grow operation has been charged, officials said.

Joseph Willbee, 50, was arraigned Tuesday in the 54A District Court in Lansing, Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement.

He is charged with three counts of filing a false or fraudulent income tax return, a 5-year felony, the attorney general said.

A magistrate set his bond at $3,000 and scheduled Willbee's next court hearing for Thursday, according to court records and the attorney general's office.

Willbee's attorney, Matthew Borgula, was not immediately available for comment on Monday.

Authorities allege the defendant ran an illegal marijuana growing and distribution operation in Otsego County between 2019 and 2021.

Michigan State P

See Full Page