GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Former state representative Roy Schmidt is in custody following adrug investigationinvolving the "cultivation and sale of marijuana in the greater Grand Rapids area," according to a release from the Kent County Sheriff's Department.
The Kent County Narcotics Team and undercover agents searched two locations connected to the 61-year-old and charges were authorized against Schmidt Thursday.
Online jail records show he is in custody on a charge of delivering and/or manufacturing marijuana. More details on the case are expected after his formal arraignment in Grand Rapids' 61st District Court.
On Wednesday, authorities searched a property in the 800 block of Myrtle Street NW and also searched a home in the 700 block of Seventh Street NW, both in Grand Rapids. Police told FOX 17 News that they believe both cases are related.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department said warrants were issued after a two-month-long investigation.
When Schmidt ran for re-election to the Michigan House of Representatives representing the 76th District in Grand Rapids in 2012, he switched from the Democrat to Republican party just before the filing deadline, a move that forced the Democrats to post a write-in candidate in the primary.
Schmidt went on to defeat Bing Goei in the primary and then lost to Winnie Brinks in the general election.
Also in 2012, the Michigan Department of State investigated Schmidt’s actions after receiving a report from Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth. Forsyth claimed that Schmidt had violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by allegedly paying Matt Mojzak to run against Schmidt in the general election.
The Department of State found that although Schmidt’s campaign may have offered to give Mojzak $450, there was not sufficient enough evidence that the funds were actually transferred. Schmidt’s campaign allegedly increased the offer to $1,000 when Mojzak withdrew after originally filing for candidacy.
According to the Department of State, “The dismissal of this complaint must not be misconstrued as condoning Representative Schmidt’s actions.”
Schmidt is also a former member of the Grand Rapids City Commission.
