FEDS REMAIN TIGHT-LIPPED ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA RAIDS IN OAKLAND COUNTY

Federal agents involved with recent raids on multiple Metro Detroit
establishments, including two Oakland County medical marijuana
dispensaries, remain tight-lipped about what is being called an
ongoing investigation.

"We're still in the early stages," said Richard Isaacson, public
information officer for U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's Detroit Field
Office. "We're trying to protect our investigation and keep things private."

Agents with the DEA, Internal Revenue Service and Immigrations and
Customs Enforcement raided at least five locations in Oakland County
on April 12.

The two medical marijuana dispensaries raided were Caregivers of
America locations in Walled Lake and Novi.

A woman who answered the phone for Caregivers of America on Tuesday
would not confirm whether the businesses had reopened.

"Stop nagging us, stop leaving us messages," she said before hanging up.

Romel Casab, a well-known businessman in the Metro area, is listed
online as the owner of Caregivers of America. His home in Commerce
Township was also raided.

"There's nothing to represent him on; there's no medical marijuana
case involving Romel Casab," said James Allen, an attorney who has
represented Casab in other court cases.

Other locations raided include the Bayside Sports Grill in Walled
Lake, the Coliseum Bar & Grill -- a strip club in Detroit -- and a
home in Walled Lake. State records list John Semma as the owner of
both businesses, though the name listed for the Coliseum is "Johni
Semma." Information online indicates Semma lives at the address
raided in Walled Lake.

Both Semma's businesses have reopened and resumed normal business hours.

Attempts to reach Semma on Tuesday were unsuccessful. A message left
for Jeffrey Bigelman, an attorney who represented Semma in a previous
court case, was not returned by press time.

Other media outlets have reported that the DEA also raided a
commercial building in Romulus.

Isaacson said there is no timetable for when the investigation will
be wrapped up or when more information might be available.

"Some investigations last years, some are one-hit wonders that are
done in a day," Isaacson said. "Every criminal investigation we
conduct is unique."