Edward Harwell was charged with illegally writing medical marijuana cards for people without giving them exams.
/ Courtesy: Wexford Co. jail
WEXFORD CO. -- The Cadillac-area doctor accused of signing off on medical marijuana cards for patients illegally pled not guilty to all charges.
Dr. Edward Harwell was arrested and charged with counts of conspiracy to commit a legal act in an illegal manner as well as intentionally placing misleading or false information on a medical record.
The complaint issued by the Michigan Attorney General claims Harwell also failed to maintain legal records that describe his examination process, a violation of state law.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Traverse Narcotics Team where detectives went undercover several times.
The typical 14-day period between arraignment and preliminary hearing was waived due to the complexity of the case. The new time table allows the defense to properly prepare for trial. The next hearing in this case is set for March 26th.
The charges include 5-counts of conspiracy to commit a legal act in an illegal manner by allegedly wrongfully signing "Physician's Certifications" under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. That charge is a 5-year felony with up to $10,000 in fines.
Harwell is also charged with three counts of intentionally placing misleading false information on charts and records, which is a 4-year felony, with up to $5000 in fines.
Harwell owns and operates Triple M Clinics in Cadillac and another operation in Ann Arbor. 7&4 News discovered that the Cadillac clinic is now closed.
To hear from the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Badovinac on the charges click on the video above.
