MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) - A former store owner in Menasha has pled guilty to receiving and mislabeling drugs in federal court.
53-year-old Lawrence Hooyman is scheduled to be sentenced in November.
An investigation began over 3 years ago, when the Town of Menasha passed an ordinance regulating the sale of synthetic marijuana.
Authorities say at that time, Hooyman's and three other stores were selling the product. All four stores were notified of the ordinance and told they couldn't sell the product anymore.
Police officers checked the stores again in March 2011 and discovered that 3 were still selling the products. Citations were issued and over the next few years, the P.D. continues to get complaints about Eldorado's Adult Party Store at 2545 S. Memorial Drive still selling the product.
In June 2011, search warrants were served at the store. Cops recovered over 600 packages of synthetic marijuana with a retail value of $31,000.
Investigators were told by Hooyman that he believed it was legal to sell the stuff and he was only allowing adults to buy it.
After telling them he would stop selling it, Hooyman continued to sell into December of 2011.
Police served another search warrant at another one of his stores, Intimate Lingerie in Grand Chute, and found more synthetic marijuana being sold.