Description: Rapid City, Iowa criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with murder.

A jury convicted Mohammad Al Sharairei of maintaining a premises for the
purpose of distributing controlled substance analogues and conspiracy to distribute
controlled substance analogues. See 21 U.S.C. §§ 813, 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 846, 856(a)(1), 856(b).

* * *

-2-
856(a)(1), 856(b). The district court1 sentenced him to 240 months in prison and
ordered forfeiture in the amount of $425,000. Al Sharairei appeals.
I.
In 2012 and 2013, Al Sharairei and his wife owned and operated Puff N Stuff
II, a shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Puff N Stuff II was open 24 hours a day, seven
days a week and sold a range of products, including snacks, soda, cigarettes, and
smoking paraphernalia. The most popular products were synthetic cannabinoids,
known as “potpourri” and “incense,” which generated most of the store’s revenue.
These potpourri and incense products had names like Head Trip, Lights Out, and
Mega Kush2 and were openly displayed in foil packages and organized by brand in
a glass case. A note taped on the display case stated: “All products within are incense
and should be discussed as such. Consuming these products is illegal. Referring to
them in a consumable way whatsoever can get you removed from this store.” And a
list of rules posted inside the shop instructed employees: “Do not explain how to use
our products."

Outcome: The district court1 sentenced him to 240 months in prison and
ordered forfeiture in the amount of $425,000.

Affirmed

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: