The state has imposed a $15.2 million fine on the operator of several unlicensed cannabis outlets in Auburn and Aurelius, as declared by Attorney General Letitia James.
David Tulley, proprietor of the establishments known as I’m Stuck on 9 E. Genesee St. in Auburn and Weed Warehouse on 2020 Crane Brook Drive in Aurelius, is mandated to pay $7 million in profits made from unauthorized cannabis sales, which included sales to minors, in addition to $8.2 million in penalties for defying state shutdown orders.
“David Tulley’s unlawful sales activities spanned multiple locations across upstate and central New York, targeting underage patrons with unregulated products,” stated James. “These operations compromise community safety and integrity. With today’s significant financial penalty and a permanent ban from New York’s cannabis industry, we send a stern message to similar enterprises across the state about our commitment to enforcing the law.”
The fines calculated include $10,000 per day over 389 days of unauthorized sales, and escalated to $20,000 per day for 217 days post-receipt of a formal state compliance notice. Tulley’s operations expanded to include six more I’m Stuck outlets across Wayne, Oswego, and Monroe counties starting in early 2022.
In 2023, law enforcement shut down the Auburn and Aurelius shops following multiple raids. These actions were part of a broader crackdown that included undercover operations by state agents.
Undercover investigations led by Andrea Buttenschon and her assistant, posing as her underage daughter, conducted a purchase attempt at these locations. Despite lacking identification, the sale proceeded with minimal staff intervention.
Responding to the sanctions, Tulley expressed intentions to challenge the decision and voiced his ambition to run for governor. He aims to introduce licenses that would accommodate businesses in the cannabis gray market, asserting his outlets primarily sold “consultations,” thus classifying the cannabis as complimentary.
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