Suspects accused of abusing Michigan's medicinal marijuana laws will appear in court Tuesday

WATERFORD, Mich. (WXYZ) - Suspects accused of abusing Michigan’s medicinal marijuana laws will appear before a judge on Tuesday afternoon in Waterford. It’s the first of two sets of preliminary exams after raids and arrests last week.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard led the raids against a group of 15 people. Business and homes were also raided.

Authorities seized marijuana, guns and money. Bouchard claims the suspects abused the state’s voter approved medicinal marijuana laws by selling pot to those without state issued I.D. cards.

Investigators also say drugs were being sold in parking lots and other illegal areas – and that this behavior was witnessed by undercover officers.

But those who have been arrested claim the Sheriff and his deputies bullied and mistreated them.

Bill and Candice Teichman were among those taken into custody and charged with a string of felonies. Bill Teichman, who worked as a design engineer for 20 years at an auto company, says he was jailed along with his wife for three days before being released on bond.

He says his life has been ruined. His bank accounts have been emptied, he’s lost custody of his kids and he’s no longer able to operate his exchange and dispensary.

Candice Teichman says she too is suffering after her arrest and brief incarceration, telling Action News a condition of her bond is that she can no longer use pot for medicinal purposes. She has turned to prescription drugs which are making her nauseous.

The Teichman’s say they are eager to appear in court and get justice.