Officials: Woman ran illegal $14 million pot enterprise

BOSTON (AP) – A Massachusetts woman has been charged with running a multimillion-dollar illegal marijuana business.

Federal authorities say 51-year-old Deana Martin, of Milton, is charged with one count of conspiring to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. She was freed after an initial appearance in court on Tuesday. Her attorney, Brad Bailey, says she denies the charges.

Prosecutors say Martin owned an unlicensed delivery business called Northern Herb under the guise of providing medical marijuana.

They say she made more than $14 million, paid herself more than $80,000 a month and used the money to pay her mortgage and for a new Porsche.

Authorities say Northern Herb stored and distributed marijuana from multiple locations, including Martin’s residence. They say she had 25 employees she paid in cash.

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