Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Thomas L. Muscoreil of Grand Island was arraigned yesterday evening before Grand Island Town Court Justice Mark J. Frentzel on two counts of Criminal Possession of Cannabis in the Second Degree (Class “E” felonies).
The defendant was the subject of an investigation into the illegal sale of cannabis in the Town of Grand Island. It is alleged that on February 27, 2024, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a retail store on the 1700 block of Grand Island Boulevard. It is further alleged that a short time later, at approximately, 10:40 a.m., a second search warrant was executed at another store on the 2400 block of Grand Island Boulevard. Investigators allegedly recovered more than 5 pounds of cannabis in the form of flower, concentrate and edibles.
Muscoreil is scheduled to return on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
“I will continue work with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management and local law enforcement to investigate illegal marijuana dispensaries operating in Erie County. If you are found in possession of more than a lawful amount of cannabis or are selling unregulated products to a person under the age of 21, you will be prosecuted. Anyone with information on illegal cannabis sales is encouraged contact my office, their local police department or the Office of Cannabis Management,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Leah A. Higgins of the Justice Courts Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.