United States of America v. Mohammad Al Sharairei

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).



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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."

The district court1 sentenced him to 240 months in prison and

ordered forfeiture in the amount of $425,000.



Affirmed