Columbia man admits to selling K2

A Columbia man has pleaded guilty to his role in a synthetic marijuana selling operation.

Alexander McMillin, also known as “Shasha,” was charged with participating in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud. McMillin was a partner in two companies used to sell the synthetic marijuana, also known as K2. Two other partners in those companies, Patrick Hawkins and Molly Carmichael, have also pleaded guilty.

The companies, according to prosecutors, sold wholesale orders of packaged synthetic drugs to customers statewide. The packages had labeling designed to mislead regarding their contents, using descriptions like “incense,” “potpourri,” and “therapeutic potpourri.” The products were then placed in stores next to items used for smoking the synthetic marijuana.

When McMillin was arrested, authorities seized more than $80.000 from him and more than $175,000 from a bank account associated with one of the companies in which McMillin was partner. The money will be forfeited to the government.

McMillin has not been sentenced yet, but under a plea agreement, he has agreed a sentence of 63 to 78 months is appropriate.