The Biloxi city councilman found to have knowingly sold fake CBD products at stores he owned has resigned from office.
Robert Deming III announced his resignation during a Tuesday evening press conference held at the front steps of city hall.
The Ward 4 councilman who was in his third term found himself in legal trouble after a DEA investigation revealed that some of the vape products sold at Deming’s stores, known as the Candy Shop, in Mississippi contained Schedule I controlled substances. Customers were reported to have become ill after consuming these products.
As the investigation continued, agents learned that Deming was aware that his vape additives did not contain CBD. Rather, they contained synthetic cannabinoids. This was evidenced by group chats in which Deming’s employees complained about how the additives were too strong and could hurt their customers. Despite this fact, Deming misbranded the additives as containing CBD.
Agents were also able to determine that in May 2022, Deming sent an uncharged coconspirator $2,200 to purchase one kilogram of 5F-AB-PINACA, a schedule I controlled substance, for use in the Candy Shop’s vape additives and that, at the time Deming sent the money, he knew that 5F-AB-PINACA was a controlled substance.
Deming was indicted by a federal grand jury back in September.
As part of the plea agreement in this case, Deming agreed to forfeit a yellow monster truck with oversized tires and a lift kit and nearly $2 million. Prosecutors asked the judge presiding over this case to be bound to a sentencing guideline of 70 to 87 months with post-release supervision possible, rather than the standard sentence of a maximum of 20 years and a $1 million fine.
Deming’s sentencing is scheduled for August 13. In the meantime, a qualifying period will be set up by Biloxi officials to fill the vacancy left by Deming on the city council.
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