HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — Eight former employees at a medical marijuana dispensary in Helena, Arkansas were arrested by the Alcoholic Beverage Enforcement Division (ABC) and accused of fraud.

The ABC announced on Monday that after a “lengthy” investigation into the Green Light Dispensary, it was determined that employees at the business used patient allotments for people who were elderly, deceased, out of the area, or in jail to create fake transactions and illegally obtain medical marijuana.

“We see small cases here and there, this is totally unique having 8 employees with one dispensary arrested (but) this is unique,” said Scott Hardin, the spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

The employees are also accused of allowing people who do not hold a patient card to access the dispensary and buy marijuana products under legitimate patient allotments.

“We can’t get into exactly how we found this simply because there may be a few more arrests coming over the next few days,” Hardin said.

Warrants of arrest for Obtaining Drugs by Fraud, a Class D Felony, were issued for seven former employees – April Jones, Shameka Wright, Gerald W. Jennings, Lauren Delk, Austen Delk, Taylor Perkins, and Demario Rose.

“There is a reason they are listed as former employees within the news release because when we brought this up to the owners and said ‘We found this, this is happening.’ They immediately took action.”

Greg McDaniel was also arrested for Obtaining Drugs by Fraud; Use of a Communication Device, Class C Felony; and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor.

According to a press release from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, McDaniel was employed as a police officer at the Helena Police Department at the time of the investigation. He resigned as a result of the investigation.

“ABC enforcement is committed to compliance in our medical marijuana program through licensee education and data driven enforcement policy,” said ABC Enforcement Director David Potter. “However, instances of diversion, fraud, and theft will be proactively investigated and criminal charges will be sought to remove bad actors, regardless of their position or influence. I would like to thank Phillips County Sheriff Neal Byrd and his office for their assistance in this investigation.”

Hardin says he can’t speak on McDaniel’s dispensary employment but clarified the state’s only job is to make sure budtenders have a license and go through a background check.

“It’s not something the state takes lightly, and I think it serves as a lesson that this is a strictly closely regulated industry for a reason,” Hardin said.

The dispensary is set to move to Brinkley, Arkansas but NewsNation affiliate WREG was told that this investigation had nothing to do with that decision.

The DFA says the investigation is still underway and other arrests could be forthcoming. If you have any information regarding this case or similar cases, call ABC Enforcement at 501-682-8174.