11/20/12 - A local judge is expected to rule on whether a conflict of interest exists for the attorney representing two women charged with selling synthetic marijuana containing an illegal chemical. 41-year-old Ronda Roszak, who owns Smokers Depot on Lawson Drive in Genoa Township, and her manager, 27-year-old Melissa Ann Dzierwa of Fowlerville, are charged with delivering or manufacturing a non-narcotic controlled substance. Defense attorney Timothy Corr represents both women, which 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis said constitutes a conflict of interest now that prosecutors have offered a plea deal to one of the defendants in exchange for testifying against the other. Corr maintains neither wants a plea deal so therefore, no conflict exists. Last weekâs exam was adjourned so that Corr could file a written brief explaining his position to Judge Geddis, who will ultimately rule on the conflict of interest argument. A motion hearing is scheduled tomorrow while the exam is set to continue November 28th. Corr maintains the company that sold the product to his clients at a tobacco trade show provided a lab test report to them stating that there were no illegal chemicals in it. He also says his clients have passed a polygraph exam whether or not they knew the illegal compound was present in the product. State Police confiscated roughly six pounds of the product during a routine compliance check April 26th. (JM)
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