Sussex County business owner pleads guilty to illegal marijuana distribution, agrees to forfeit more than $477K
SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — A 37-year-old Sparta Township man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing marijuana with intent to distribute following an investigation into unlicensed marijuana sales at two retail stores, according to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Devin A. Pupo pleaded guilty Tuesday, Oct. 20, to second-degree possession of more than five pounds but less than 20 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute. As part of his guilty plea, Pupo agreed to forfeit more than $477,000 in cash and a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban seized during the investigation.
According to Sussex County Prosecutor Daniel M. Perez, the investigation began in 2024 when the Sparta Township Police Department and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Guns, Gangs and Narcotics Task Force began investigating Green Remedies, a retail store in Sparta owned and operated by Pupo.
Investigators focused on the alleged illegal sale of marijuana products from the business, which was not licensed to sell marijuana.
In May 2025, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Green Remedies, the Zenshine Shop, Pupo’s residence and his vehicle. Authorities seized approximately 20 pounds of raw marijuana, along with other evidence of illegal marijuana distribution.
Police also seized $477,135.28 in cash and a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban valued at approximately $75,000.
Following the investigation, Pupo was charged with first-degree maintaining a premises for the manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance involving more than five pounds of marijuana. He also faced three second-degree charges: possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, money laundering and conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute.
During his guilty plea Oct. 20, Pupo admitted to possessing approximately 20 pounds of marijuana with the intent to sell it through his retail stores. He also acknowledged using his Chevrolet Suburban to transport marijuana and money obtained through illegal marijuana sales.
According to prosecutors, Pupo admitted that the $477,135.28 seized by investigators came from illegal marijuana sales and consented to forfeiting the money and his vehicle to the state.
“This guilty plea represents an important step in holding accountable those responsible for maintaining large-scale illegal marijuana distribution businesses,” said Sussex County Prosecutor Daniel M. Perez.
“Unlicensed marijuana dispensaries operate above the law, place the public at risk, and undermine the regulated cannabis business community that plays by the rules. I commend Sparta Township Police Chief Jeffrey McCarrick, the Sparta Township Police Department, and the Sussex County Guns, Gangs, and Narcotics Task Force for their hard work and dedication to the pursuit of justice.”
The second-degree offense carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Pupo is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 15, 2027, before Superior Court Judge Janine M. Allen in Newton.
