Chillicothe, OH – A search warrant was executed at Western Avenue Exotics, located at 431 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, on December 13, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal sale of marijuana. The warrant was issued by the Honorable Judge Benson and follows a nearly five-month investigation into the business, which claimed to sell “hemp” products but was suspected of selling marijuana without a valid license.
The investigation was initiated after the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control reached out to Chillicothe police, reporting concerns about businesses statewide advertising marijuana as “hemp.” “Hemp” is legally defined in Ohio as Cannabis sativa L. with a THC concentration of no more than 0.3%. However, Western Avenue Exotics allegedly sold products with much higher THC content.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases from the business. One sample, which was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory for analysis, tested positive for 20.2% THC—far exceeding the legal threshold of 0.3% that would classify the substance as hemp. Additional controlled purchases are still awaiting lab results.
On the day of the warrant execution, Chillicothe police, along with other law enforcement personnel, made contact with the store owner, Julian Stokien, and two employees, William Henneberger and Jacob Wolfe. Stokien was provided with a copy of the search warrant and informed of the investigation. During a search of the business, officers documented several issues with the store’s operations. Numerous products were found to be improperly labeled, and loose green plant material was discovered throughout the stockroom and on the front counter. In addition, several burnt marijuana cigarettes were found, suggesting that employees or customers may have been smoking marijuana on the premises.
Officers located a range of suspected marijuana products, including bags of green vegetation, vape cartridges, and THC wax, both in the stockroom and at the front display desk. These items were seized as evidence and will be sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for further testing.
Stokien, who was read his Miranda rights, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the products sold at Western Avenue Exotics were legally compliant hemp products. When confronted with the lab results showing THC levels well above the legal limit, Stokien denied that the tested substance was “Delta 9” THC, a key component in marijuana. When questioned further, Stokien stated he would have his attorneys handle the matter.
All evidence has been documented, and Stokien was provided with a copy of the inventory list. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities await additional lab results from BCI.
This case highlights continued efforts by law enforcement to ensure businesses comply with state cannabis laws and prevent the illegal sale of marijuana.
