KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Kenosha County prosecutors say the mother of two brothers accused of manufacturing vaping cartridges with THC oil was aware of the illegal activity and allowed some products to be manufactured at her real estate office.
A criminal complaint alleges some vape cartridges were assembled in the Realty Executives office of Courtney Huffhines before the operation was moved to a condo rented by Huffhines' son under a fake name.
Officials say they found a locked cabinet at the real estate office that had equipment used to make vaping products. Investigators say the 43-year-old mother knowingly participated in the illegal operation.
Authorities earlier arrested 20-year-old Tyler Huffhines and 23-year-old Jacob Huffhines. Hundreds of illnesses around the country have been linked to vaping, but authorities have not singled out a product or ingredient as the culprit.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that a police search of Huffhines' text messages captured an Aug. 10 exchange between Huffhines and her son Tyler, who was charged with manufacturing or delivering more than 10,000 grams of THC — along with other charges — last month. The texts came soon after an employee of the operation was arrested.
Courtney: Okay. I love you. I need you to talk to me when you can. I love you. I’m going to see if I can sleep but not sure that is possible.
Tyler: Love you too and get some sleep I’m okay just have to take precautions.
Courtney: If anyone does get a chance to pop those bags downstairs at the office have that done please.
Courtney: And my thought is get some rubbing alcohol if that’s what we’re gonna need again I don’t mind helping once I break free. But if anyone is (sic) the group is going to a store : )
Tyler: It’s already there
Courtney: Can someone also please sweep up the coffee and put the scales in the garage away. I just had Jamie say. I though (sic) you don’t let your kids sell drugs. I said I don’t He said there are scales just sitting out.
In another text conversation between Huffhines and her other son Jacob a couple of days later, investigators found one more mention of the activity at the real estate office.
Jacob: I’m up gonna get shower have to run to condo and Kenosha what’s plans for day?
Courtney: I have a closing at 4. But I want that stuff at the office finished up and cleaned up because I have meet people there this week.
