Tim Ryan tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Two of the defendants identified as key suspects in what is being called one of the largest marijuana trafficking cases seen in Shawano County were bound over for trial Wednesday after a joint preliminary hearing.
Kody P. Hofman, 26, of Bonduel, and his live-in girlfriend, Jordan L. Weiss, 26, of Bonduel, were scheduled for arraignment on April 17 on felony charges of conspiracy to deliver marijuana.
They could each face a possible maximum 15 years in prison and $50,000 fine if convicted.
The court heard testimony from a state Division of Criminal Investigations agent and a Shawano County sheriff’s detective detailing the investigation of the case that began with a routine traffic stop in December 2015 during which marijuana and cash were found in the vehicle.
The subsequent investigation eventually led to 10 people being charged so far as allegedly involved in the distribution of marijuana brought into Shawano County from California.
Kody Hofman is accused of using his residence for the packaging and storage of marijuana that his father, Daniel P. Hofman, 52, of Bonduel, had brought in.
Defense attorneys at Wednesday’s hearing argued there was no evidence that any money or drugs were personally exchanged by Kody Hofman or Weiss.
According to the criminal complaint, text messages between Kody Hofman and his father go into detail about the California grow operation, which at the time of that discussion had about 20,000 marijuana plants.
There is also discussion of a “new facility” being built in Oregon for processing hash oil.
The two discussed Kody Hofman’s assistance with the distribution of hash oil, according to the complaint, and the distribution of some of the marijuana.
The criminal complaint alleges Weiss had detailed knowledge of the California operation and the distribution of hash oil. She also allegedly picked up hash oil on Daniel Hofman’s behalf at an address in Green Bay where it had been shipped.
Detective Nick Prey detailed text messages at Wednesday’s hearing between Weiss and Daniel Hofman in which some of those details were allegedly discussed.
Kody Hofman is being held on a $25,000 cash bond, and Weiss is being held on a $20,000 cash bond.