Synthetic Drug Dealer Files Appeal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A business owner sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for selling synthetic drugs at a northeastern Minnesota store is appealing his case.

James Carlson has hired attorney Mark Nyvold to argue his appeal. The 57-year-old Superior, Wisconsin man was convicted of 51 counts related to selling millions of dollars in synthetic drugs from his Duluth store, Last Place on Earth. Authorities shut down the shop last summer after Carlson was given repeated warnings about the drugs.

Nyvold, of Fridley, said Tuesday a notice of appeal has been filed in U.S. District Court asking the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals to review Carlson's conviction. Nyvold says the basis of the appeal is still under review.

Carlson's former girlfriend, Lava Marie Haugen, was sentenced to five years in prison for her role in the operation.