A 2012 file image of Roy Schmidt

UPDATE: Former state Rep. Roy Schmidt admits selling marijuana, police say



GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Former state Rep. Roy Schmidt was arrested Thursday, June 11, following an investigation into the sale and cultivation of marijuana, police said.

Jail records show Schmidt, 61, is held on two counts, including delivery/manufacture of marijuana. Information about the second charge was not immediately available online.

Officers with the Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team executed search warrants at two Grand Rapids homes connected to Schmidt this week, according to the sheriff's department.

A home in the 1800 block of Seventh Street NW and another residence in the 800 block of Myrtle Street NW were searched Wednesday.

The Seventh Street home is registered to Schmidt, according to property records. The other residence is registered to a relative.

Kent County Undersheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said the investigation has been underway for about a month.

Authorities have declined further comment pending arraignment.

Schmidt, of Grand Rapids, was elected to the state House as a Democrat in 2008 after serving as a city commissioner for 16 years. He abruptly switched to the Republican Party minutes before the candidacy filing deadline for the August 2012 primary when he was seeking his third and final term in the legislature.

Schmidt attempted to pay Matt Mojzak, a 22-year-old political novice and family friend, to run in the Democratic primary with hopes of clearing his path in the general election. Mojzak quickly bowed out when the scheme came to light.

Schmidt had conspired with then-Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger to pull off the party switch.

A grand jury investigation cleared Schmidt and Bolger of any criminal wrongdoing.

He lost the 2012 election to Democrat Winnie Brinks.

Angie Jackson covers public safety and breaking news for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email her at ajackso3@mlive.com, and follow her on Twitter.