Authorities said a Silver Spring, Maryland, upscale nightclub owner was able to finance his business by selling millions of dollars’ worth of marijuana over several years.

Jason Miskiri, 39, of Silver Spring, pleaded guilty Friday to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. During his participation in the conspiracy, Miskiri was found to be responsible for the distribution of between 3,000 to 10,000 kilograms of marijuana.

He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. District Judge Roger Titus scheduled sentencing for Sept. 14.

Authorities said Miskiri has been buying and selling marijuana since at least 2009. Initially, some of his shipments from California and Arizona were sent to the Island Flavors Restaurant in Laurel, Maryland, which Miskiri owned and operated.

Miskiri used the drug proceeds to open The Society Restaurant & Lounge, a club located on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. Authorities said at the time, he was receiving as much as $1 million in cash for each load of marijuana sold in Maryland.

He has agreed to forfeit all interested in the club and to pay back taxes from 2009 to the present.

