Maize man pleads guilty to firearms and racketeering crimes

WICHITA, KAN. - A Kansas businessman pleaded guilty to firearms and racketeering offenses.

According to court documents, Justin Lane, 37, of Maize pleaded guilty to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and one count of interstate use of facilities in interstate commerce to aid in a racketeering enterprise.

Lane is the owner of High Hopes ICT which includes multiple storefronts. On November 13, 2025, law enforcement executed warrants at six business locations and Lane's home. Officers found a significant quantity of high potency THC or marijuana products as well as paraphernalia.

As part of his plea agreement, Lane admits using his businesses to sell gummies, vapes, and other items he knew contained THC or marijuana. Lane ordered products from outside of Kansas and used commercial companies for deliveries to his Kansas business locations which constituted the use of interstate commerce to promote an unlawful business (selling marijuana and THC products) which is prohibited by state and federal law.

Because of a previous felony conviction in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas for the possession of an unregistered firearm, Lane cannot legally possess firearms, silencers, or ammunition. Law enforcement found firearms at two of Lane's businesses and an additional 28 firearms, six silencers and ammunition at Lane's home.

Law enforcement submitted for forensic testing the marijuana seized during controlled purchases from Lane's businesses as well as searches at High Hopes ICT. The test results were positive for THC in excess of the amount allowed by state and federal law. As for gummies, undercover officers purchased at some of the stores, staff advised them to only use a portion of the gummies at one time due to the strength of the THC contained in a single gummy. This was indicative to law enforcement that the gummies also contained THC in excess of the amount allowed by state and federal law.

Lane is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2027. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case.

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