FORT BRAGG, CA., 3/20/26 – A Willits man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly giving minors popcorn laced with THC at an event in Fort Bragg last summer, the Fort Bragg Police Department said.
In July 2025, the Police Department received a report that an adult had provided popcorn suspected of containing tetrahydrocannabinol, to minors. More commonly known as THC, tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Testing later confirmed the presence of THC in the popcorn, authorities said.
Investigators identified the suspect as Michael Fraser, 55, of Willits, who was operating under the business name The Popcorn Connection.
Police Cmdr. Jonathan McLaughlin said two minors, ages 12 and 13 and both from Fort Bragg, were involved.
The popcorn stand was set up in the parking lot of the Redwood Coast Senior Center during a movie night event, McLaughlin said.
The minors told their parents they were not feeling well after eating the popcorn, prompting the parents to contact law enforcement, he said. The children were taken for medical evaluation but were not hospitalized.
McLaughlin said investigators allege that the suspect knowingly provided popcorn containing THC to the minors without their knowledge.
On Wednesday, officers served a search and arrest warrant at a warehouse in the 100 block of South Street in Willits, where Fraser was taken into custody without incident, police said.
He was booked into Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of furnishing cannabis to minors and child endangerment, authorities said. He is being held on $25,000 bail.
No additional victims have been reported, though McLaughlin said it is possible others may have received the popcorn. Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been affected to contact Officer Franco at (707) 961-2800 or dfranco@fortbraggca.gov.