Hemp Inc (HEMP)

[Jim Bishop]

DA confirms investigation of HEE Corp.

By Jason Probst

The Hutchinson News

[e-mail]

The Reno County District Attorney's Office confirmed this week that a Hutchinson man, Ronald D. Brooks, and a Reno County-based health company are being investigated by the Kansas Securities Commission.

State officials were in Hutchinson around Feb. 24 and 25 and sought assistance in an investigation involving Brooks, listed in 2004 as an investor in HEE Corp., also the subject of the commission's probe.

"There is an investigation," Assistant District Attorney Ben Fisher said. "Multiple search warrants were executed at HEE Corp., Brooks' residence and on his person."

HEE Corp. is listed as a treatment research company on PinkSheets.com, a Web site that provides information about over-the-counter stocks.

HEE Corp.'s Web site promotes "all-natural health supplements," including a weight-loss product and a pill designed to treat diabetes.

A 2004 disclosure statement lists Brooks as owning 11.66 percent of the company's stock. Brooks previously told The News that he worked as a consultant for HEE, and a business card lists Brooks as chairman of the company.

Rick Fleming, general counsel for the Kansas Securities Commission, declined to comment on the investigation.

"The Kansas Securities Commission is deeply involved," Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder said. "And we've been assisting law enforcement in the investigation."

Authorities first became involved in the investigation Dec. 8 after Brooks reported the theft of more than $500,000 in products from a HEE Corp. building at 6209 North K-61.

According to the offense report, officers didn't see signs of forced entry. Brooks reported that 4,000 doses each of two different types of prescription drugs were taken from the building.

Reno County sheriff's officers investigated the alleged theft and later sought assistance from the securities commission.

HEE Corp. is incorporated in Delaware but lists its home office as Portsmouth, Neb. The Nebraska phone number for HEE interim chairman Keith Wiese was disconnected.


03/08/2006; 02:33:57 AM

http://www.hutchnews.com/news/local/stories/HEE030806.html