Willis Exec Faces Felony Pot Charge President Of Actor’s Company Was Allegedly Growing Plants

Michelle D. McElroy, president of the Bruce Willis-owned Valley Entertainment, faces two felony drug counts after state narcotics agents seized 16 marijuana plants at her rented home.

Armed with a search warrant, agents on Sept. 4 seized 16 plants ranging from 6 to 24 inches tall growing on pots at her rented home.

McElroy, 31, was freed on $5,000 bond, later lowered to $3,500 after a preliminary court appearance. No date was set for a preliminary hearing.

She was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance and failure to affix state tax stamps, felonies that can bring up to five years in prison and $15,000 fines.

“It seems like a really small possession case to me,” said her attorney, Ned Williamson. He said 15 of the plants were no more than 6 inches high and one was about 2 feet tall.

She declined comment, as did Valley Entertainment. McElroy moved to Blaine County from the Los Angeles area in 1996. She was an assistant to former Valley Entertainment president Joe McAllister until he left in March and she took over.

Willis and his family live outside Hailey. His Valley Entertainment operates The Mint and other facilities in the area.

Gerald Kurz, agent with the investigative arm of the state Department of Law Enforcement, said his office got an anonymous tip in August that McElroy was growing and selling marijuana.

Agents said they saw plants growing in pots on the patio and near the garage and obtained a search warrant. Six state agents seized the 16 plants. The Blaine County sheriff’s office did not get involved except to have a deputy at the scene, Sheriff Walt Femling said.

Blaine County Prosecutor Doug Werth asked for a special prosecutor for the case. District Judge James May granted Werth’s request to appoint Jerome County Prosecutor John Lothspeich on Monday.