Feds Seek Forfeiture of Duluth Head Shop Building

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota's U.S. Attorney's Office is seeking the forfeiture of a downtown Duluth building that housed a head shop long at the center of local controversy.

Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson was recently convicted on multiple charges related to the sale of synthetic drugs from his Duluth shop, which is now closed. Reports say on Sunday that neighboring business owners hope to see the property taken out of his hands for good.

Mark Fredrickson, who owns a printing business next door, says the store's clientele dragged down the block for years.

Duluth City Councilwoman Sharla Gardner says new ownership could help larger efforts to rejuvenate downtown.

Carlson's attorney says he is preparing a response to the government's forfeiture request. He is also seeking a new trial.