A man authorities say was trafficking in large quantities of medicinal marijuana is facing stiff penalties should he be found guilty. The Illinois shop owner faces several felony drug crime charges which have compounded since his arrest last month. If convicted, the 45-year-old local man could face up to 30 years in a federal prison.
The indictment alleges that the man and his 43-year-old wife were in possession of over 200 grams of synthetic marijuana back in September with the intention to deliver it. The man was charged with possession at the time though his wife was not. Acting upon this initial charge, authorities raided first his place of business and then his home and his wife’s vehicle, uncovering an alleged 3,400 grams of the synthetic drug analog.
Both the man and his wife were taken into custody, though his wife has since posted bond and is free on her own recognizance. Both parties are facing court dates in the coming weeks. If they are found guilty of the felony charges filed against them, they could individually face between 6 and 30 years in prison.
A drug crime charge in Illinois is a serious allegation, particularly one of this expanse and scope. However, a drug investigation is also a complicated endeavor and requires the utmost attention to detail by law enforcement authorities. Defense is urged to scrutinize the arrest records of both defendants to ensure their rights were respected throughout the process, particularly in the case of the raids on their home, business and vehicles.
Source: couriernews.suntimes.com, Shop owner, wife face more synthetic-pot charges; could get 30 years in prison, No author, Oct. 11, 2013