Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
The attorney for a Hermantown man accused of growing marijuana in his house filed a motion Wednesday asking for the name of the “concerned citizen” who reported activity at the home.
Matthew D. Blank, 22, appeared in St. Louis County District Court on charges of sale of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. Defense attorney Christopher Stocke told the court that he wants to know the name of the person who cooperated with police. After the hearing, Stocke said he also wants to know whether the concerned citizen has a criminal record.
St. Louis County prosecutor Vern Swanum said his office will oppose Stocke’s motion.
Blank’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 15.
Blank’s cousin and housemate, Michael Larry King, 22, also is charged with felony sale of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance, along with child endangerment. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team searched the men’s house at 3669 Haines Road last month. King’s 4-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter were found in the home by deputies.
Stocke said he will challenge the search warrant at his client’s next hearing, arguing that officers lacked probable cause to enter the home.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies found 363 marijuana plants in various stages of growth in the home’s basement. There were three grow rooms in the residence.
Blank allegedly told officers that he and King got the house and started to grow marijuana as a way to pay their bills and “live life.” Blank said he and King sold marijuana to personal friends. He said they sold less than an ounce at a time to “keep it under a felony amount.”
King told officers that he and Blank bought the house together. He said they sold quarter-ounce and half-ounce amounts. He said they sold a quarter-ounce for $80.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: duluthnewstribune.com
Author: Mark Stodghill
Copyright: 2009 Forum Communications Co.
Contact: Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota
Website: Hermantown man facing pot charges wants informant info
Matthew D. Blank, 22, appeared in St. Louis County District Court on charges of sale of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. Defense attorney Christopher Stocke told the court that he wants to know the name of the person who cooperated with police. After the hearing, Stocke said he also wants to know whether the concerned citizen has a criminal record.
St. Louis County prosecutor Vern Swanum said his office will oppose Stocke’s motion.
Blank’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 15.
Blank’s cousin and housemate, Michael Larry King, 22, also is charged with felony sale of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance, along with child endangerment. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team searched the men’s house at 3669 Haines Road last month. King’s 4-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter were found in the home by deputies.
Stocke said he will challenge the search warrant at his client’s next hearing, arguing that officers lacked probable cause to enter the home.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies found 363 marijuana plants in various stages of growth in the home’s basement. There were three grow rooms in the residence.
Blank allegedly told officers that he and King got the house and started to grow marijuana as a way to pay their bills and “live life.” Blank said he and King sold marijuana to personal friends. He said they sold less than an ounce at a time to “keep it under a felony amount.”
King told officers that he and Blank bought the house together. He said they sold quarter-ounce and half-ounce amounts. He said they sold a quarter-ounce for $80.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: duluthnewstribune.com
Author: Mark Stodghill
Copyright: 2009 Forum Communications Co.
Contact: Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota
Website: Hermantown man facing pot charges wants informant info
