Tue, Mar 18, 2014

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/mar/17/ex-medical-pot-dispensary-owner-sentenced/

SAN DIEGO — The former owner of two medical marijuana dispensaries who pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge was sentenced Monday to time served and placed on probation for three years.

Ronnie Chang, 46, had served 18-months in federal jail when he entered his plea in October and was released on bail. He was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Michael Anello.

Chang originally faced 77 charges, including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana, money laundering and conspiracy to distribute to minors. He was indicted in 2011 after a lengthy investigation and the forced closure of his dispensaries, Club One in San Marcos and Extreme Holistic Care in Wildomar in Riverside County.

Chang admitted to knowingly depositing $100,000 in proceeds from marijuana sales into his mother’s bank account in an attempt to conceal the source.

Michael McCabe, Chang’s lawyer, said Monday that Chang was given incorrect advice by a different attorney who said he did not have to worry about federal authorities coming after him or his dispensaries as long as he complied with state law.

U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy had been aggressive in going after dispensaries, arguing that they used the state’s medical marijuana law as a front for retail sales.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, but the Justice Department recently said investigative efforts should be directed at keeping the drug out of the hands of minors and preventing profits from going to drug cartels and gangs.

The shift in policy signals how the government will respond to growing support for marijuana in some states, including its recent legalization in Washington and Colorado.

McCabe said his client plans to become a trucker.