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Sentencing for local medical marijuana provider Roger Mentch, took place May 2, in the chambers of Superior Court Judge Samuel Stevens. Nearly two years ago, the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs drug task force raided the Felton home of Roger Mentch, managing director of the Hemporium, a medical marijuana consultant and delivery service, with about 20 clients.

The prosecutor who tried the case, Thanh Ngo, argued for a 150 day jail sentence and demanded the DA's office retain all evidence, particularly the cash seized by sherrif's deputies. Judge Stevens handed down, a 5-day jail sentence, giving Mentch credit for time served, and summary probation for 3 years. He was also ordered to pay $220 in court costs. Throughout the hearing, Judge Stevens repeatedly stipulated Mentch could continue to operate his marijuana deliveries, saying, "If he wishes to conduct himself under the law, he will not be in violation of probation." Read more...

Roger Mentch comments: First and foremost I want too thank eveyone that has played a part in supporting me/us in this medical marijuana battle. We are very happy with the verdict, timed served and probation and a $220 fine. A different outcome could of easily distroyed this family unit and the service we provide for many local patients. After my sentencing today I signed documents starting the appeals process. Read the full comment...

Another commenter writes: While Roger and friends were pretty happy about the sentence (no jail time), it still leaves unsettled the question of why Mentch was prosecuted in the first place to the tune of $80,000 in public funds (or so says Mentch) and if he can be prosecuted again for selling medical marijuana to patients with medical marijuana cards. What was never clear to me (perhaps someone can enlighten me?) is what was illegal about what Roger Mentch did in 2003 that prompted his eightteen month ordeal. Read the full comment...

Audio: Rockin' the Boat: Medical Pot Provider Gets Leniency

Photos: Roger Mentch will continue the Hemporium, LLC. a Professional Caregiving Service

We are putting together a week of events called Drug War Awareness Week starting Monday May 16th. On that day we want to phone slam Senator Feinstein and possibly Boxer about the HEA drug provision.

Sentencing for local medical marijuana provider Roger Mentch, took place May 2, in the chambers of Superior Court Judge Samuel Stevens. Nearly two years ago, the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs drug task force raided the Felton home of Roger Mentch, managing director of the Hemporium, a medical marijuana consultant and delivery service, with about 20 clients.

The prosecutor who tried the case, Thanh Ngo, argued for a 150 day jail sentence and demanded the DA's office retain all evidence, particularly the cash seized by sherrif's deputies. Judge Stevens handed down, a 5-day jail sentence, giving Mentch credit for time served, and summary probation for 3 years. He was also ordered to pay $220 in court costs. Throughout the hearing, Judge Stevens repeatedly stipulated Mentch could continue to operate his marijuana deliveries, saying, "If he wishes to conduct himself under the law, he will not be in violation of probation."