Federal charges in $7 million pot bust likely to trump state’s

Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 | 5:56 p.m.

Four charged after $7 million Vegas pot operation busted (8-27-2009)
2,475 marijuana plants found in remote grow operation (8-14-2009)

Marijuana bust

State drug charges likely will be dropped against a man accused of growing $7 million worth of marijuana because federal charges are likely to take precedence, his attorney said today.

Jeffrey Talley faces charges in federal court that he and three others grew about 2,000 marijuana plants and planned to distribute at least 100 pounds of marijuana.

Talley’s arraignment in Las Vegas Justice Court was rescheduled from today until Oct. 8.

His attorney, Richard Schonfeld, said the federal charges usually take precedence over those filed by the state.

Talley, 40, pleaded not guilty Sept. 4 in federal court to charges of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and money laundering conspiracy.

A grand jury also indicted 41-year-old Alicia Talley, 35-year-old Jim Castaneda, Jr., 51-year-old Craig Huber, all of Las Vegas, with conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

Alicia Talley also was charged with money laundering conspiracy.

The other three are out of custody on bonds and are scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 18 in federal court.

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By bdover

Sept. 8, 2009

8:04 p.m.

Flag

Don't understand the stupid laws in this state regarding Mary Jane. I'm a senior citizen, got a 1/4 ounce from Cali a few weeks ago and barely touch it. Rather drink beer. And I go back to the 60's.

The problem is that parents who ignore their kids blame their kids drug use on the weed. No, you were a poor example for your kids, they rebelled, and now you blame everyone but yourself. Yes, they need to grow up, but so do you. The poor choices you made back then bit you in the butt, so then you go all right wing, and throw people in jail for pot possession. An f'ing disgrace.