In court…three of the four people arrested during last week’s marijuana raids faced a judge for the first time Tuesday afternoon.
Last week’s marijuana raid targeted eight locations throughout Jackson and Josephine counties last week. It’s causing an uproar and put four people behind bars. We’re told one of them, Michael Schanno was released.
“It’s been very emotional, very traumatizing to all of us,” said Brandi Rodriguez, Lori Duckworth’s daughter.
Lori and Leland Duckworth…who run SOnorml, a cannabis center in Medford were arraigned.
“I believe in her heart she did nothing wrong,” said Masao Williams, Lori Duckworth’s adopted son.
The couple is charged with conspiracy to commit unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1000-feet of a school.
“This alleged conspiracy is not as easy to prove legally as people say it is,” said Lori Duckworth’s attorney, Paul Loney.
Charges stem from allegations that marijuana was being sold illegally from store fronts. The sales were allegedly between people who did not have a grower-patient relationship.
“We never sold anything, we don’t make money,” said Keith Hoover, a staff member at SOnorml.
In addition to the Duckworths, David James Bond was also arraigned.
Lori Duckworth and David Bond put in pleas of not guilty. Leland Duckworth did not plead either way.
Meanwhile, bail still stands at $550,000 for the Duckworths.
Williams, Duckworth’s adopted son, pointed out that alleged murderers can sometimes have a bail amount less than that of his adopted parents.
“It’s unheard of,” he exclaimed.
Police said the raid was a result of an 18-month investigation by Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement.
It’s expected Leland and Lori Duckworth as well as David Bond will be back in court on June 17th for a pre-trial conference.
After court ended, about 30 protesters gathered at Alba Park around 4:45pm and walked to the Jackson County Courthouse chanting and carrying signs. They demanded the release of those still behind bars.
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