Pubdate: Fri, 18 Feb 2000
Source: Saint Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Copyright: 2000 St. Paul Pioneer Press
Contact:  345 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101
Website: http://www.pioneerplanet.com/
Forum: http://www.pioneerplanet.com/watercooler/
Author: Mary Divine, staff writer 

MORGAN GRAMS PLEADS GUILTY TO MARIJUANA CHARGE

Morgan Grams, the 21-year-old son of U.S. Sen. Rod Grams, pleaded
guilty Friday in Anoka County District Court to a misdemeanor charge
of marijuana possession. Grams was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with
86 days stayed. He has already spent four days in jail and will remain
in custody on a separate felony charge.

Morgan Grams was stopped July 14 after his father called Anoka County
Sheriff Larry Podany and asked for help finding his son.

Deputies found 10 bags of marijuana and beer cans in the borrowed
rental Isuzu Rodeo that Grams was driving. One of his two passengers
was convicted of a felony drug charge because nine bags were found on
him.

A tenth bag was found under the driver’s seat, but neither Grams nor
the other teen-age passenger was questioned initially. Instead, Chief
Deputy Peter Beberg gave Grams a ride home, leading to questions about
whether he had received special treatment because of his father.

Grams is in custody awaiting the chance to post a $50,000 bail for
testing positive for cocaine and marijuana. Under the terms of his
release from charges of car theft, check fraud and transaction card
fraud, Grams was supposed to have remained drug-free.

Grams was also charged in a vandalism incident at a SuperAmerica
convenience store last month.

The Washington County Attorney’s office handled the misdemeanor
marijuana case for Anoka County to avoid a possible conflict of interest.
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