Pubdate: Thu, 27 Apr 2006
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Herald News Services
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Marc+Emery

PRIVATE PROSECUTION MAY HELP OUT PRINCE OF POT

A judge has reserved his decision on a Nelson, B.C., man's attempts 
to keep the federal attorney general out of a private prosecution of 
British Columbia's so-called Prince of Pot.

Paddy Roberts has charged Marc Emery and two others with conspiracy 
to distribute marijuana seeds, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and 
conspiracy to engage in money laundering.

They're the same charges the United States wants to prosecute Emery 
for, but if Emery is charged here, he can't be extradited to face the 
same crimes across the border.

The Attorney General of Canada has petitioned the court to stop the 
private prosecution.

A hearing was held Monday in Nelson, but Justice Robert Crawford 
reserved his decision.

Roberts' lawyer Don Skogstad said in an interview the Crown has 
stated by letter that it will stay the charges if it is allowed to 
take part in Roberts' case.

That would clear the way for Emery's extradition.

If the attorney general is barred from the case, Skogstad said 
there's still a chance the provincial attorney general could get 
involved, although the B.C. Crown has waived any interest in the case.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman