Pubdate: Wed, 18 Feb 2009
Source: New Times (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Copyright: 2009 New Times
Contact:  http://www.newtimesslo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1277
Author: Kylie Mendonca
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

MORE COMPLAINTS FILED AGAINST HEDGES

The mother of convicted marijuana dispensary operator Charles Lynch is
the latest of his supporters to file a complaint against the SLO
County Sheriff, Patrick Hedges, for his role in bringing down the
dispensary. Lynch's mother, Bodine Jones, filed a complaint with the
Sheriff's Department demanding an investigation into Hedges' actions
against the dispensary and Charles Lynch. The complaint has been
forwarded to the State Attorney General's office, the County Board of
Supervisors, and the local District Attorney. A Los Angeles medical
marijuana activist has also filed similar complaints.

Jones alleges in her complaint that Hedges failed to uphold California
medical marijuana laws or to protect Lynch, who was presumably
operating under California law. Jones further claims that Lynch was
"sexually assaulted" when federal agents held him naked at gunpoint,
during the March 29 raid on his home in 2007.

Jones' letter was received by Hedges in late January. Undersheriff
Steve Bolts responded Feb. 3, reiterating the department's position
that no state or federal laws were broken during the course of the
Lynch investigation. Sheriffs' spokesman Rob Bryn said they forwarded
the complaint to the Attorney General for consideration.

By forwarding these particular alleged issues to the Attorney
General's office," Bryn said, "we remove any potential conflict of
interest that may arise locally."

Jones did receive a response from the AG, which said the Department of
Justice lacks resources to review all local matters; they said the
matter should be handled locally.

Jones' son is due to be sentenced March 23 in a Los Angeles federal
courtroom. He was convicted on five federal charges related to growing
and distributing marijuana in accordance with state law. Charles Lynch
faces at least five years in prison. 
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