Pubdate: Mon, 10 Sep 2012
Source: Daily News-Record, The (VA)
Copyright: 2012 The Daily News-Record
Contact:  http://www.dnronline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1519
Author: Kaitlin Mayhew

JUDGE SENTENCED IN MARIJUANA CASE

WOODSTOCK - A former substitute Shenandoah County judge, accused of
growing marijuana plants on his property, pleaded guilty this morning
in the county's circuit court.

James H. Allamong Jr. accepted a plea agreement that amended the
charges against him. He was charged with felony possession with intent
to distribute, and felony manufacturing of marijuana. He was convicted
of two misdemeanors: possession and possession of drug
paraphernalia.

Retired Arlington County Judge Paul Sheridan sentenced Allamong to 30
days in jail beginning Oct. 5 and to pay a $500 fine. The sentence
includes 12 months suspended jail time, two years probation and 200
community service hours.

All judges in the 26th Judicial District recused themselves from the
case. Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorney Paul B. Ebert was
the prosecutor.

Allamong's attorney, N. Randolph Bryant, said officials with the
Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office did not want his client to serve
his sentence in the county. Sheridan said that Allamong could serve
the time elsewhere if the sherrif's office deems it
appropriate.

Allamong, who is still practicing law in Shenandoah County, was
arrested on Oct. 5, 2011, after police discovered 41 marijuana plants
growing on his property. They discovered the plants while
investigating a fire at an outbuilding near his home.
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