Pubdate: Fri, 20 May 2016 Source: Trentonian, The (NJ) Copyright: 2016 The Trentonian Contact: http://www.trentonian.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1006 Author: Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/people/Forchion TRENTON POLICE CHARGE WEEDMAN MONTHS AFTER CITY HALL SMOKE STUNT TRENTON - On Nov. 5, 2015, the local businessman known as NJ Weedman shocked public officials when he lit up a joint and smoked his precious marijuana inside City Council Chambers at Trenton City Hall. This week, Ed Forchion received summonses in the mail charging him with smoking inside a public building in violation of a city ordinance and smoking in public in violation of state law. Trenton Police Capt. Edelmiro Gonzalez, who was one of the many witnesses who saw Forchion smoke inside City Hall, signed the summonses against Forchion, according to Trenton Police Lt. Stephen Varn. Forchion lit up a joint and smoked it inside City Council Chambers last fall in protest after City Council members failed to hold an up-or-down vote on a pro-marijuana resolution that would have championed the legalization of pot. Forchion, who owns the NJ Weedman's Joint restaurant across from Trenton City Hall, on Thursday accused the city of "harassment" and alleged the city is trying to put him out of business. "I am under siege by the police department," said Forchion, who has recently filed a lawsuit against the city. Last month, the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force raided Forchion's East State Street businesses, which includes a restaurant, religious sanctuary and tobacco shop, and allegedly seized more than $19,000 in marijuana. During the raid, 11 people, including Forchion, were arrested for various offenses. Some were apprehended in connection with outstanding warrants, and others were charged with new drug offenses. Trenton Police in recent weeks have also cracked down on Forchion for allegedly conducting business after the city's 11 p.m. curfew that applies to his restaurant. NJ Weedman's Joint business manager Philmore Charles, 28, was arrested on the 300 block of East State Street early Thursday for alleged possession of marijuana under 50 grams in a motor vehicle and for allegedly spitting on the sidewalk. His friend, Deenia Sackie, 21, was in the vehicle with him and she was also arrested on marijuana possession charges under 50 grams, public records show. Charles on Thursday afternoon denied the charges, saying he had sneezed and that he had no knowledge of marijuana being inside his vehicle. "All they are trying to do is shut down the business," Charles alleged. Forchion previously has written a column for The Trentonian about his efforts to legalize marijuana. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom