Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jun 2017
Source: Blade, The (Toledo, OH)
Copyright: 2017 The Blade
Contact:  http://www.toledoblade.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/48
Author: Jennifer Feehan

WEST TOLEDO CHURCH PROTESTS FOR RELEASE OF 'MEDICINE WOMAN'

Members of a West Toledo church that describes itself as "an
alternative medicine and naturopathic healing center" demonstrated
outside the Lucas County Courthouse today in support of the woman they
call their head medicine woman.

Charmaine Rose Bassett, 56, is held in the Lucas County jail on felony
charges of aggravated possession of drugs, aggravated trafficking in
drugs, and trafficking in marijuana.

Bassett, who founded Anyana-Kai at 3344 Secor Rd., was indicted by a
Lucas County grand jury after Toledo police raided the church and
seized marijuana and illegal mushrooms. The indictment alleges she
sold the marijuana and mushrooms to members who paid a fee to join the
church.

Supporters say the search, Bassett's arrest, and her detention all are
illegal based on what they referred to as constitutional law.

Bassett has so far declined to cooperate with the court process,
prompting Common Pleas Judge Michael Goulding to order that she
undergo a competency evaluation at the Court Diagnostic and Treatment
Center. Judge Goulding also ordered that she be held in the county
jail after she left Lucas County and failed to appear for a court
hearing in March.

She was arrested in Canton, Ohio on June 7 and booked the same day at
the Lucas County jail.

Church member Tanya Walker said Bassett and Anyana-Kai do amazing work
for people suffering from various illnesses who have not been helped
by traditional medicine. Bassett uses "earth-based sacraments,"
including cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms, she said.

"Her knowledge is vast," Ms. Walker said. "She is the most giving
person I've ever met, and to us it's a crime she's in there when there
are dangerous people out here."

A hearing in Bassett's case is set for July 7.
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