By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Onalaska couple arrested in February for an overgrown personal medicinal marijuana operation are working on a plea deal, the details of which will be revealed when they return to court in two weeks.
James and Laveta Arnold
James L. Arnold and Laveta L. Arnold have been free on bail, but were charged with money laundering, manufacture of marijuana and possession with intent to to deliver.
Centralia Police Department’s Anti-Crime Team and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the pair late last year and in mid-February searched their property on the 200 block of Griel Road and seized 40 pounds of marijuana and 614 plants from an indoor garden, along with cars, trucks, firearms and a den full of mounted animal heads, according to authorities.
The couple ages 55 and 52, have no previous criminal history, according to their court files.
The Arnolds appeared in Lewis County Superior Court yesterday afternoon where lawyers asked for a hearing at 10 a.m. on April 15 in front of Judge James Lawler.
Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Paul Masiello said he and their attorney have a tentative agreement.
“We have a working idea in place, I can’t really get into it,” Masiello said.
Police said the illicit business was generating approximately $136,000 per year, and that James Arnold admitted to purchasing all or part of several vehicles with proceeds, as well as financing numerous hunting safari trips to Africa to hunt large trophy animals.
Whether the couple can expect to get back any property that was confiscated is a different issue, Masiello said.
Masiello said that is a civil forfeiture case, and he understands they are working on that with Centralia police.
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For background, read “News brief: Griel Road residents plead not guilty in marijuana case” from Thursday February 19, 2015, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Plea Away is correct.
Maybe a guilty plea on local charges will just open the door to federal charges. would sure make the feds case a slam dunk.
Per the report, they were not busted for selling medical marijuana, but marijuana to an undercover cop with no medical card, and a 15 year history of drug sales. If this gets plea bargained too much, the message will be loud and clear; There’s no longer any real risk in being a drug grower / pusher in Lewis County so long as you’re well connected with law enforcement.