Pubdate: Fri, 10 Mar 2000 Source: Redding Record Searchlight (CA) Copyright: 2000 Redding Record Searchlight - E.W. Scripps Contact: PO Box 492397, Redding, CA 96049-2397 Website: http://www.redding.com/ Forum: http://www.redding.com/disc2_frm.htm Author: Kim Levin OFFICERS HAD BETTER THINGS TO DO Editor: More as a taxpayer, but also as a supporter of patients' rights under the Compassionate Use Act and observer of the ongoing prosecutions in Shasta County by the Sheriff's Department and district attorney, I'd like to know why. Why, during jury deliberations in the Hall mother and son trial did two of the sheriff's Marijuana Eradication Team officers find it necessary to wait and appear with the DA? The testimonies of the officers were over with, as was any investigative work. Why, for three days, did one of the these officers find it necessary to appear in street clothes, armed and with his gun on display? Was this display of power intended to influence supporters and/or the jury? Why are my taxpayer dollars being spent on sheriff's officers waiting for a jury decision? There are much more harmful criminals to investigate and arrest than medical marijuana patients. Kim Levin, Shasta Patients Alliance, Redding - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea