Pubdate: Tue,  8 May 2001
Source: Tahoe Daily Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2001 Tahoe-Carson Area Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/443
Website: http://www.tahoe.com/tribune/
Author: Timothy Bowman

MARIJUANA PRELIM SET FORWARD TWO WEEKS

Matt Macosko's preliminary trial was continued to May 21 by Judge Roland
Candee. 

Macosko was in El Dorado Superior Court Monday on charges of
transportation and possession of marijuana with intent to sell. If
Macosko is found guilty, he could face three years in state prison. 

Macosko was arrested April 11 after retrieving a package from the post
office containing a quarter-pound of marijuana. Macosko allegedly sent
the package to a medical marijuana patient in Kentucky. The package was
never retrieved by the intended recipient and was sent back to Macosko's
South Lake Tahoe address. 

A postal inspector discovered the package contained marijuana and
notified the South Lake El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team. SLEDNET
allowed the package to be returned. Macosko was arrested after he
retrieved it. Officers also reportedly found $10,550 on Macosko at the
time of arrest. 

Though Macosko said he was anxious to bring a resolution to his case, he
said he will be satisfied if it ends favorably for medical marijuana
patients. 

"It's fine if we are going to get this case dismissed," Macosko said.
"The community is ready to come forward with the fact finding. These
people who we are supplying look at us as saviors." 

Macosko wants his case to serve as a precedent allowing the delivery of
medical marijuana through the mail. He said he does not expect the case
to go to trial, but he is prepared if it does. 

"All charges are going to be dismissed," Macosko said. "The money will
be returned to the rightful owners and the marijuana will be returned to
the rightful owners. I'm prepared to go to a full jury trial and explain
to everybody what I do."
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk