Pubdate: Thu, 04 Jun 2009
Source: Central Kitsap Reporter (US WA)
Copyright: 2009 Central Kitsap Reporter
Contact:  http://www.centralkitsapreporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2263
Author: Charlie Bermant
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

COUNTY SETTLES WITH MEDICAL POT PATIENT FOR DESTROYED ITEMS

Kitsap County has reimbursed a medical marijuana patient for
confiscated property that was destroyed before an innocent verdict was
rendered.

The county was reluctant to publicize the agreement, however, because
it set a possible precedent.

Olalla resident Bruce Olson was arrested in May 2007 on a criminal
warrant that accused him of distributing marijuana from his
underground grow operation.

He was found not guilty of criminal charges on March
24.

Olson was given a check for $2,000 to reimburse him for lights and
other equipment that was destroyed before the trial. Kitsap County
Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson said the money was drawn from
the risk management fund, which exists in order to satisfy legal
claims against the county.

Wilson said the items themselves were not illegal, but were
confiscated because they were being used in what was believed to be a
criminal operation.

After a one-on-one meeting with Sheriff's Lt. Earl Smith, Olson said
he had been asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement as a condition of
the settlement, which included not disclosing any details to the media.

He would only say he was happy with the settlement and that, "I have
been compensated."

Wilson, however, said he was not aware of any nondisclosure agreement
and that Olson "can talk about this to anyone that he wants."

The existence of an agreement that included the amount was distributed
Friday by the Cannabis Defense Coalition, which acted as Olson's
advocate during the March trial.

Wilson said they were destroyed before the trial "per standard
procedure due to storage restriction constraints in the sheriff's
property evidence holding areas."

Along with the check, video equipment and other possessions that had
not been destroyed was returned.

In turn, Olson signed an agreement that he would not file any action
against the county in the matter. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake