Pubdate: Wed, 16 Dec 2015
Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA)
Copyright: 2015 Appeal-Democrat
Contact: 
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/sections/services/forms/editorletter.php
Website: http://www.appeal-democrat.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1343
Author: Harold Kruger
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)

7 YEARS FOR YUBA CITY POT ROBBERY

One of three Florida men involved in a Yuba City marijuana robbery 
will serve more than seven years in federal prison, while a second is 
scheduled to be sentenced today.

U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller imposed the 87-month term last 
week on Andre Jamison, 41, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to 
commit a robbery affecting interstate commerce.

Jamison, Clorenzo Griffin, 38, and Rodney S. Rackley Jr., 25, were 
arrested in October 2014 after they allegedly wore tactical gear and 
identified themselves as police when they stole marijuana at gunpoint 
in the parking lot of Yuba City motel.

They were arrested following a chase involving the California Highway 
Patrol and a Sutter County sheriff's deputy, who shot at Griffin 
after the three suspects abandoned their vehicle near the Sheriff's Department.

Griffin, a deputy U.S. marshal, wasn't hit.

Officers seized 24 pounds of processed marijuana, a Glock 23 
.40caliber handgun, a black raid vest with "POLICE" on it, a blue 
Kevlar vest with "POLICE" on it, a duffel bag containing a silver 
U.S. Marshal's badge, and an American Airlines boarding pass from 
Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Sacramento, according to an affidavit filed 
in federal court by a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"I apologize to the victims, judicial system, law enforcement 
agencies and the citizens of Sacramento," Jamison wrote in a letter 
to the judge. "Through my selfish act, I offended a lot of people 
with my actions. I sincerely regret my wrongdoing, and I'm 
disappointed in my decision that I made to break the law."

Mueller ordered Jamison be incarcerated as close as possible to 
Miami, so he can have family visitations with his two minor 
daughters, court records said. He also has an adult daughter.

Rackley, who also pleaded guilty, is to be sentenced today. Griffin 
also has a court appearance today for a change of plea.

According to court records, Jamison owned a salon in Broward County, 
Fla., for 10 years. The business went downhill in the last five years 
when he was unable to obtain loans.

"Financially, I couldn't afford to take care of my family and 
maintain the business," Jamison wrote in his letter to the judge.

"My wife and I separated. With nowhere to go, I was living in my 
salon. Desperate to do whatever it took to take care of my wife, 
three daughters and dwindling business, I made a terrible decision to 
make some money."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom