(MO) Missouri Siblings Handed Lengthy Prison Terms for Small Marijuana Grow
An eastern Missouri brother and sister have been sentenced to a combined 37 years in prison for growing 12 pot plants and eight seedlings.
On Tuesday, Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte sentenced 24-year-old David DePriest to 22 years in prison, and his 36-year-old sister, Natalie DePriest, received a 15-year sentence.
Prosecutors sought the harsh sentences, saying it was a large-scale grow and that guns and bullet-proof vests were present in the home.
But neither the guns nor vests were illegal, and the couple wasnt charged with a weapons enhancement.
Defense Attorney Dan Viets had asked for 5 years probation following the completion of a 120 day drug treatment program, arguing that 12 plants and eight baby sprouts in a closet are not a large-scale operation. The judge said no.
http://www.thedailychronic.net/2013/26327/missouri-siblings-get-37-years-for-small-marijuana-grow/