Infamous Hollywood Madam Faces Drug Charges For Marijuana Growing Operation Without License
Heidi Fleiss’s “Stud Farm” in Nevada is reportedly home to a marijuana growing operation. Police did not arrest the Hollywood Madam on drug charges, although she could face some penalties for intent to sell.
According to reports, police went to Fleiss’s Stud Farm looking for a woman wanted for arrest. Instead, they found 158 marijuana plants growing in the Stud Farm’s backyard, and 234 more in a nearby house. Fleiss told officers that she has a marijuana growing operation without a license, with intent to sell to a coop in Las Vegas.
Even stranger, Fleiss reportedly avoided arrest on drug charges because she is currently caring for several exotic birds, worth $200,000. Sheriff Anthony De Meo told CNN that “we don’t have facilities for exotic birds, and they are pretty rare and very expensive.” Additionally, Fleiss was cooperative during the investigation into her marijuana growing operation.
Deputies searching the Stud Farm found 392 marijuana plants total, as well as lights and several chemicals used to cultivate marijuana. The equipment had already been destroyed, but police confiscated the marijuana plants as evidence.
The case has been turned over to prosecutors for potential filing for marijuana possession charges, so Fleiss is not off the drug charges hook yet.
Marijuana Drug Charges Including Possession and Trafficking in South Carolina
South Carolina’s drug laws are among the stiffest in the nation. A first time offender charged with simple possession of marijuana can face up to thirty days in jail and be ordered to pay a fine, which can more than double when you add in court costs.
The penalties can significantly increase depending upon:
· The type of drug,
· the quantity of drugs,
· whether your case is brought in State or Federal court,
· your prior criminal record, or
· if you are accused of a drug crime within proximity of a school, park, or childcare facility.
Under South Carolina law, the following amounts are sufficient to be charged with possession with the intent to distribute drugs:
- Marijuana: one or more ounces
- Crack Cocaine: one or more grams
- Heroin: two grains
- Cocaine: one or more grams
Penalties for Trafficking Marijuana: more than ten pounds, but less than one hundred pounds, can include:
· First offense: One to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines;
· Five to 20 years in prison and $15,000 in fines for a second offense trafficking charge;
· 25 years in prison and $20,000 in fines for a third or subsequent offense.
If you are charged with trafficking over one hundred pounds of marijuana your possible conviction can result in up to 30 years in prison and $200,000 in fines.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Marijuana Drug Charges
The marijuana trafficking and possession lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients, providing aggressive representation grounded in our years of experience building and interpreting the laws of South Carolina. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800
