Mom in Upscale Suburb Made Money on Marijuana, Arrested on Drug Charges

A mother of two living in an exclusive New York state neighborhood has been arrested on drug charges after it was discovered she ran a massive marijuana-growing operation in Queens, NY.

45-year-old Andrea Sanderlin was arrested on May 20th on federal drug charges after receiving a confidential tip that a person named “Andi” ran a suspicious warehouse in the Queens area. The witness has also received federal drug charges, including participating in a conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana. Court documents say that the witness said that “Andi” ran at least one major grow house in either Brooklyn or Queens.

Reportedly, Sanderlin drove to her grow houses in a gray Mercedes SUV. Investigators discovered Sanderlin’s phone number was attached to a business called “Fantastic Enterprises” in Queens. The location tied to the phone number used an unusual amount of electricity, and reportedly Sanderlin paid all her utility bills in cash.

Drug Enforcement Agency officers raided the marijuana grow house and seized nearly 3,000 marijuana plants, worth about $3 million. They also seized large amounts of dried marijuana, along with state-of-the-art lighting, irrigation, and ventilation systems to facilitate hydroponic growing.

When agents raided Sanderlin’s home on May 20th, they also found books on how to grow marijuana, and how to launder money. Sanderlin was arrested that same day, and charged with narcotics trafficking, a federal drug charge that carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

She had two other cars – a 2004 Jeep Liberty, and a 2005 Chevrolet van – registered in her name. She had kept her horse at the local stables, but recently sold the animal. Reportedly, she told her neighbors that she was either an interior designer, or sold baby furniture.

“When I first met her she told me she was running a baby furniture operation,” said Anthony Flores, a neighbor who reportedly thought Sanderlin was just another soccer mom. “[The arrest] blew my mind. Especially knowing her like interacting with her day to day. It’s just nuts. I would think not her of all people.”

Sanderlin has pled not guilty, and remains in prison pending a bond hearing. According to her attorney, she is a “full-time mom,” who developed an interest in horseback riding with her teenage daughter. He said that she is “very worried” about her two daughters, aged 13 and 3.

Possession, Manufacturing, and Distribution of Marijuana in South Carolina

Although a few states have recently legalized the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana, South Carolina still considers any of these to be criminal offenses.

The “manufacture” of a controlled substance means the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a drug. This definition of ” marijuana manufacturing” includes growing marijuana or cannabis. The law takes the manufacturing of a controlled substance very seriously in South Carolina.

Penalties for marijuana possession can vary based on the amount of marijuana seized by law enforcement and whether there was intent to distribute. Regardless of whether you are charged with misdemeanor or felony marijuana possession, you will be subject to lasting consequences. Marijuana possession charges are not something to be taken lightly. Fines, imprisonment, loss of driving privileges, and even loss of scholarships can result from a marijuana possession conviction.

Marijuana distribution is a serious offense and can carry stiff penalties depending upon how much marijuana was seized by law enforcement and whether it was your first offense or a subsequent offense. If you have been charged with marijuana distribution or any other drug related offense, it is important that you contact a South Carolina drug crimes attorney

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drug Charges Related to Marijuana

If you or a loved one have been found with marijuana, you could face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony, depending on how much marijuana was on your person, and what your intent was with the drug. The drug crimes attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Do not let drug charges for marijuana hurt your reputation or your future aspirations. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today for help. 803.252.4800