ONLINE MEDICAL POT SELLER INDICTED
February 11, 2000

Associated Press - A California man who ran an Internet business selling marijuana for medicinal purposes was indicted Friday on federal charges of illegally distributing the drug in Louisiana.

"This is another example of our expanding effort to pursue individuals who use computers to conduct illegal activities," said U.S. Attorney Eddie Jordan.

The attorney for the suspect, Michael David Aronov, acknowledged his client sent marijuana to two undercover agents.

But the lawyer, Eric Shevin, said the agents claimed to have severe health problems.

"My sense is that Michael responded to a sense of moral righteousness rather than legal judgment," Shevin said. "He at no time possessed any criminal intent. His desire has and is to help people who are in need.''

A grand jury indicted Aronov, of Anaheim, Calif., on seven counts of distribution of marijuana and one count of advertising a controlled substance for sale on the Internet.

The marijuana distribution charges are punishable by up to five years in prison on each count; the other charge carries a maximum four-year prison term.

Distribution of marijuana for medicinal purposes is illegal in Louisiana, but legal in California for seriously ill people on the recommendation of doctors.

" All the evidence will show he was only involved in trying to assist people who had what appeared to be legitimate medical need for serious illnesses," Shevin said.

Source: The New York Times Company

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