980marijuana.jpg
Undercover agents in 2011 targeted Brionne Corbray's marijuana dispensaries in West Seattle, White Center and North Seattle. (AP Photo/File)

Federal judge says no prison time for selling medicinal pot

BY Tim Haeck  on December 20, 2012 @ 8:18 am (Updated: 9:31 am - 12/20/12 )

A man who operated three medical marijuana shops in the Seattle area is the first in Western Washington to face sentencing on federal drug charges.

Undercover agents in 2011 targeted Brionne Corbray's marijuana dispensaries in West Seattle, White Center and North Seattle. Prosecutors say a smoking lounge at the White Center store was a flagrant violation of both state and federal law. Agents also found a gun at that location.

The Seattle Times reports Corbray, 48, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges.

The U.S. Attorney sought a one year prison term but the defense cited mixed messages about drug laws from local, state and federal authorities. Washington voters recently passed an initiative making it legal to possess a small amount of marijuana for personal use.

The judge ordered probation for Corbray and a $25,000 fine.

Two other defendants have pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in connection with the operation of medicinal marijuana dispensaries and are awaiting sentencing. The Assistant U.S. Attorney handling the Corbray case says it's the first such prosecution but not the last.

Tim Haeck, KIRO Radio Reporter
Tim Haeck is a news reporter with KIRO Radio. While Tim is one of our go-to, no-nonsense reporters, he also has a sensationally dry sense of humor and it will surprise some to learn he is a weekend warrior.
More Local News
Top Stories

  • Sopranos Star Dies at 51
    James Gandolfini, the actor famous for "The Sopranos", died suddenly in Italy

  • More to the Story
    Liberace's ex-lover says the world will hear more of his story, and Michael Jackson's in there

  • A Skeptic's Doubts
    An ESPN columnist doubts Russell Wilson will ever be elite
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (5)


  • Add A Comment

  • xplanes wrote...
    Just when the peasants were getting angry
    December 20, 2012 10:09 am
    The emperor said "let them eat brownies" and they all went back to their living rooms and chilled.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    He should have been locked up.
    December 20, 2012 3:39 pm
    Of course, his vote is his "get out of jail free" card so he just gets a slap on the wrist. Hopefully the $25K fine will put this DRUG DEALER out of biz...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Hakuzen wrote...
    By Shark75's logic
    December 20, 2012 4:03 pm
    All owners/operators of alcohol stores in this state should also see prison time. Of course, I'm fairly certain Shark75 doesn't actually use logic in association with his posts.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    Hakuzen wrote...
    December 20, 2012 4:38 pm
    I'm sorry I can't make my point in "stoner logic" giving examples with cheetos and brownies and morally equating legal business owners with drug offendors. I'll hope you can forgive me. Perhaps when you clear the smoke from between your ears you'll see my point is crystal clear.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Hakuzen wrote...
    Nope
    December 20, 2012 5:50 pm
    It's called "Reality". In "Reality" Alcohol is also a drug. Nothing to see here other than a rock-bottom IQ and a low-wage job, enjoy flipping burgers and by the way when they pass you up for that promotion, it's likely due to the fact you do math at a 2nd grade level.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }