Orly Katz and Arenstein, a high-powered journalistic couple, were both imprisoned for marijuana production and sale over the weekend. Both of these individuals work for news organizations. Yedioth Ahronoth, a newspaper in Israel, employs Katz; Columbia Broadcasting System News Radio uses Arenstein as their Washington D.C. bureau chief. The couple was arrested in their home, where mature cannabis plants and prepared weed were both discovered by police.
Vice police officers arrest Howard Arenstein
Acting on a tip from neighbors, police executed a search warrant on the home of Howard Arenstein and Orly Katz. The charges brought against the couple consist of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute. No bail was required for Arenstein and Katz. They were released shortly after being charged. The way the law is written, they can prepare for their trial when outside of jail. If convicted, the couple could face a number of thousand dollars in fines and a few years in jail.
Cannabis discovered in the home of Arenstein
The Saturday morning raid at Howard Arenstein’s home was carried out by vice police after neighbors complained about the growing weed. The back yard of the house was found to have eight foot tall cannabis plants. While executing the search warrant, law enforcement also discovered 12 ounces of weed, packaged in six two-ounce bags. The intent to distribute charge is depending on the small packages of controlled substances found.
CBS News launches investigation into Arenstein
Despite numerous requests, CBS News Radio has made no official statement about the arrest of their Washington D.C. bureau chief. Some insiders believe that the station is launching their own investigation. Simply being charged with the crimes may not be enough for Arenstein or Katz to lose their jobs. The couple can’t claim medical weed defense, as D.C. does not have a provision for lawful marijuana use.
Articles cited
New York Post
nypost.com/p/news/national/news_chief_in_pot_bust_lbSxPNSQJJALmj9gvLJNSO
Hollywood Reporter
hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i6bc2dd0e5ce14ff2beb7b1e5dcba3034
