MCCORMICK STANDS ON PROP 215, CLAIMS INNOCENCE

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 - A man arrested last year in a rented Bel-Air mansion
packed with marijuana plants pleaded innocent Monday to federal allegations
that he and others plotted to grow massive amounts of pot to sell to
cannabis clubs.

Todd McCormick claims Proposition 215 gives him the right to grow marijuana
to treat his chronic pain brought on by several bouts of cancer and other
illnesses.

He denies he intended to sell narcotics to Cannabis Buyer's Clubs.
California voters approved the measure in November 1996, which legalized
the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Andrew Scott Hass of Malibu also pleaded innocent Monday to narcotics
conspiracy charges.

Two others indicted July 23 along with McCormick and Hass pleaded innocent
last week. Two more are expected to enter pleas next Monday.

A seventh defendant, Kirill Dyjine, failed to show up in court Monday morning.

The government already is petitioning to have Dyjine's bail revoked,
claiming he continued to grow pot after he and McCormick were arrested last
year.

A magistrate issued a bench warrant for his arrest, but held it until next
week because Dyjine's attorneys said he may have been unaware of the court
date. An Aug. 24 status conference is set in the case.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski