FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES POSSIBLE

Lake County authorities are seeking federal charges against eight people
suspected of growing marijuana and supplying it to medical marijuana clubs
and users.

Agents from the Lake County Narcotic Task Force and the federal Drug
Enforcement Administration raided a marijuana garden in Upper Lake on
Tuesday and arrested six men who worked on the property. Agents also
confiscated 266 pot plants.

The six men were released from custody Thursday because authorities are
waiting for the U.S. attorney to decide whether federal charges should be
filed against them, task force chief Richard Russell said Friday. By state
law, people who are arrested and in custody must be formally charged within
48 hours of their arrest.

Federal charges of marijuana possession and cultivation for sale also are
being sought against the property owners, Charles Lepp and his wife, Linda
Senti. Lepp was acquitted of Lake County's first medical marijuana case four
years ago.