Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend January 21, 2007 Butte Falls woman investigated for drug smuggling City Council approves ordinance allowing the town to pay costs of out-of-state witnesses By sanne specht Mail Tribune BUTTE FALLS — With the support of town leaders, the town marshal is proceeding with his investigation of a Butte Falls woman accused of smuggling marijuana in care packages to her daughter in New Jersey, who sold it to help pay for college. The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance allowing them to pay costs for bringing in out-of-area witnesses for felony crimes "if necessary," said Marshal Don Leahan. Leahan also appeared before a grand jury last week and obtained a subpoena for the financial records of nearby resident and "Whistle Stop Emporium" business owner Catherine Carlisle, he said. Carlisle, who has a permit to grow marijuana for three licensed medical marijuana users, admits to illegally mailing the drug to her daughter in the past. But a recent robbery at her home claimed all of her marijuana, leaving her with nothing to ship to her daughter or offer to her marijuana patients, Carlisle said. Carlisle insists she is being framed, but she is trying to keep a positive perspective about the city's new ordinance, she said. Advertisement "I always wanted to be important in passing legislation," said Carlisle. "I just never thought it would be in Butte Falls." Leahan said Carlisle has engaged in interstate commerce of narcotics for sale. Tips from community members initiated his investigation of Carlisle. "This is a big deal in a little town like this with only four real businesses," said Leahan. "It would be the same as if every business in the entire Medford mall was selling drugs." Carlisle said her former best friend has given false information to an overzealous marshal — who is pursuing her in a "vicious vendetta," she said. Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston may not prosecute the case unless Butte Falls foots the bill for bringing in the out-of-state witnesses in the small-town case, Leahan said, adding he is angry the little town of Butte Falls could have to pay for prosecution of Carlisle. Mayor Ron Ormond said Huddleston's decision sends the wrong message to his community. Without mentioning Carlisle by name, Ormond took the issue of paying for out-of-state witnesses before council members at the Jan. 14 City Council meeting. Carlisle is frustrated that she has been unable to have direct communication with the DA or city leaders, she said. "Not one single person from the council or the mayor has ever came in here to talk to me," said Carlisle. "The DA's office won't call me back. I can't afford legal representation. We'll have to get a public defender and I hope they have some good ones. I have no idea what's going to happen." According to statements made by Carlisle's daughter, the marijuana shipped in cereal boxes and coffee brought in between $12,000 and $14,000 in marijuana sales, Leahan said. Leahan said statements from Carlisle's daughter, in addition to those from a Butte Falls postal employee and a New Jersey investigator, prove Carlisle recently sent 5 ounces of marijuana to her daughter in two shipments. The witness' statements, combined with Carlisle's financial records, make a solid case, said Leahan. Huddleston was not available for comment on Friday, but has said previously this is the first time a local community has offered to finance an aspect of a county prosecutor's case. Huddleston declined to pay for plane fare and lodging for out-of-state witnesses in this case because the county, like the state, must spend its limited funds on prosecuting more serious crimes, he said. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help