An independent candidate for governor of Rhode Island was arrested on marijuana possession charges Thursday, along with a candidate for attorney general. Anne Armstrong and Alan Gordon are members of the “Compassion Party,” and they belong to a religious sect that uses marijuana in worship services.
Armstrong and Gordon were charged with possession and intent to distribute nearly 50 pounds of marijuana. On the possession charge, the two could face up to life in prison.
Special Assistant Attorney General Michael McCabe said they were charged after State Police discovered the drugs inside her West Greenwich home.
“Both defendants were located inside the residence, found to be in possession of approximately 48 pounds of usable marijuana to include large mason jars filled with marijuana, drying racks and other unused stocks,” said McCabe.
The couple was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, as a 15-year old was present in the home.
Armstrong and Gordon appeared in District Court in Warwick Thursday afternoon, where McCabe told Judge Joseph Ippolito that State Police had executed a search warrant following a complaint of marijuana odor coming from the home.
“Surveillance was conducted on the premises, observing both defendants on the premises with marijuana plants growing outdoors, in plain view, without tags,” Mccabe said, referring to tags which are purchased from the state for medical marijuana growing operations.
McCabe said Gordon was seen “actively trimming the plants and collecting buds.”
In court, Armstrong asked the judge to refer to her as “reverend,” which he did. Armstrong is a leader in a group which believes in the use of marijuana as part of religious services. She is also running as an indpendent candidate for governor.
The judge set bail at $25,000 each. The matter was referred to a grand jury.
Editor’s note: an earlier version of this story referred to Armstrong as a write-in candidate. She is not. Her name will appear on the November ballot.
