| For Immediate Release
March 31, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
ORANGE COUNTY DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY RECOGNIZED BY LAGUNA BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR PROSECUTION
OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA CASES
SANTA ANA – The Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD) honored Orange County Deputy District Attorney Jeff Schunk last night, March 30, 2011, at the 29th Annual Laguna Beach Police Department Employee Recognition Dinner as “Deputy District Attorney of the Year” for his prosecution of illegal marijuana storefront cases. The dinner recognized Laguna Beach police officers and other law enforcement personnel for their dedication to promoting public safety in Laguna Beach.
Schunk was recognized for his work with the LBPD in the successful prosecution of illegal marijuana storefront cases. He successfully prosecuted defendant Michael Newman (Case #09HF0852) for growing marijuana in a Laguna Beach neighborhood under the false pretense of operating as a medical marijuana collective. LBPD Officers seized 350 marijuana plants, three pounds of marijuana and $25,000 in cash. The defendant was convicted and sentenced to 90 days in jail and put on three years of formal probation. The prosecution shut down an illegal marijuana sales front that was harming public safety.
Since January 2009, “Deputy District Attorney Jeff Schunk has personally coordinated the disposition and prosecution of 29 asset forfeiture cases. At least $130,000 has been taken from the hands of drugs dealers while several pounds of illicit drugs were also removed from the streets of Laguna Beach. The Police Department would like to recognize Jeff Schunk’s dedication and service to the citizens of Laguna Beach, the Police Department and his outstanding achievement in enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement efforts in Orange County,” said Laguna Beach Police Chief Paul Workman.
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