Both Arenstein and Orly Katz, his spouse, have been imprisoned. The arrests were as a result of production and intent to distribute weed. Both of these individuals work for news organizations. Yedioth Ahronoth, a newspaper in Israel, employs Katz; Columbia Broadcasting System News Radio uses Howard Arenstein as their Washington D.C. bureau chief. Cannabis was found being grown and prepared within the couple’s home. Police busted both individuals when they found the controlled substance.
Arrest of the Arenstein household
Acting on a tip from neighbors, police executed a search warrant on the home of Howard Arenstein and Orly Katz. Prosecutors have charged Arenstein and Katz with possession of weed and intent to distribute the weed discovered in their home. Both of the reporters were released on their own recognizance. The crimes charged do not require the couple charged to stay in jail before trial. If convicted, the couple could face a number of thousand dollars in fines and a couple of years in jail.
Weed found within the home of Howard Arenstein
After neighbors complained about marijuana within the back yard, vice police officers raided Arenstein’s home. The back yard of the house was discovered to have eight foot tall marijuana plants. Six two-ounce bags of marijuana were also found within the house. The intent to distribute charge is based on the small packages of controlled substances found.
Employers may investigate Arenstein
There has been no official statement from Columbia Broadcasting System News Radio on the arrest of Arenstein. The investigation to the criminal arrest by the station has been started, though, based on some informants inside the radio station. Simply being charged with the crimes may not be enough for Arenstein or Katz to lose their jobs. The couple cannot claim medical weed defense, as D.C. doesn’t have a provision for legal weed use.
Citations
New York Post
nypost.com/p/news/national/news_chief_in_pot_bust_lbSxPNSQJJALmj9gvLJNSO
Hollywood Reporter
hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i6bc2dd0e5ce14ff2beb7b1e5dcba3034
