Howard Arenstein and his wife, Orly Katz, have both been arrested for possessing and producing cannabis. Both of these individuals work for news organizations. Arenstein operates as the Columbia Broadcasting System Radio bureau chief in Washington D.C., when Katz acts as a Washington correspondent for Yedioth Ahronoth, a newspaper based upon in Israel. Both Arenstein and Katz were imprisoned when marijuana was found growing in their back yard. Law enforcement also found packaged marijuana in the house.
Arrest of the Arenstein household
Police got a complaint from neighbors about the Arenstein home. On the basis of this complaint, they obtained and used a search warrant. Both Arenstein and Katz were charged with possession with intent to distribute. After they were charged, the couple was released from jail without having to post any bail. The crimes charged do not require the couple charged to stay in jail before trial. If convicted, the couple could face several thousand dollars in fines and a couple of years in jail.
Weed bust at Arenstein’s house
The Saturday morning raid at Howard Arenstein’s home was carried out by vice police after neighbors complained about the growing marijuana. The back yard of the house was discovered to have eight foot tall cannabis plants. Six two-ounce bags of cannabis were also found within the home. The fact that the cannabis was prepared in relatively large packages is what brought up the “intent to distribute” charge.
CBS News investigation into Howard Arenstein
CBS News officials have declined to officially comment on Howard Arenstein’s arrest. Some insiders believe the station is launching their own investigation. The internal politics of both news organizations is such that they may not be fired for their infraction. The couple cannot claim medical cannabis defense, as D.C. does not 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
