A 45-year-old New York mother is facing criminal charges for allegedly running a $3 million marijuana-growing operation was released from jail on bond, USA Today reports.
Andrea Sanderlin's $500,000 bond was cosigned by her friends on Monday; the accused pot dealer was arrested last May. Sanderlin reportedly refused to answer questions about her finances and an upscale lifestyle in Scarsdale, NY. She was arrested in a warehouse in Maspeth, Queens, NY in her Mercedes SUV.
Hydrophonic marijuana and growing equipment were seized from the warehouse where Sanderlin was arrested, according to reports. Officials say they found more than 2,800 plants and a "large quantity" of dried marijuana.
"For all I know, she has millions of dollars or she could have a couple hundred dollars," Judge Steven M. Gold said in federal court in Brooklyn. "She hasn't worked, but she's living in Scarsdale and driving a Mercedes. I can't add that up."
"The judge also complained to Sanderlin's attorney that four friends who co-signed her bond, including a hairstylist and a hair colorist who said they last saw her at a party six months ago, 'don't have a heck of a lot of moral impact on your client.' He said he would have to get the signatures of her mother and other relatives by Wednesday if she wants to stay free," USA Today reports.
Sanderlin has pleaded not guilty to charges of manufacturing and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and operating a drug premises, according to USA Today.
The alleged pot dealer has two daughters, ages 3 and 13, and they were living in a rented $2.3 million home. Her lawyer stated that her landlord has told she needs to move out.
"She's very happy to be going home to be with her children," her lawyer, Joel Winograd, said. "She's going to take a hot shower, eat a good meal and try to get on with the rest of her life."
