Hawaii island marijuana advocate loses bid to be released for sixth time
Hawaii island marijuana advocate Roger Christie, who has been in custody for more than two years, again was turned down in a bid to be released while awaiting his federal marijuana trial scheduled for January.
U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi noted Tuesday that Christie faces three charges each carrying five to 40 years and said she was concerned about Christie’s ability to follow the conditions he must abide by if he is released.
She said she realized Christie has been in custody for two years, but said the delays in bringing the case to trial were based on a large part by Christie switching lawyers and other requests that benefited him.
Kobayashi’s ruling is the sixth time a federal court has denied Christie’s request for release pending trial.