A judge postponed mathematics lecturer John Finn's trial for growing marijuana plants pending a decision on a defense motion to dismiss the case. Finn's trial was originally scheduled for yesterday.
Dean Martin, the case manager and deputy clerk in Orange County District Court, said Charlie Buttrey, Finn's lawyer, presented the motion to dismiss the case at a hearing on Dec. 19.
"Our hearing on our motion to dismiss was moved up," Finn said. "It went well, but we're still waiting for the judge's decision."
Marilyn Skoglund, the judge presiding over the case in Chelsea, Vt., is currently taking the motions in the case "under advisement" and will make a decision, Martin said.
Martin said Skoglund offered no time frame in which she would make her decision.
Finn, his son Forrest, Finn's wife Holly and her lesbian companion Carla Schauble have been charged with growing about 200 marijuana plants on his property in Thetford, Vt. They have pleaded not guilty.
Under Vermont statutes, such an offense is punishable by 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both.
Finn said police found marijuana plants at his home in September. Finn previously told The Dartmouth that he thinks there is no evidence against him, and that all drug charges are unconstitutional.
Finn said the State Attorney also filed a motion to disqualify Buttrey from representing Finn. He said Skoglund denied the motion.
The mathematics department will await the results of the case before taking any possible action against Finn's status in the department.
