I came across this story from Bedford, Illinois, WBIW.com. A Mr. Lantz and Ms. Thornton were busted for selling marijuana:
According to a probable cause affidavit on Thursday, September 3rd at approximately 11:59 p.m. a confidential informant was given an undisclosed amount of cash to purchase marijuana from Thornton. The informant recorded the drug deal.
An undercover officer also witnessed the drug deal.
The informant purchased 18 grams of marijuana from Thornton.
On Friday, September 11th at approximately 9:20 p.m. the informant was again given cash and purchased 8 more grams of marijuana from Thornton.
On Thursday, September 17th at approximately 8:05 p.m. the informant was given cash and purchased 15 grams of marijuana from Thornton.
Police say during each of the controlled buys, Lantz was standing near by providing security for Thornton while she sold the marijuana.
The perpetrators were booked and charged. To the informant Ms. Thornton sold a half, a quarter, and another half over two weeks. A bit more than the customary one ounce limit per day allowed per transaction in legal states. The informant appears to be a casual marijuana consumer.
Giving an informant cash to buy marijuana is terribly illegal in legal states. Straw purchases are used to bypass limits on age or residency, and come with serious charges for all involved.
Mr. Lantz was charged as aiding, because he was watching the transaction. In legal states the stores hire security guards and install mandated cameras for security.
Indiana is, of course, a very illegal state when it comes to marijuana, but this whole episode is completely ridiculous.