A federal judge overseeing the Kobie Gary pot-growing case handed his attorneys a defeat by refusing to order the government to hand over materials they’ve said were needed to prepare for his April sentencing in Miami.

In his order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank Lynch Jr. ruled Gary’s lawyers had not shown proof the government had failed to provide all evidence he is legally entitled to, including the statements of co-defendants and witnesses, and copies of surveillance video. (more…)

FORT PIERCE — A Miami family that used fake documents to obtain nearly $6 million in mortgage loans used to buy homes converted into marijuana grow farms were ordered Thursday to serve more than five years in federal prison.

The sophisticated scheme, operated during the height of the housing boom, included buying 18 homes in St. Lucie, Miami-Dade, Lee and Columbia counties that were used to cultivate more than 1,000 pot plants worth about $1.3 million, federal records show. (more…)

FORT PIERCE — “The Don Corleone of the Port St. Lucie marijuana grow house operations” was sentenced Wednesday morning to 45 years in prison.

Roberto Alberto Cepero

Sonia Del Risco Polls

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