A Jamaican-born musician, convicted of drug trafficking in Madison County, Mississippi, for marijuana he said he obtained legally in Oregon for his personal use, has received an eight-year prison sentence without parole.
The sentence was handed down on Monday.
Madison County Circuit Judge William Chapman said 46 year old Patrick Beadle, of Oregon, faced a maximum 40 years in prison after a jury convicted him in July under the state’s drug trafficking law.
Patrick Beadle, who performs under the name BlackFire, was charged with drug trafficking, although he said the marijuana he had with him was for his personal use.
He also said it was obtained in Oregon where medical marijuana was legalized in 1998.
Oregon voters also approved recreational use of marijuana in 2014.
Prosecutors admitted there was no evidence to prove Beadle was trafficking, other than the fact that the marijuana amounted to more than two pounds and was concealed in his vehicle.
Judge Chapman departed from giving the Jamaican the 10-to-40 years under the drug trafficking law, but he would not reduce it to simple possession because the jury convicted Beadle under the drug trafficking law.
Beadle’s attorney, Cynthia Stewart, said the sentence will be appealed.
He needs a better lawyer bc based on the facts of the case, he shouldn’t have gotten time. And even if so not a hefty 8 yrs
that lawyer is no good! lady give the man back his money. to get a better lawyer. PS f**k off. use the man as a test.
8 YEARS FI 2 POUND A GANJA……………