William Frascatore pleaded guilty Sept. 27 to growing marijuana in his house in Shelton — but only after a judge ordered police to return a bong and some of the marijuana they seized.
He is a medicinal marijuana patient, his lawyer explained at Superior Court in Derby.
Frascatore ended his court date with five years probation. Outside court he called the outcome a victory of “compassion over corruption.”
Background
Frascatore was arrested Jan. 8 after two men broke into his house on Quaker Ridge Road, threatened him with a screwdriver, then tied him up and robbed him.
They stole jewelry and a crystal bowl.
Two men have since been charged in the home invasion. Charges are pending.
While police were at Frascatore’s house investigating the break-in, they allegedly smelled marijuana.
They got a search warrant for the house and found a “grow operation” in the basement.
Frascatore denied the pot-growing allegations, saying he had a prescription for medical marijuana.
Police said the amount of weed found in Frascatore’s home — roughly two and a half pounds — far exceeded what he was allowed to have for medical purposes.
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Frascatore was initially charged with cultivation of marijuana, operating a drug factory and a host of other drug charges.
But he ended the case pleading guilty to a misdemeanor — possession of more than four ounces of marijuana.
During his appearance his lawyer, Frederick Paoletti, asked the court to return some of the items police seized during the raid.
Frascatore’s lawyer then met with a prosecutor behind closed doors, presumably to talk about the items to be returned.
Once back in open court, Judge Peter Brown cleared any confusion.
“So, to be clear, using the language here, we’re talking about a bong,” the judge said, prompting the courtroom to erupt in laughter.
Frascatore turned his head to the courtroom’s public gallery, nodding his head enthusiastically and smiling.
Prosecutors did not object.
Judge Brown then sentenced Frascatore to a five-year suspended prison sentence, three years of probation, and a $3,220 fine.
During his probation, Judge Brown ordered him not to possess narcotics, weapons, or pick up any new arrests.
“Thank you very much, your honor,” Frascatore said.
“Good luck to you, sir,” the judge replied.
Outside court, Frascatore said he was pleased with the outcome. He said he planned to go to the Shelton Police Department within the next two weeks to get his bong back. He’ll also be retrieving a vaporizer, and some related items.
He said he hopes to record video of his visit.
