SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A longtime assistant city attorney was fired after authorities said he was manufacturing a marijuana byproduct in a makeshift basement lab with his two adult sons, the Salt Lake City attorney’s office said Thursday.
James Wesley Robinson, 50, was terminated Feb. 24 - six days after police arrested him and his sons, Salt Lake City spokesman Art Raymond said.
Robinson worked more than 13 years in the office and most recently represented the Police Department in civil cases, Raymond said. Robinson was fired “due to lost faith and confidence in his ability to serve as effective counsel to the police department or any other city department,” Raymond said.
The suspects are accused of manufacturing a marijuana byproduct called “Dab” or “Shatter,” a concentrated, caramel-like substance produced from raw pot. It sells for more on the street than regular pot, authorities say.
Police went to the Robinson home Feb. 18 to investigate a report of a burglary and found more than two pounds of marijuana, $26,000 in cash, scales, guns and a pressure cooker containing some of the byproduct, court documents show.
Police also reported finding cocaine and a handgun in James Robinson’ bedroom.
Attorneys representing the father and sons declined to comment, and there was no answer Thursday at a phone listing for Robinson.
The house is in a residential neighborhood within 400 feet of a middle school.
Robinson and his sons, Alexander Robinson, 21, and Zachary Robinson, 18, did not enter pleas when they made their initial court appearance on Thursday. Each is charged with operation of a clandestine laboratory, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession or use of a controlled substance.
The defendants are free on bail pending a trial. They are due back in court March 28.
Court documents say an unnamed witness told investigators she regularly bought marijuana from the sons and that she smoked marijuana with James Robinson.
___
Follow Brady McCombs at https://twitter.com/BradyMcCombs
Please read our comment policy before commenting.