Santa Monica Police arrested suspect Richard Pecorelli Friday, Sept. 4 for investigation of operating the “Green Zebra Collective,” a purported, online medical marijuana delivery scheme in violation of Proposition 215; better known as the California’s Compassionate Use Act of 1996.
The Santa Monica Police Department’s Narcotics Unit conducted an extensive undercover investigation and executed a search warrant on Pecorelli’s residence in the 1800 block of 19th Street after receiving numerous, anonymous complaints from neighbors about the excessive amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in a residential zone as well as the witnessing of onsite, hand to hand sales of suspected narcotics. The warrant netted evidence of unlawful sales and distribution of marijuana, including a substantial amount of US currency.
This investigation represents a concerted effort from the Santa Monica Police Department to safeguard the community by ensuring the non-diversion of marijuana grown for medical purposes into illicit markets. “These type of for-profit, back room operations, not only create a neighborhood nuisance, but pose a heightened and genuine safety risk to the community at large as the operations lack security protocols and adequate cash handling practices to deter crime,” said Lt. Clinton Muir from the Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
The case is pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
