Denver Pot Grower Who Bragged About it Got Busted, Gets Prison

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Texas Woman Busted After 4-Year-Old Tries To Sell Marijuana Brick

(CBS/AP)

DENVER (AP/KCNC) A suburban Denver pot grower named Christopher Bartkowicz tried to create a federal-state showdown on medical marijuana. Instead, he was sentenced to five years in federal prison before he could make his point.

Last February, federal agents raided his Highlands Ranch home and seized hundreds of pot plants growing in his basement. Finding the stash was pretty easy; according to CBS affiliate KCNC, the raid came after a Denver TV station interviewed Bartkowicz about how much money he expected to make under Colorado law.

Wrong.

Bartkowicz decided to plead guilty to three drug charges. The Denver Post reports that Bartkowicz was sentenced Friday after his plea bargain was accepted by a judge.

He's getting five years, but If he had gone to trial, Bartkowicz could have faced a life term because of a previous drug conviction.

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by CJ-Keith February 1, 2011 5:54 PM EST: Marijuana is not a drug, it's a herb/plant. The feds need to do us and themselves a favor and go (enter choice words here) and get over it. I am sick to death of this government telling the people what is good for them, what is bad for them, what we ma and may not do. Wear your seat belt or we'll take your money etc etc... Enough! Go to hell where you came from and belong!!; Reply to this comment


by laniedayz January 31, 2011 10:28 AM EST: I wonder how many dangerous offenders will be let out of prison early due to "prison overcrowding".. or how many correctional officers are outnumbered by the amount of inmates due to budget cuts and lay-offs.. all so we can make more room for non-violent drug offenders?

The drug war is NOT working, It's only hurting us.

I don't use any drugs or drink alcohol, but I really could care less if other citizens are smoking and/or selling weed. As far as I am concerned, I would rather deal with a stoner over a sloppy drunk.

Alcohol is far more dangerous, yet it's legal.

Go figure.; Reply to this comment


by lilbear925 January 31, 2011 10:21 AM EST: This stuff used to grow wild throughout America. Now, the feds have demonized it and made it a crime to own, grow or use it. We really need to revamp some of these stupid laws and allow people to be responsible for themselves. You cannot legislate every little thing!; Reply to this comment


by rfague January 31, 2011 9:57 AM EST: Wow, busted for not Bogarting that joint, my friend? Legalize it, end this stupid war on drugs, you're just throwing money and people away.

Such ignorance and stupidity, our ancestors will laugh at this idiocy someday and that day may already be here.; Reply to this comment