Message from Sparky
Posted by on October 25th, 2006Finally
Finally, I’m out of jail…that was something else…Finally a message from me to you…thanks for being patient, I had a few things to take care of once I got out as I’m sure you can imagine.
First and foremost, thank you, thank you, thank you to my friends and family for your support during this trying time. Thanks to everyone who took the time to write letters to the magistrate on my behalf. Thanks to everyone who offered to sign surety bonds for me. The biggest thanks to those who were required to step up and put their signature on a bond to help me get out. There aren’t words to express my thanks and gratitude to all of you. Specifically I’d like to thank my wife Tracy who took all the weight of my incarceration on her shoulders. Even though we’ve been seperated for over 3 years, both Tracy and her boyfriend Canute were there for me every step of the way. In addition, my mother, Patricia Trunnell and my step-father Harry Trunnell for putting up their home and some cash to pay for my defense team. I love you guys. My brother, Michael WIlson for his emotional support and his efforts to set up my legal defense fund. Stephen and Jennifer Hope for signing a surety bond. Eddie Codel for setting up this website and also signing a surety bond. Nanci Clarence for being the best defense attorney I could ask for. Kate Dyer, Johnathan Howden, Jeffrey Sinek, and Eric Ferraro for being the rest of the best defense team I could ask for. And Jennifer Scarlett, Anna Brown, Jennifer Hill, Rebecca Hill, Evan Kirchoff, Gabriella Marks, Jeffrey Barth, Chris Neumann, Donald and Anabel Foery, John Giesecke, and Tim Rockwood for your emotional support and efforts. Without all of you, I’d be gone and forgotten and for that I can’t thank you enough.
One last shout out to Oscar….the greatest dog on the planet (that’s a dad talking)….I’ve never had a better welcome home…
As for me, well, things are in flux on virtually every level. If there is one thing I can say, don’t believe the hype. The DEA is very good at painting a picture that is not indicative of the situation. My dispensary was a non-profit and to paint me or my employees as profiteers is simply appalling. At this time I can’t really go into specifics however once I have time to sit and meet with my defense team (no, you really don’t get to do that while you’re in jail) I hope to be able to deliver my side of this story and counter their distorted claims.
For those of you who want to assist me in any way, there will be more information posted here in the coming days. I’m currently getting a legal defense fund set up where people can donate money to a non-profit and write the donation off of your taxes. I am also interested in financing my defense through some loans to be paid back on a reasonable schedule for those of you who may not be able to simply throw money at my cause. Fundraising is my primary focus because since I ran my companies above board all of my financial assets were in the bank and all of those assets have been seized. Thanks to my family and friends I’m getting by and hope to start working as a freelance designer again. If you know of any available work out there, give me a buzz. I’m also looking for inexpensive computer gear as it appears as though a group of my employees broke into my apartment while I was in jail and stole everything of value. I was shocked at first but when speaking to other prisoners in jail it is, apparently, a common thing. Needless to say, I’m bummed about all of that. There are other aspects that you can assist with as well…I’m looking for a new apartment as my flat is a bit pricey given my current financial situation…again if you know of anything available or coming available, send it my way…if you’re interested in helping me do some moving, there’s a lot of that to be done in the coming weeks as well…every little thing helps if it saves me money too…
Many of you who know me know this is not me. I don’t ask a lot of favors…I don’t ask for help…as a matter of fact my attorneys were told by many of my closest friends “Sparky will work it out.” Well, while I will obviously do everything I can, this is one job I can’t do alone…at least in the early months while I get my entire life recalibrated to my situation while fundraising and actually staging my defense. I need to lean on my friends, my family, and anyone else who believes in my cause…this will be the fight of and for my life so if you can help, please do.
Before I go I noticed there have been some comments about my lack of support for the medical cannabis movement. Please do a little research and get your facts straight. I’ve made consistent donations to ASA when the money was available to do so and I provided hours and hours of my own time as well as that of my corporate counsel (at my cost) to assisting Ross Mirkarimi’s office in crafting the medical cannabis ordinance governing dispensaries in the City of San Francisco. I also worked with Michela Alioto-Pier’s office during the time the legislation was going to the Board of Supervisors. Everyone can always do more, including myself, but to say that I did nothing is far from the truth.
Thank you all and peace.
Sparky Wilson Rose
i’m a handyman in south city. i loved going to your club ! it was always a pleasure , best selection & prices & friendly & helpful staff. (sorry about the bad apples ripping you off while your tied up ) i some work in the city too ,if i can help, email or call 650-271-0567
Hey Sparky,
Great to hear that you’re finally out.
What a testament to the great friends you have in your corner.
Good luck in your defense.
Hope this finds you in good health and spirits.
Peace. Kim.
What’s next? Will all fourteen of you be facing charges? I’m concerned for your employees who were also arrested. Have you been able to make arrangements for them? They’re a great crew, but I’m sure they were just living paycheck-to-paycheck. How are they faring?
We’re behing you 100%. It’s essential to have a way to get first-rate quality to patients who need it, in an environment that is clean, friendly and safe. Your organization took gangs, hard drugs and organized crime out of the equation . . . let us know how we can help champion your cause in the courts.
Non-profit? I worked at two different, successful non-profit organizations. Neither director nor managers drove around in Porches, “Sparky”. A true non-profit has products and services at prices designed to help their clients and provide humanitarian aide…you charged street prices for marijuana to “patients” that didn’t need “medicine” (for the most part…there are those in need).
Don’t get me wrong, I’m against prohibition and I hope your lawsuit serves for progress, but don’t act all innocent when even among those working for you were people who had medical marijuana prescriptions that did not have medical conditions. Were you a registered “patient”? What was your “condition”?
You know what you were doing, you’re not fooling anybody. The med-marijuana game is a good one, but it’s a game…at least the way y’all were playing it. If it was all fully legit, this law suit of yours would actually have some teeth, and could have risen to the level of America’s legendary challenges of Freedom vs. Tyranny. Instead, you have given the gov’t fodder with which to undo any progress towards the end of prohibition that may have been made with the medicinal campaign. Congrats, and “thanks” a lot.
Randy….thanks for your kind words and support.
Kim….good to hear from you! Hope to see you soon…
Auntie Cindy…thank you for your support…unfortunately my bail restrictions do not allow me to talk directly to co-defendants and my lack of funds at this point make it prohibitive to do so through attorneys. While I don’t know what is going to happen for sure, past experience tells me that the employees will probably mostly left alone…word through the grapevine is that everyone is well, most collecting unemployment for now
Willie…sorry you feel the way you feel and I wish I could really comment on it in detail without compromising my defense…one thing I can tell you is that the 5 year old Porsche was leased and I hadn’t even made the second payment on it. The lease price was less than $50,000. As the case develops, you’ll see that your assumptions are not on point but I don’t blame you or anyone who is behind the movement to approach my case or any case with skepticism…thank you for supporting the movement and I hope that in the end you’ll see that my organization was fully legitimate.
peace
sparky
It is interesting that the government has no problem allowing pharmaceuticals to sell Xanax at a 20,000x (i.e. 2,000,000%) markup… and they get mad when someone sells cannibas for 10x markup?
-Paul
I kind of agree with Willie, Dude. Why would you NEED 9,600.00 A WEEK to run a non-profit? Are you degreed10 or more years experience in Administration to command such a salary?
I do believe the hypocritical govt should stop the raids and legalize pot, as it does really have medicinal purposes, regardless of what the puppet doctors for the govt say. Naturally they’ll say there is no value, if they don’t they get FIRED! Asswipes. LOL LOL Hell, govt officials in the New World smoked grass with the Indians, then cheated them out of their lands!!! HYPOCRITES ALL!!
So, Sparky, from what I know(or thought) is a non-profit puts all the money earned back into the business with a small % going for administrative costs.
Poor people shouldn’t have to pay no more than 20.00 for a supply with a prescription from a licensed US Doctor! Or at least have a sliding scale for the poorest of the poor.
Hell, I only get 1056.00 month SSDI and I would not be able to afford your alleged prices!!! Isnt the whole idea of a non profit to help those less forntunate.
About the Porcshe, who cares? But if I leased a used one, my Medi-Cal share of costs would skyrocket and my benefits reduced. Car insurance is very high as well as maintenance. If I could afford a leased use Porcshe, I wouldn’t need the help of Medi-Cal!
Depending on you level of training and any type of Degrees you may hold, I would say that you could safely take a weekly salary of 1,000.00 max. That’s 52,0000.00 a year before taxes which is about what a administrator would get in the type of business you are in. And that would be based on your level of experience and expertise.
Flashiy cars always attract the law. If you want to drive around in a leased Porcshe, get a real job that pays your 9,600.00 weekly salary. Unless you are an experienced Business person, even finding a job paying 499,200.00 a year would be difficult.
I do pray that you beat this rap by the DEA. You would think that the Bush Administration would use those resources for “His” War in Iraq or fighting Homeland Terrorism instead of going after a humanitarian effort.
In the future bro, don’t live a flashy life running a non profit. It draws suspiscion from both your clients and the govt. If you had a mainstream job then it would be different.
Good luck and get rid of that leased Porcshe, it will drain your resourses over time!
My best,
Bill
I can’t believe your employees ripped you off… What lowlives. What goes around comes around.
Best of luck.
Hey sparky – I hope you rot in jail and the rot in hell.
Is the part about the $9600 a week true? If it is, then I’m afraid I have to side with Willie. If a man is interested in helping humanity and running a non-profit corporation, why in the heck would he even need to drive a Porsche? (5 years old or not) Why would he possible want that kind of profile? Everyone know that even a 5 year old Porsche is worth more than an 07 Buick! C’mon guy.
How about the part about 700lbs of pot? Or all the cash? Is it not true that it’s the street dealers who handle their business in cash?
Your problem seems to be the same as many who profess a humanitarian cause: i.e.,More interest in a glitzy lifestyle than the actual work. That makes you a lot closer to Donald Trump than Mother Theresa, which is okay, as long as you’re honest enough to admit it, and you don’t hide your greed behind a “non-profit” facade.
Peace,
Jay
Sounds like a great gig!
How can I get started in the “non-profit” medical marijuana business?
I would guess supply is the problem as there seems to be plenty of demand……
Medical shmedical. If reefer makes people feel good, then it’s time archaic and prejudicial marijauana laws are rescinded. Tax the b’jesus out of it. How many would be users don’t use it because they fear losing their jobs and property? Many. I guess for now most of us in the “free society” will have to stick with liquor and tobacco. God bless America. Our prison industry is flourishing.
Very interesting. I can’t say one way or the other, but as a fellow advocate, and as a horribly ill person.. I can say that I approve. In any situation where any drugs are dispensed, there will be those to abuse it. Who, then, is held responsible? Groundless accusations and pointless circling. Sparky, I know little of you or your organization.. but coming from the great state of Delaware, where it -isn’t- legal.. (And I, as a result, am a felon.) I can honestly say… good job. I’ve never committed a CRIME in my life, but to seek some form of assistance for how I feel.
Sincerely.
Mathew A. McQuay
Sparky, I think the best thing about spots like yours is that the fact that it takes cannibis business away from the street criminals and crooks. I remember trying to score a back of pot from a street dealer years ago in Compton and getting caught in the middle of a drive by and while I didn’t get hurt I swear to got that QP wasn’t worth it lol so when the medical spots like yours poped up I was happy as hell because I’m sure they have saved a ton of lives.
Guys like willie up there will never get it he’s always going to put on his walker texas ranger hat and fight for what he thinks “the perfect world needs less of” so write idiots like that off. He probably has little to no control over his life or family which makes him want to control things he thinks he can.
My only suggestion to you and others fighting this very meaningful fight on a larger level would be to offer to pay taxes on your “reported” earrnings because cash in had businesses aren’t required or something like that or get together with all of the other locations and agree to donate 100k a month to local school foundations and fire fighters associations etc. then they would have to breath easy and finally there is no way in hell you should bank the way you’ve banked and not have money somewhere the feds can’t touch it, thats crazy to me, you should never spend more than a day in jail, just follow the example set by those online gambling guys who are banking more than any pot seller.
I wish you and your fight the best of luck but legislate it on your own and make it easy on the cowboys.
I read about your case online, and I wanted to wish you the best. I feel that you are doing a wondeful service to people in need, and that the government, as usual, is overstepping its bounds. I mean, there are REAL criminals out in the country that need to be pursued. Shame on the government for interfering in what should be a private matter, and thank you for following your conscience.
peace out!
Steph
i was diagnosed with bipolar and all that goes with this daily consuming,irritating, illness. for 6 years the doctors tell me the meds are non addictive, “OH SO THEYCANDY COAT IT AND CALL THEM HABITIUAL. well sparky my friend i do not know you and i saw your site. i cant believe whats happening. you see, i had been pulled over recently (minor issues) i unfortunately had 1, thats right 1 joint in my purse im now having to plead guilty to possesion. meanwhile the doctors want me on 3000 miligrams of meds a day you know the non addictive(habitiual)ones. your kiddin me right?
i dont understand why this government can legalize alcohol and not herb. its sold even on sundays right over the counter, much more SEVERELY ADDICTIVE DRUG and ITS LEGAL. now i have a college degree im a good citizen but why are we as people in todays war infested America having to be told by our lovely govt we cant smoke herb its against the law but 3000 miligrams a day of phsyotropic is supposed to be by bipolar savior cannibus is helpful in many ereas not just pain it helps my condition with my bipolar,(stay in a good mood)severe anxiety(calms me to help the nausea,i know im not the only one overwhelmed by this 911 war)depression(makes me laugh)sleep disorder(helps me rest). Now you see Stacy why is the
govt wanting me on so many meds when a joint to smoke could help. ive analyzed for a couple of decades. and now with the bipolar at 37 yrs old i wish i could be a voice for the others out there who are forced to stay closet smokers in order to avoid jail because cannibus is illegal but booze is not, cannibus is illegal but the meds these “legal” doctors with degrees give us is not. stacy my prayers are with you and your family i understand the DEA HAS THEIR JOB TO DO BUT PEOPLE GIVE STACY A CHANCE YOU OUR GOVT MADE IT ILLEGALL(WE BIPOLAR PEEPS DONT LIKE ALCOHOL YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP OUR MANIAS WITH A LITTLE POT LOVE
SINCERELY ZYPREXA CAUSES DIABETES NOT CANNIBUS!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, I can’t help but feel that YOU are the victim.
Still, if something is illegal on the federal level, that’s a great reason to stay away from it.
Nobody would like to grow more than me, but I’m no martyr. I think that there’s too much to lose before it’s truly legalized on the federal level.
I think producing a show called ‘Marijuana Radio’ and smoking like a brazen arrogant individual in public is enough for me. However, I really wish you could do what you do and not have your life ruined for it. You definitely have my support in that sense.
I hope you win. You’re welcome to come on our phone lines and talk about this nonsense whenever you want. Good luck.
Only $50,000K for the Porsche? A dealer like you can clear that in less than six weeks at $9,600/wk.
2.3 million in 8 months? What a worthy steward if the infirmed you are!
I get my “medicine” the old fashion way….”movement” my ass stoner.
I am all for the full legalization of marijuana, I believe in the benifits of medicinal marijuana. I Whole heartedly and fully support all legitimate distributors of medical marijuana, but the evidence against you is substantial that you were making LARGE profits off of your buiseness. If you want to be a dealer and make an unreasonable profit, then you will be recognized as a criminal in the courts eyes, and mine. When you put more in your pocket than a cancer or glycoma sufferer has in their bank accountyour playing the same game as all of the evil drug corporations, and you are delivering a severe blow to the marijuana legalization movement. Why dont you give the DEA more ammo for their war on weed. You need to grow up and make long term decisions for the greater good, rather than selfishly ruining it for every otherwise law abiding pot smoker out there. If i am wrong in these comments, please Sparky, respond and set me straight, im all ears. Ive never driven a porche and i work for my money.
Hi Sparky,
As far as your business ethics, whether you are correct or wrong, I don’t know. But I think the State of California should be involved to protect you,if you were properly licensed. As far as all the allegations, who knows what’s true. The fact is that you had a business and the FEDs shut you down. If they shut you down for missleading money!!! If they want TAXES you didn’t pay, that’s another story.
GOD be with you if you are good or bad. GOD is good.
Keep Your Head Up.
KEEP THE MOVEMENT GOING
RE: Compensation
It might be interesting to do a comparative study; what does the CEO of the Sierra Club or the American Cancer Society earn? (and don’t forget to inquire after benefits like medical insurance and retirement accounts…) Your compensation level should be in parity with that of CEO’s of non-profits with similar balance sheets.
I think it’ll be amusing to see the look on the judge’s face when he realizes you’ve been taking home a mere fraction of what other non-profit CEO’s in San Francisco are earning! Go to the Foundation Center in SF and get the stats on every single one!
Obviously, Banking 2.3M doesn’t mean that was YOUR salary . . . everyone forgets the COST of doing business (commercial rents,insurance,fixtures,employees,inventory,utilities, etc) all must be paid out of that account, too. Your clubs were always cleaner and better equipped and staffed than any of the others . . . and those qualities don’t come cheap. A street dealer with a 70K Escalade doesn’t provide the safety, quality control, education or security that your clubs provided, nor does he require third party patient-status verification, the way your organization did. Nor did your staff push patients to “upgrade” to crack, coke or heroin, the way street dealers do. All these qualities speak to the integrity and appropriateness of structure of the organization. Why this threatens the Feds I do not know, can it be that they are so deep in the pockets of the pharmaceutical industry that they now serve as their henchmen? Your clubs were far cleaner, safer, and more patient-friendly than any Walgreens drugstore in the city, where you have to navigate the rheumy-eyed junkies just to get in and out the door to get your meds.
Why are we spending our federal taxes to wage the war on drugs to attack a distribution system that 1)does not cross state lines and 2)is provided for in Prop 215 while we overlook the ever-increasing body of evidence that the CIA is so deep in the drug-running business that they could not survive financially without it? How can we get the Federal Judges to re-direct the DEA’s attentions to the REAL “drug runners” who flood our cities with incapacitating (rather than life-enhancing) substances that their addicts will mug, steal and even KILL for? Does it begin with encouraging them to realize that they have the authority to do so?
The lease on a 50K car runs about 600/month. Same as for a Dodge Ram pickup, or a low-end BMW sedan. It’s a far cry from the cost of your average biotech baron’s Lexus SUV, or Riley Bechtel’s Mercedes, and prob’ly uses less gas. But next time, how about a nice biodiesel Jetta or a Prius? You’ll save money and do the planet a favor. Remember, you’re setting an example. Unfortunately, while they are excellent driving machines, Porches carry the image as being for rock stars,coke dealers,and middle aged men with erectile dysfunction. If that’s your sin, then cop to it and set yourself free: “Your honor, I confess to wanting to own a “chick magnet” Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa…”
Keep your head up, and the light of truth in your heart. You can do this.
Howdi Sparky Rose!
Happened upon your site by chance, while trying to further educate myself on Freedom/Liberty and Marijuana (all things God-given by the way).
Why educate myself? Because traditional media together with the government establishment misleads Joe Public about so very many things. Things like your case for instance. They just darn outright lie and they call themselves Christians (may God strike them down!).
Personally, my life has changed a lot over the last decade, thru setbacks like illness and loss and the like. A chance meeting with a Libertarian-minded artistic-type of individual kinda made me question the world and those around me & generally in my life, including my doctor!!
Heck… this (and a recent heart attack) has given me a whole new perspective on life. I am not as strong or even as fit now as I used to be, but my will & determination are growing stronger by the day – what is it that some folk say: “the pen is mightier than the sword”, just might be true?
My dear friend, I wish I had the means to back you all the way (and others like you), but unfortunately I am really broke and soon to be homeless too – se la vie!
I hope to get the chance to check in on you again sometime, but please forgive me if I don’t (because I might just plain forget – it’s my memory you see).
May God be with you always,
Your friend,
Max.
x
Right on man, I for one am a oregonian and smoke pot for fun everyday, and consistantly try to join the US military, they wont take me. I respect what your doing, and know for a fact that my brothers in arms smoke the herb. Happy memorial weekend all, and remember:
“Dont get off the porch unless you can run with the big dogs”
I hope everything works out for ol’ sparky, I wish him well.
Joe
Bush 2008
Sparky –
Were you actually legit (meaning actually helping people in need) you would have paid yourself a reasonable amount (1/4 what you were paying yourself) and you would have lowered prices. Charging street prices only helps yourself, and people like you are the ones the feds are picking out. Legit operations serving medical needs aren’t getting busted, ¿comprende?