Margie Patton

Staff Writer

@MargiePatton

The case of Jacob Lavoro may be one where the real crime has been perpetrated by the justice system and not the accused.

Lavoro is facing a possible life sentence for allegedly making and selling hash brownies. Because he used hash oil instead of marijuana, authorities in Round Rock, Texas have charged the 19-year-old with a first-degree felony in the case. The technicality means that police could declare the entire 1.5 lb weight of the brownies, including harmless ingredients such as butter and sugar, as drug weight.

Lavoro’s father, Joe, expressed his outrage over the charge to KEYE-TV.

“Five years to life? I’m sorry, I’m a law abiding citizen. I’m a conservative. I love my country. I’m a Vietnam veteran, but I’ll be damned … this is wrong, this is damn wrong!” he told the station. “If he did something wrong he should be punished, but to the extent that makes sense. This is illogical. I’m really upset, and I’m frightened, I’m frightened for my son.”

Regardless of how one feels about the legalization of drugs, anyone with common sense should see how ridiculous and grossly unfair this case is. Hopefully true justice will prevail and the charges against Lavoro will be reduced.