Source: Independent

A Texas teenager suspected of baking and selling “pot brownies” faces up to 99 years in jail.

Jacob Lavoro, 19, is charged with a first degree felony for possessing 1.5 pounds of the drugs.

The young man, from Round Rock, was flanked by about a hundred supporters as he attended a pre-trial hearing at a Texas courthouse on Thursday.

“I’m not a criminal, I’m just a kid,” he told the crowd.

Lavoro, who learned that he could be sent to prison for between five and 99 years, continued: “It was sickening to me. I first found that out when I was in jail and I almost threw up when I heard it, actually did throw up. I turned white in my face.”

According to Kvue.com, on 14 April a neighbour alerted police to Lavoro’s apartment after smelling marijuana. Upon arrival, officers found the drug inside the property.

Lavoro was allegedly selling brownies laced with cannabis for $25 each; according to abc7news.com, the cakes contained hash oil, which is more potent than ordinary marijuana, making the alleged offence more serious.

Jacob’s mother condemned the charge: “Murderers get less time than that and the thought that my son could go to prison at all is something that I can’t even get my head around.”

In court, Lavoro’s attorney, Jack Holmes, filed a motion to dismiss the evidence, Reuters reported. He claims that police officers entered Jacob’s apartment illegally.

Lavoro turned down a plea deal for second degree felony. His lawyer hopes the case will be thrown out.