12 arrested in Calif. ring that allegedly sold pot illegally through medical marijuana clinics

12 arrested in alleged S. California pot ring

SAN DIEGO — Authorities say 12 members of a Southern California ring that illegally sold millions of dollars of pot through medical marijuana dispensaries are behind bars and facing federal charges.

Federal court documents unsealed Friday name Joshua John Hester as the alleged ring leader. He was arrested Friday at his West Hollywood home.

Federal agents served two arrest warrants in Los Angels County and five in San Diego, rounding up 12 people.

Two dispensaries owned by Hester are among 14 clinics and collectives raided by local law enforcement in September. At one dispensary, agents found two secret rooms behind a moveable bookshelf where pot was being illegally grown.

All of the defendants are expected to appear before a federal judge this week.

Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, www.signonsandiego.com