Bennett said the case appeared to be a standard cultivation case and any potential danger to the public was removed when the marijuana was seized.
He said Donald Cheatham has cooperated with police in another matter, including providing a DNA swab.
The defense attorney also stressed Donald Cheatham's lack of criminal record and lifelong ties to the area, although he lived at the Hildale address for three years. Several people in the court also stood in support of the defendant.
Deputy district attorney David Garner said it wasn't a standard case and alleged there was evidence of a large-scale marijuana trafficking organization. The search reportedly yielded 120 pounds of marijuana in various stages of processing, $59,000 in cash and a
stolen .38-caliber revolver.
Regarding the difference in bail amounts, Garner said Donald Cheatham alone faced the stolen weapon charge. He also noted the seriousness of the marijuana and money allegations.
Garner also said the defendants told officials they didn't know where the items came from.
Bennett refuted the claim, saying Donald Cheatham wasn't present during the search and didn't make such statements.
Judge Mosbarger declined the request for now and noted the bail was set at the current level because of the elements cited by Garner.
Bennett indicated he would file a motion to pursue the matter further.
Regarding Jennifer Cheatham, 38, her attorney Dustin Gordon presented a third party willing to post her bail bond premium as a gift.
The prosecution had sought to ensure any bail money was legitimately obtained. After the presentation of the gift, Garner said the prosecution had no further objections.
Mosbarger granted Jennifer Cheatham's bail, but imposed the conditions that the defendant refrain from possessing marijuana, drug paraphernalia or stolen property.
http://www.chicoer.com/ci_23042549/oroville-man-who-may-have-information-about-missing
