Forfeiture proceedings start against accused pot growers

SANDPOINT - Forfeiture proceedings are starting against a Priest River couple accused of cultivating marijuana in underground grow rooms.

The state is petitioning the forfeiture of a 2000 Ford F-350 pickup truck, a John Deere tractor, a moving trailer and $1,184 in cash belonging to Carl Wayne Cliff and Marte Gale Cliff, according to court records.

Carl Cliff, 61, and Marte Cliff, 60, are each charged with one count of marijuana trafficking and one count of aiding and abetting trafficking.

Preliminary hearings to determine if enough evidence exists to justify trials on the felony charges are pending in the magistrate division of 1st District Court.

The couple was charged after local and federal drug agents searched their Blue Lake Road property on March 6 and discovered 45 live pot plants and nearly 7 pounds of harvested marijuana. The plants were being grown in an underground vault accessed by a makeshift elevator concealed by a storm drain grate.

Carl Cliff reportedly told Bonner County Sheriff's deputies the growing operation was for personal use and not financial gain. Deputies, however, disputed that claim due to the amount of pot being produced, according to probable cause hearing testimony.

The couple is free on bail while the cases are pending.

Marte Cliff is being represented by Coeur d'Alene attorney Joseph Mein and Carl Cliff is being represented by Bevan Maxey, a Spokane, Wash., attorney known for taking on high-profile cases.

Although Maxey is not licensed to practice in Idaho, the court is allowing him to represent Carl Cliff pro hac vice. Under such an arrangement, Maxey is granted special permission to represent his client in this specific case.