Couple Dealt Community Service For Growing Pot

A Spokane couple arrested for growing pot in the basement of a South Hill church were sentenced Monday to 30 days of community service.

Thomas Heal, 51, and his wife Deborah, 36, admitted to growing about a dozen marijuana plants at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 12th and Grand.

They were arrested Jan. 3 when sheriff’s deputies, alerted by an informant, searched the church.

In handwritten statements presented in court, the Heals apologized to their church, their family and their community.

Defense attorney Mark Vovos said the Heals grew the plants strictly for personal use. Prosecutors agreed with that claim and recommended a sentence that reflected the couple’s cooperation with authorities and acceptance of responsibility.

Possession of marijuana with the intent to manufacture usually carries a jail term of 30 to 90 days.

“In this case, both people had no previous record and both were very cooperative,” Deputy Prosecutor Sarah Beemer said.

Thomas Heal continues to work as the church caretaker, a job he’s held for many years. Deborah Heal works at a Spokane hospital.

Church leaders, including the Rev. Mart Craft, wrote letters of support for the Heals. Craft said the couple has the congregation’s support and “forgiveness.”

In addition to community service, Superior Court Judge James Murphy ordered the couple to pay $1,000 in penalties, plus court fees.

, DataTimes