Judge says accused Eugene drug dealer can’t have guns back

EUGENE – A Lane County judge reversed his decision to return shotguns, rifles and pistols to a former Eugene investment adviser charged with dealing drugs.

The Register-Guard reports Judge Maurice Merten last week ordered the return of 20 guns to Stephen Alison, after the man’s attorney argued the state has no right to keep the firearms while his client awaits trial on felony drug charges.

Shortly after Merten ordered the weapons returned, prosecutors obtained a new, 16-count indictment from a grand jury that includes an allegation that Alison possessed the firearms for the purpose of using them in connection with drug crimes.

Based on the new charge, Merten ruled Tuesday the guns may not be returned.

Defense attorney John Kolego contends prosecutors got the new indictment solely in response to Merten’s initial ruling and it’s an inappropriate use of the grand jury.

Alison has pleaded not guilty to charges that allege he dealt heroin and methamphetamine.