Local Attorney Pleads Not Guilty To Pot Charge Magnuson Says Gyro Days Bust Is A Case Of Mistaken Identity

Harry James Magnuson, a prominent Coeur d’Alene attorney, has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor drug charges stemming from the Gyro Days celebration in the Silver Valley in late June.

Attorney Ed Anson appeared in Shoshone County District Court on Monday for Magnuson and entered not guilty pleas to charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Magnuson, 44, of Coeur d’Alene, was arrested June 21 by a Wallace police officer who alleges he saw Magnuson, son of Harry F. Magnuson, a key developer of the Silver Valley’s mining industry, trying to light a marijuana pipe. After Officer Patrick S. Eismann identified himself to Magnuson, Magnuson allegedly dropped the pipe by a Dumpster near the Silver Corner Bar.

Anson, Magnuson’s attorney, has said this is a case of mistaken identity. The crowds and the Mardi Gras-type atmosphere of the Gyro Days Festival created confusion that led to the arrest.

Approximately 20 people were standing around the bar and then left when the police officer showed up, Anson said. The marijuana and the marijuana pipe did not belong to his client.

Magnuson was trying to light a cigar at the time he was spotted by the police officer, Anson said.

, DataTimes