Police Raid 'Pot Party'

Ann Arbor police narcotics detectives and Michigan State Police officers last night raided what they I described as a "going-away pot party" and seven I persons were taken into custody. Two of the seven, Goeffrey G. Hall Jr. and James H. Livingston, both 24, were charged with the sale of marijuana. The remaining five persons were released but Police Chief Walter E. Krasny charges of possession of marijuana will be sought against them. The raid was staged in a house at 1302 Packard about 9 p.m. with state and city plainclothes officers moving quickly after information on activities in the dwellings had been received. Chief Krasny said "several" pounds of marijuana were confiscated but he declined to comment on one report that other drugs were also seized. The chief said the Packard St. address may be one of the major outlets for marijuana in the city. He said when the state and Ann Arbor detectives entered the dwelling a "going away" party was being staged with marijuana the main offering for guests. He said both Hall and Livingston list 1302 Packard as their address. Sale of marijuana, with which both men are charged, is a felony which brings upon conviction a mandatory sentence of 20 years in Southern Michigan Prison at Jackson. Hall was arraigned last night before District Court Judge Pieter G. V. Thomassen and demanded examination. That proceeding was set for Feb. 4 and Judge Thomassen ordered Hall released on his personal recognizance. Under that arrangement the defendant need post no bond. Livingston was released by police pending the drawing up of a complaint and warrant. He was scheduled to appear in District Court on the charge this afternoon. Hall is listed as a student at the Washtenaw Community College and Livingston is unemployed, Krasny said.