Sean Worsley

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Photo by Kevin Dudley

Story by Alabama NORML

While on a cross-country trip to visit family, an Iraq War veteran  and purple heart recipient and his wife were arrested in Pickens County  charged with a Class C felony for possession of marijuana for “other  than personal use.” Sean had a medical cannabis card from Arizona.  He  used cannabis for PTSD and back and shoulder pain.

FULL STORY: 

Once a decorated Iraq War veteran and purple heart recipient, Sean Worsley found himself entangled in a web of legal troubles during a cross-country trip with his wife, Ebony. The couple's journey from Arizona to North Carolina took an unexpected turn when they passed through Alabama, leading to a life-altering series of events.

As they stopped in Gordo, Pickens County, to refuel, their peaceful ride was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a police car. Sean recalls the officer immediately fixating on their music, but soon the focus shifted to him. The officer asked Sean about the whereabouts of marijuana, to which Sean explained that he possessed medical cannabis legally prescribed to him in Arizona. The cannabis was safely stored in the trunk of their vehicle. However, instead of understanding Sean's situation, the officer callously discarded his military and medical identification cards, foreshadowing the challenges that lay ahead.

Their arrest in Pickens County marked the beginning of a harrowing experience for Sean and Ebony. Their attempts to contact family members were thwarted due to inaccurate phone numbers in the jail system, leaving them isolated and without support. After six days in jail, they were eventually released with the assistance of a compassionate guard who had grown skeptical of the situation.

Returning to Arizona, Sean and Ebony faced the harsh reality of the consequences of their arrest. The fresh criminal charge made it nearly impossible for them to find housing in Phoenix, as landlords were reluctant to rent to individuals with recent evictions or felonies. Desperate for stability, they relocated to Las Vegas, only to face further legal complications.

Two years later, a warrant for Sean's arrest was discovered, stemming from the initial charges in Alabama. The Department of Veterans Affairs, citing the fugitive status, suspended Sean's benefits, exacerbating their already dire situation. Despite attempts to resolve the issue through legal channels and the intervention of public officials, Sean and Ebony found themselves homeless once again.

In a twist of fate, Sean's encounter with law enforcement in Arizona took an unexpected turn. During a routine traffic stop, Sean, trembling with fear of being extradited to Alabama, confided in the officer about the pending warrant. Astonishingly, the officer reassured him, recognizing the insignificance of a mere 10 grams of cannabis possession. However, after confirming the hold from Alabama, Sean was taken into custody and held in an Arizona jail before being extradited.

Despite the dismissal of the fugitive of justice warrant by an Arizona judge during the extradition hearing, Sean's freedom was short-lived. Alabama authorities arrived to take him back, further prolonging his legal ordeal.

Sean's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the injustices faced by individuals caught in the crosshairs of the legal system. From the initial arrest in Alabama to the subsequent complications and the arduous fight for justice, Sean and Ebony's lives were forever altered. Their story sheds light on the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform and the importance of advocating for the rights and well-being of veterans.

Through it all, Sean's resilience and unwavering determination to rectify the situation kept him going. His story stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring pursuit of justice.