Jonathan Hunt, vice president of cannabis consulting firm Monarch America, Inc., gives a tour of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's marijuana growing facility on Oct. 16, 2015, in Flandreau, S.D. The tribe destroyed its crop in November 2015 after federal officials signaled a potential raid. (Joe Ahlquist, The Associated Press)

Trial for South Dakota Sioux tribe weed resort consultant enters final day

FLANDREAU, S.D. — Closing arguments took place Wednesday morning in the trial of Eric Hagen, who worked as consultant to the Flandreau Santee Sioux on their marijuana grow room on their reservation.

Update: South Dakota jury acquits marijuana resort consultant of all charges

Assistant Attorney General Bridget Mayer asked the jury to find Hagen guilty of conspiracy to possess, possession by aiding and abetting and attempted possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana.

Defense attorney Mike Butler says Hagen and others were transparent with authorities about the project and that the marijuana belonged to the tribe.

Hagen, president of Monarch America, worked with the tribe on its operation about 45 miles north of Sioux Falls, after the Justice Department cleared the way for Indian tribes to grow and sell marijuana under the same conditions as some states that have legalized pot.

Hagen testified Tuesday that he had visited the facility just three times, as prosecutors tried to tie him to day-to-day management of the operation.

The tribe ultimately destroyed its crop in November 2015 after federal officials signaled a potential raid. Hagen testified Tuesday that when the tribe destroyed the crop, he walked away, according to the Argus Leader.

Hagen and fellow consultant Jonathan Hunt were charged about nine months later. Hagen, 34, of Sioux Falls, has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to possess, possession and attempted possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana.

When tribal leaders initially touted their plan to open the resort on tribal land in Flandreau, President Anthony Reider said they wanted it to be “an adult playground.” They projected as much as $2 million in monthly profits, with ambitious plans that included a smoking lounge with a nightclub, bar and food service, and eventually an outdoor music venue. They planned to use the money for community services and to provide income to tribal members.

Hagen testified Tuesday that Monarch’s agreement with the tribe was limited only to the grow facility, and had nothing to do with the smoke lounge. Hagen said Monarch did business with other tribes, but he also admitted that both Monarch and the Flandreau Santee Sioux stood to make money if the marijuana resort idea took off.

The jury is expected to get the case Wednesday after closing arguments.

Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com