A state rep from Kansas City's 25 district was arrested for marijuana possession on Sunday. Jeremy LaFaver recently co-sponsored a bill that decriminalizes the exact charge he received.
Police pulled over the lawmaker while he was driving in Boone County. LaFaver had a warrant for previously driving with an expired license and without insurance, and failing to appear in court. During the stop, they found less than 35 grams of pot and a pipe in the vehicle. He was arrested and then released on bond.
LaFaver, who was elected to the Statehouse in November as a Democrat, quickly apologized for his transgression. "I made a serious mistake and I'm prepared to face the consequences of my behavior," he stated. "I want to stress I was not operating under the influence."
LaFaver's decrim bill HB 512 never made it out of committee. It would have lessened the penalty for a marijuana possession arrest to a $250 fine. Now, he's facing a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail.
"I want to assure my constituents that I have received no special treatment," LaFaver added. "Nor do I expect to be treated any differently than any other citizen in my situation."
The Missouri Republican has called for his resignation. It is being reported that LaFaver will step down from his post as chair of the Democratic Victory Committee.
