Season of Giving? Unless it's Weed, That will Get You Arrested.

67 year old Richard Ellis Spurrier stood peacefully on a corner in St. Petersburg FL Saturday night enjoying the holiday season by giving back to his community. He had about an ounce and a half of cannabis on him and was handing it out with a smile to passers by, this years Canna-Claus if you will. With so many reports of overdose and suicide during the holidays how refreshing to see a good Samaritan taking the time and having the peace of mind and empathy to help others in his community.

That's when local police approached the man and put a stop to the holiday cheer. According to a Pinellas County arrest report, Spurrier was arrested and charged with "possession of marijuana with intent to sell" although no money had changed hands during his interactions with dozens of people that evening. He was released but the 45g of cannabis, purple glass pipe and digital scale that were confiscated from him were not.

When asked why he was doing this by the arresting officers, Spurrier's reply was “because it was Christmas,” according to the affidavit. He was released from the Pinellas County Jail on his own recognizance with a notice to appear in court.

Anyone with an interest in expressing support for Spurrier's random acts of holiday kindness can contact the States Attorneys office at (727) 464-6221, reference case no. 19-15237-CF-1