Medical Marijuana Provider Trial Begins

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - The trial of a former medical marijuana provider charged in a federal crackdown is under way in Missoula.

Jason Washington's trial is only the second to be held in the long-running federal investigation into large medical marijuana providers in Montana.

A jury was selected Monday and testimony got under way.

Washington is facing nine drug and weapons charges. Prosecutors say the former University of Montana quarterback who owned Big Sky Health ran an extensive marijuana-trafficking network.

Washington has pleaded not guilty. Five co-defendants have made plea deals with the government.

Besides Washington, Chris Williams of Helena is the only medical marijuana provider in the statewide crackdown to go to trial.

Williams was found guilty on eight drug and weapons charges and subsequently made a post-conviction plea agreement with prosecutors.