Former Key Center Marijuana Seller Gets 10 Years

Staff Report

Lance Gloor, 37, of Gig Harbor, the owner of the former KPN Cross medical marijuana dispensary in Key Center, was sentenced June 3 to 10 years in prison and five years supervised release for two federal charges related to drug distribution. Gloor was found guilty in January of growing marijuana and conspiracy to distribute.

According to court records, Gloor was arrested in 2010 when police discovered 70 pot plants and a firearm at his Gig Harbor home. While awaiting trial in state court, Gloor and two others operated four medical marijuana dispensaries in Tacoma, Lacey, Seattle and Key Center.

"Far from being a marijuana crusader helping sick people, this defendant was nothing but a black marketeer," said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. "Despite repeated notice that his marijuana business was illegal under state and federal law, he continued to use lies, threats and intimidation to try to cover his tracks and make as much money as he could."

Gloor contended his shops were legal medical marijuana nonprofit dispensaries. The trial determined they were for-profit businesses generating millions of dollars in gross revenues inconsistent with all applicable state requirements. Gloor was indicted in November 2013 with two co-conspirators who have entered guilty pleas and await sentencing.