More than a year after federal drug agents seized just over $100,000 in cash from James Slatic and his family following a raid on his Clairemont Mesa medical marijuana business, criminal charges have yet to be filed.

Now Slatic wants San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis to return the money. He and his lawyers argue in a new court filing that the year-long statute of limitations has expired so the money should be returned.

“In this case, the limitations period began to run no later than Feb. 2, 2016 — the date on which the court issued freezing orders that prevented the Slatics from accessing their accounts,” a motion filed Monday states.

The District Attorney’s Office disagrees. A spokeswoman for Dumanis said the funds were frozen in February but not formally seized until June, when Superior Court Judge Jay M. Bloom signed the order.


“We believe it is the seizure that starts the clock and not the freeze order,” spokeswoman Tanya Sierra said.

Judge Bloom will decide whether money should be returned at a hearing scheduled March 22. The same judge declined to release the money in November, when Slatic and his lawyers first sought to recover the seized assets.

At that hearing, Judge Bloom noted that “the Court does have some concern with the fact that the People have kept money for nearly 10 months without filing a case.”

Federal drug agents raided Med-West Distribution in January 2016, relying on a warrant saying the business illegally processed marijuana products. They seized most of the inventory, including marijuana-infused creams and vaping canisters, and almost $325,000 in cash.


Days later, agents froze personal accounts in the name of Slatic, his wife and two daughters worth just over $100,000. The government said those assets were the product of illegal activity and subject to civil-asset forfeiture rules.

Slatic and his lawyers have argued that Med-West complied with state medical-marijuana laws. They also say it was licensed by the city of San Diego and was visited multiple times by police and city officials.

A separate proceeding seeking the return of the $324,000 in cash seized from the business is under way.


Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald