At this morning’s preliminary hearing, charges were dropped without prejudice against Howard Arenstein and Orly Katz, the married pair of journalists caught growing marijuana in Burleith.

According to Washington City Paper, the charges were dropped without prejudice at this morning’s preliminary hearing because prosecutors could not locate their only witness. The charge—possession with intent to sell—may be reinstated after prosecutors track down the witness.

Arenstein, a CBS Radio News correspondent, and Katz were arrested in October after a neighbor’s tip led to the discovery of 11 fully-mature marijuana plants in the backyard of their Burleith home. A single mature plant can produce up to a pound of marijuana. Although the charges implied drug dealing, a source close to the case told City Paper last month that the stash was likely used for medicinal purposes, not sold.

h/t Washington City Paper

Photo: Juliana Brint

Think only students got busted for marijuana in Georgetown?

Burleith resident Howard Arenstein, a CBS Radio News correspondent and Bob Dylan look-alike, and his wife Orly Azoulay, a Washington correspondent for Yedioth Ahronoth, were arrested on Saturday for possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

The couple, who live on the 3500 block of T Street, were growing the cannabis plants in their backyard. After Arenstein allegedly bragged about the plans, a neighbor filed a complaint with the Metropolitan Police Department’s vice unit. A search of the house unearthed 11 mature, eight-foot tall plants—which can each produce a pound of marijuana—as well as prepackaged, two-ounce bags inside the house.

According to CBS News, Arenstein has covered the 2000 presidential election, September 11th attacks, the War in Iraq, and the D.C. sniper shootings during his time as a news correspondent and CBS Radio Bureau Manager.

If convicted, Arenstein and Azoulay could face up to a year in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Photo: Juliana Brint