Matt Stang was among 42 people arrested in New York and New Jersey on Oct. 15 for allegedly running a multi-million dollar marijuana operation. Stang has sold advertising for High Times since 2003.

Among the other big fish reeled by the Feds were Kareem Burke (middle in photo), who co-founded Roc-a-Fella Records with Jay-Z and Damon Dash, and Geovanny Rodriguez Perez (right in photo).

"They dominated the wholesale marijuana market in New York for 20 years," claims Homeland Security agent Jim Hayes. "They grow the pot, they ship it up north, they sell pot and send the money back to South Florida."

The Feds seized $2 million and 360 pounds of weed. Stang and the others were charged with conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilos of marijuana. Stang was released from jail on Oct. 21 on $500,000 bail. If convicted, Stang and the others could receive sentences from 10 years to life in prison.

High Times issued the following statement:

"Matt Stang has been an employee of High Times magazine since 2004, and in all of that time we've known him only as an outstanding colleague, friend and citizen, who loved his job, and was active in the marijuana law reform movement. High Times has reported on the world of marijuana for 35 years, work which often brings journalists like Matt into close contact with people who later run afoul of the law. As a staff we're unified in our belief that our friend is innocent of all charges. Our thoughts are with him as he struggles with the consequences of our nation's unjust war on drugs."

Stang (left in photo) holds the title Senior Advertising Representative at High Times. Stang's business partners allegedly referred to him as "Magazine Guy." He was at last month's Stony Awards in Hollywood.

Photo courtesy of Daily News

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