Battery trial begins for medical-marijuana advocate Lanny Swerdlow

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- The trial began today for a medical-marijuana advocate facing battery charges for allegedly pushing an anti-drug activist during a meeting of the Inland Valley Drug Free Community Coalition.

Lanny Swerdlow, of Palm Springs, denies he pushed Paul Chabot, a founding member of the coalition who was billed as a guest speaker at the event on Oct. 2 last year in Rancho Cucamonga.

Swerdlow says he was denied entry to the event by Chabot after he was recognized as a marijuana activist, and tried to sidestep Chabot to enter the meeting, which was billed as a public event.

Chabot claimed Swerdlow, 62, pushed him before entering the event.

Deputy District Attorney Garo Madenlian and Swerdlow's defense attorney, Danielli Butler, both gave opening statements today in West Valley Superior Court.

The only witness called today by the prosecution was Chabot, who was wearing a suit and tie during his afternoon testimony.

Chabot said he feared Swerdlow would be a threat to children inside the event.

He also said he didn't recognize an e-mail presented by Swerdlow's attorney that Swerdlow said was an invitation to the event from Chabot's organization.

Chabot said the e-mail, from an msn.com e-mail address, was not from his group because his group -- which is controlled by he and his wife -- uses yahoo.com addresses.

The trial will continue Monday. Madenlian told Judge Michael Libutti that he expects to call one additional witness.

On Tuesday, Swerdlow and another man who witnessed the confrontation are expected to be called to testify by Swerdlow's attorney.

Swerdlow said he and his attorney "are going to be able to show some inaccuracies in the statements" by Chabot.

Chabot declined to comment after the hearing.

For more information on Swerdlow's case view this post from yesterday.