Accused Pot Dealer Says Law Prof Stepdad Helped Build Grow Room, Shared Profits

A 20-year-old Massachusetts man arrested on drug charges has told police that his mother and stepfather, a prominent lawyer and a law professor, were aware he was selling pot from the home where they all lived together, and his stepdad even shared in the profits.

The couple—Suffolk University law professor Timothy Wilton and Kathy Jo Cook, the former president of the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts—deny the accusations, according to the Boston Globe.

Natick police Chief Nick Mabardy told the Associated Press that the department is investigating, but so far has found no evidence to support the allegations.

Jonathon Cook, 20, was arrested Friday after a police search of his Natick home turned up 15 bags of marijuana and a room to grow it in the basement, according to the Herald. He told authorities his stepfather helped him build the grow room and shared in the profits. He said his mother instructed him to burn the pot before calling police about a home invasion on July 31 in which the youth was shot in the hand.

Kathy Jo Cook is a medical malpractice lawyer with the Boston law firm Wagner Cook Frieberger & Washienko.

Wilton and Cook released this statement: "As a family, we care so much about Jonathon, which makes this situation extraordinarily difficult for us. We are not only extremely concerned about Jonathon and the charges against him, but also saddened to hear about the allegations against us. These allegations are false, and we were extremely surprised to hear about them. As lawyers, we have deep faith in the legal system, and are confident that as this matter unfolds, the truth will surface.’’

Jonathon Cook was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, drug violation in a school zone, and firearms violations, according to the Globe.