Verdict In On Closely Watched Medical Marijuana Trial

The verdict is in on a closely watched court case involving a local man charged with illegally operating medical marijuana dispensaries: Guilty on all counts.

Joe Grumbine, 45, who lives just outside Lake Elsinore was found guilty in Long Beach Superior Court Wednesday on charges that he, along with business partner Joseph Byron, 50, illegally operated medical marijuana dispensaries in Long Beach and Garden Grove.

The jury deliberated for a day before finding the two men guilty on a dozen criminal counts.

Deputy District Attorney Jodi Castano said the men were operating the businesses for profit, which is prohibited under state law.   

Byron also was convicted of two counts each of grand theft of electricity from Southern California Edison and filing false state tax returns in 2008 and 2009.   

Judge Charles Sheldon allowed the two men to remain free on bail while awaiting sentencing, which is set for Jan. 11.   

(Watch attached video to see and hear what Grumbine had to say about Judge Sheldon's courtroom on day one of the trial.)

The two were charged a year ago following an undercover investigation by the Long Beach Police Department in which a dozen undercover buys were made at the dispensaries, according to the District Attorney's Office. 

The case garnered significant attention, in part due to the number of medical marijuana advocates who turned out daily to show support for Grumbine and Byron. –Toni McAllister contributed to this report.