Police: Pot Shop Co-Owner Tortured By Partner

RIVERSIDE (AP) — The co-owner of a shuttered Riverside marijuana dispensary was kidnapped for three days and tortured by his former business associates, police said.

The victim, who police declined to name, met with his business partner and supplier last week to settle debts after the closure of I.E.M.D Collective, The Riverside Press Enterprise reported Thursday.

Supplier Joshua Richard Andro, 29, and co-owner David Pomee, 32, allegedly overpowered the victim on June 13, Sgt. Dan Russell said. The man was allegedly kidnapped, burned, assaulted with a stun gun and tied up by his captors.

The kidnappers didn't seek ransom, but allegedly told the victim his family would be killed if he involved the authorities.

He was able to free himself and call police three days later, on June 16. Paramedics took him to a hospital for treatment and he was released that day.

Russell declined to detail how the burns were inflicted, but said the burns were severe enough that detectives believe they will warrant torture charges.

Charges have not been filed yet in the case.

The state supreme court upheld the city of Riverside's right to close all marijuana dispensaries in early May, leading to authorities closing shops.

City Attorney Greg Priamos said the last active dispensary was boarded up June 7.

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