$100,000 civil fine levied in synthetic pot case

A judge has ordered the owner of a Longmont smoke shop to pay a $100,000 civil fine over allegations of selling synthetic marijuana or “spice.”

The Boulder Daily Camera reported Wednesday the fine resolves a lawsuit filed by the state Attorney General’s Office against 27-year-old Sang Leaming, owner of the Tobacco King shop.

Leaming’s attorney, Todd Burnham, says the $100,000 fine is reasonable. He says the lawsuit originally sought a $2 million fine.

The suit was filed in Boulder County District Court.

In a separate criminal case, Leaming was convicted in June of distribution and possession with intent to distribute the drug. He was sentenced to a year of work release and four years of probation.

Burnham said Leaming will appeal the criminal convictions.