Arcata Filmmaker Arrested On Cannabis Charges In Illinois – March 2, 2012
Kevin L. Hoover
Eye Editor
ILLINOIS – Filmmaker and actress Suza Lambert Bowser, a Sunny Brae resident, was arrested Thursday, Feb. 16 in La Salle County, Illinois on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a felony.
Suza Lambert Bowser working on her movie, "Flea." TMc | Eye
Bowser, 60, was arrested by the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Felony Enforcement unit – known as “SAFE” – which is dedicated to patrolling Interstate 80, which has been identified as a route used by drug transporters.
Bowser was reportedly carrying more than 11 pounds of cannabis. Also seized in the arrest was $26,000 and the motorhome she was driving. She was released the next day on $15,000 bond.
At a hearing yesterday, March 1, authorities added a second charge of marijuana trafficking. Bowser will now be allowed to leave Illinois, but she had to surrender her passport. She listed a residential address in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Both charges are “Class X” felonies under Illinois law. Conviction on a Class X felony means a mandatory six- to 30-year sentence, with no discretion allowed by the judge. Probation is not an option, unless the charge is downgraded by prosecutors.
Bowser is a multi-talented creative – a writer, actress, musician, moviemaker and a graphic artist who once penned an editorial cartoon for the Arcata Eye. Most recently, she wrote, produced and shot the independent film Flea in Arcata and environs.
Efforts to reach Bowser were unsuccessful.
