Inyo Narcotic Agents have arrested 35-year-old Big Pine Resident Brett Birmingham for marijuana sales.

In recent years, Birmingham had approached the City of Bishop and Inyo County with proposals to open a medical marijuana dispensary, but the requests were denied. Also, in recent weeks Birmingham claimed that deputies were following him and “harrassing him.”

On Wednesday afternoon, INET Commander Jeff Hollowell reported that agents finished up a four month investigation that had stemmed from a citizen complaint regarding the sales of medical marijuana out of a video store in Big Pine. During the investigation an undercover agent purchased marijuana from the business, Hollowell said. Detective Hollowell also explained that the business is located within 1000 feet of school property and is in violation of county zoning ordinances.

Agents served Birmingham with a warrant for sales of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales, and maintaining a place for the sale of controlled substances. Hollowell reports that Birmingham was also charged with one count of assault on a peace officer. Birmingham is currently being held on $15,000 bail.