Holland v. State

City manager Douglas Holland (defendant) discovered marijuana plants growing in a city employee's yard and promptly reported it to the police captain, but after the employee resigned, the police chief decided to handle the matter internally to avoid bad publicity rather than formally charging anyone. Holland was later indicted for misprision of felony for failing to report the employee's marijuana possession to proper authorities, even though the police captain and chief — who had the same knowledge — were never charged. The county court dismissed the indictment, but the circuit court reversed on appeal, and Holland appealed further.