Big Sky championship ring taken in marijuana raids

HELENA — A 2006 Big Sky Conference championship ring belonging to a former University of Montana quarterback was seized in a series of raids on medical marijuana providers this month.

Federal agents executed 12 search warrants on Nov. 16 on businesses, homes and warehouses related to three medical marijuana operations. The warrants called for the seizure of drugs, firearms, records and proceeds from drug sales, including cash and jewelry.

Among those targeted but not arrested was Jason Washington, a medical marijuana business owner and a former Grizzlies quarterback.

Inventories recently filed in federal court show that the conference championship ring and other pieces of jewelry were confiscated from a Missoula home.

Washington's attorney, Josh Van de Wetering, says that negotiations are under way for the return of the ring and other seized items.