New York 'Pot Mom' Andrea Sanderlin Arraigned on Marijuana Growing Charges

June 28, 2013— -- Andrea Sanderlin, the suburban mother accused of running a sophisticated $3 million marijuana enterprise out of a New York warehouse pleaded not guilty today in federal court.

Sanderlin, 45, of Scarsdale, N.Y., who has been called "pot mom" since her arrest, arrived in court wearing her prison uniform and sporting bleached blonde hair for her arraignment, where she pleaded not guilty.

The mother of two is charged with manufacturing and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute it, and for maintaining a warehouse where marijuana was grown and processed, according to the United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of New York.

The hearing today was a prelude to a bail package her defense attorneys hoped to put together within the week in hopes of winning her freedom. She was returned to jail after the hearing.

Sanderlin's trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on July 15.

After her arrest, Sanderlin drew comparisons with Nancy Botwin, the maternal drug dealer played by Mary-Louise Parker on the Showtime series "Weeds."

Prosecutors, however, alleged in a federal indictment that she was no different than that of Colombian druglords.

Sanderlin was arrested on May 20 after authorities raided a Queens warehouse, where they found $3 million worth of pot, including close to 3,000 plants.

It's unclear how long she allegedly had been running the operation, but she registered the name Fantastic Enterprises in July 2007, officials said.

If convicted, Sanderlin could face a minimum of 10 years in prison and $10 million in fines.