| | Associated Press
SCOTTSBURG, Ind. -- Indiana University basketball player
Jeffrey Newton will not be prosecuted for marijuana possession if
he abides by conditions set Thursday.
Newton was arrested June 2 when the car in which he was riding
was stopped for speeding on Interstate 65 south of Scottsburg.
Police found a small amount of marijuana in the car.
Prosecutor Roger Duvall approved a pre-trial diversion agreement
negotiated with Newton's attorney under which Newton will be
subject to random drug tests until July 25, 2001. Commission of any
crime before then would void the agreement.
Duvall said he considered the fact that Newton had no previous
criminal record, that he was not the one who bought the marijuana
and his possession was mainly a result of being a passenger in the
car.
The prosecutor also noted that tests showed no drugs in Newton's
body three days after the arrest.
Conviction on the misdemeanor charge could have carried a
maximum sentence of one year in jail and $5,000 fine. If Newton
complies with the terms of the agreement, Duvall will ask Scott
Superior Court to dismiss the charge.
Two other Indiana basketball players, Tom Coverdale and Dane
Fife, were arrested last spring on alcohol charges and also agreed
to a pre-trial diversion programs.
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