We hear that former Phish frontman Trey Anastasio has accepted that previously reported plea bargain in relation to his ongoing drugs charges. As reported Friday, Washington County District Attorney Kevin Kortright told reporters last week that he had told Anastasio that if he pleaded guilty to a single felony charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance he could avoid trial and the risk of going to prison for fourteen years. As part of the bargain he will have to participate in a New York court coordinated drugs rehab type programme for at least a year, as well as agreeing to regular drugs tests and court reviews of his progress.
This all relates to that incident in December when police pulled the singer/guitarist over and found various unprescribed prescription drugs in his vehicle. It's alleged Anastasio admitted to smoking hash before driving during the search of his car, but he initially denied the drugs and DUI charges issued against him after the incident - until, that is, last week, when he confirmed he was accepting the plea bargain. Providing Anastasio completes the rehab programme he will get off with five years probation - if he fails he runs the risk of a three year jail sentence. Which all seems slightly excessive for personal possession charges, but such are the US drug laws. He should have made sure he got pulled over in East London rather than New York. That Judge Jane McIvor at Thames Magistrates - Doherty's friend - she seems much more lenient on these kinds of things.