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 Thursday, September 14
IU's Newton will not be prosecuted
 
 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.