Columbia University Student Accused of Drug Dealing Gets Rehab Deal

A student of Columbia University who was charged with selling marijuana as part of a drug-dealing ring pleaded guilty on Tuesday, but was given a chance to have the case against him dismissed if he successfully completes rehab.

Christopher Coles, 21, was one of five students who were arrested in December in a crackdown of drug dealing in Ivy League campuses. He was, however, the only one approved for diversion to drug treatment, with the chance of dismissal of charges. Coles has begun a year-long drug treatment program.

Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Ellen Coin, who oversees a special drug court, was quoted as telling Coles that ?most of the people you are going to encounter there (in rehab) are not going to be college kids. This is not a fraternity? You have a lot to gain if you finish and a lot to lose if you don?t.?

To this, Coles replied simply, ?I understand, Judge. Thank you.?

According to the city Special Narcotics Prosecutor?s office, Coles, an anthropology major in his junior year, was part of a network of students who sold drugs from dorms and fraternity houses. The drugs included marijuana and LSD-spiked candy, among others. Prosecutors revealed that each student specialized in a particular drug, and when customers wanted something else, they would provide referrals.

While Assistant District Attorney William Novak, in court papers written last year, indicated that Coles? drug dealing activities were motivated by profit and not addiction, Coles? lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, countered that he only sold drugs to finance his own pot habit, which he wanted to break. His parents have gone as far as paying him surprise visits and making him take over-the-counter drug tests, as well as stopping to pay part of his tuition.

Tags: marijuana dealing, school drug abuse, school marijuana, student drug abuse, student marijuana

Source: http://hometestingblog.testcountry.com/?p=18469

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