Pubdate: Tue, 05 Feb 2002
Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO)
Copyright: 2002, Denver Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.rockymountainnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371
Author: Ron Word (Associated Press)

FIRST LADY TOURS ACADEMY FOR AT-RISK STUDENTS AT CAMP BLANDING

Florida first lady Columba Bush said Tuesday the arrest of her daughter on 
charges she tried to fraudulently obtain prescription drugs has caused her 
to focus on her long-standing anti-drug efforts.

"I want to tell whoever wants to hear me, that this is a very serious issue 
and we should be more aware of the horrifying things that can be," Bush 
said in a brief question and answer session after touring a National Guard 
academy for at-risk youths at Camp Blending

Bush was accompanied by Jim McDonough, state director of drug control, in a 
tour of the Florida Youth Challenge Academy on this sprawling National 
Guard base about 10 miles east of Starke.

Last week, Tallahassee police arrested Noelle Bush, 24, when she allegedly 
tried to buy Xanax with a fraudulent prescription at a pharmacy 
drive-through window. Police said she had called the pharmacy earlier 
posing as a doctor.

Drug prescription fraud is a third-degree felony that carries a maximum 
penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, most cases are 
settled without any jail time being involved.

Assistant State Attorney Owen McCaul said Tuesday prosecutors are 
considering allowing Noelle Bush to attend a 12- to 18-month drug program. 
If she is successful in completing it, the charge against her would be dropped.

"Drug court is possible," McCaul said.

Pete Antonacci, Noelle Bush's attorney, did not return a call Tuesday 
seeking comment. In the week since her arrest, neither Noelle Bush nor 
Antonacci have commented on her arrest.

In an hour-long tour of the Camp Blanding facility, Columba Bush visited 
with many of the 160 youngsters housed in this boot-camp style facility and 
discussed their vocational training, including electrical, computer 
technology and plumbing. The facility, which receives $2.8 million in state 
and federal funding, is designed for high school dropouts not on probation 
or parole and not charged with felony crimes.

One of the program's major goals is to encourage youngsters to get their 
high school equivalency diplomas, said Lt. Col. Rodney Ryan, the academy's 
director.

Although her visit was billed an anti-drug effort, Bush made no statements 
about drugs.

"It is enlightening to see young people who have decided to take positive 
steps toward making a better future for themselves," Bush said.
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