Drug's Rising Popularity Ruins Lives, Taxes Police The illegal use of methamphetamine has reached epidemic levels in Los Angeles, and its popularity has now surpassed cocaine as users seek a cheaper, longer-lasting high, officials say. Methamphetamine-related arrests by the Los Angeles Police Department have soared, from 168 during the first half of 2004 to 304 during the comparable period this year. More addicts are entering rehabilitation programs, experts say, and methamphetamine is now the most-treated drug in those programs. [continues 927 words]
Football: Rancho Cucamonga High Grad Reaches Plea Bargain on Drug Charges. Former Rancho Cucamonga High and University of Arkansas football player Jermaine Brooks agreed to a plea bargain with the Washington County (Ark.) prosecutor's office Wednesday on four felony drug charges. Washington County Circuit Court Judge William Storey sentenced Brooks to 10 years in prison on three of the counts, with the prison terms to be served concurrently. "It could have been a lot worse," Brooks said Wednesday night by phone. "I don't think anybody's ever happy that they have to go anywhere other than their house. I'm a man. I feel that what I've done is wrong, I'm going to accept it and do what I have to do to get my life back on track." [continues 377 words]
The criminal trial of Jermaine Brooks, a former Rancho Cucamonga High and University of Arkansas star football player, has been delayed nearly one month so the prosecution can review the crime lab report. The trial, which was scheduled to begin today, is now set for Feb. 26. "We were waiting on the lab results," Washington County (Ark.) Deputy Prosecutor John Threet said. "We actually have them now, we just got them, but we reset [the trial] because it was so close." [continues 182 words]
Football: Rancho Cucamonga High Grad Jermaine Brooks Pleads Not Guilty At Arraignment In Arkansas. Jermaine Brooks, a former standout football player at Rancho Cucamonga High and the University of Arkansas, pleaded not guilty Monday to seven felony charges during his arraignment in Fayetteville, Ark. His trial was set for Jan. 29. Brooks was arrested Oct. 22 after police raided his apartment and found 7.5 pounds of marijuana, six guns, a bayonet and $16,841 in cash. Earlier that day, police had traced an additional three pounds of marijuana to Brooks, bringing the total to 10.5 pounds. [continues 173 words]
