Pubdate: Wed, 06 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

NOELLE BUSH'S ATTORNEY GETS HER ARREST REPORT

Copies of the police report on Noelle Bush's arrest on a felony 
prescription drug fraud charge were sent Wednesday to her defense attorney, 
the state attorney's office said.

"Basically they're asking for copies of all our police reports," assistant 
state attorney Owen McCaul said. "It's very standard."

Bush, the daughter of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and niece of President Bush, 
could get up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted, 
although as a first-time offender she would likely get much less.

She could also choose to enter Leon County's voluntary drug court program, 
in which she would sign an agreement with the state attorney's office. In 
return, she would have the charge dropped after successfully completing the 
program, which usually lasts between 12 and 18 months.

McCaul said he expected to hear back from Bush's attorney, Pete Antonacci, 
within a week.

"It gives him an opportunity to review the reports, discuss it with his 
client and get back to me," McCaul said.

"Then he and I will discuss the case again," McCaul said. "And at some 
point they'll have to make a decision on how they wish to proceed."

Antonacci did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Noelle Bush was arrested at a pharmacy drive-through window Jan. 29 on 
charges of trying to buy Xanax with a fraudulent prescription. Authorities 
said she posed as a doctor and called in the phony prescription after 
suffering a panic attack Monday evening.

Xanax is a sedative commonly prescribed for anxiety, but is being 
increasingly abused by people seeking its calming effects, mental health 
professionals say.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager