Pubdate: Thur, 30 Dec 1999 Source: Houston Chronicle (TX) Copyright: 1999 Houston Chronicle Contact: Viewpoints Editor, P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210-4260 Fax: (713) 220-3575 Website: http://www.chron.com/ Forum: http://www.chron.com/content/hcitalk/index.html Page: 4A URL: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/nation/416735 TIME FOR A CAREER CHANGE BRATTLEBORO, Vt. -- Norman Hardy Jr. pleaded innocent to drug charges. But when asked to list his occupation? Well, he sent a mixed message. "Selling drugs," he told the court. Arresting officer Michael Carrier said Hardy, 22, was initially arrested Saturday for driving with a suspended license, until police said they found a small pipe in the front passenger seat. Hardy, of Brattleboro, Vt., admitted to having two rocks of crack cocaine and turned it over to police, Carrier said. In granting Hardy a public defender Tuesday, acting Judge David Gibson said selling drugs didn't qualify as wage income. He ordered Hardy held on $5,000 cash bail. - --- MAP posted-by: allan wilkinson