Ravenel cocaine trial to start September 5.

[hiaasenrocks]

Of course, he has entered a not guilty plea, which begs the question: Why did he go into rehab? I know it's the norm, but if I were on the jury, I'd have a difficult time ignoring that fact.

Ravenel's Trial Scheduled To Start In Sept.

POSTED: 6:52 am EDT July 13, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Jury selection in suspended state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel's trial on a federal drug charge has been scheduled for Sept. 5.

Ravenel’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf last week on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine.

...

Ravenel's attorney said his client entered a 30-day treatment program in Arizona on June 22.

(Cont.) http://www.wyff4.com/news/13674924/detail.html

[alteredstate]

1. T-Rav's rehab clinic treats celebrities

Here's an excerpt from the Greenville News article:

"Rehab clinic treating Ravenel known for celebrity clientele, upscale offerings
Sierra Tucson center treats variety of addictive behaviors in luxury setting"

"Actor Michael Douglas has stayed there. So have former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, golfer John Daly, actor Rob Lowe and singer Whitney Houston.

The Sierra Tucson in Arizona, an upscale rehab facility, has treated some of the nation's best-known celebrities for various problems and addictions.

Lately, it's also been the temporary home for suspended South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, who was indicted June 19 on a federal cocaine distribution charge. His lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf at a hearing Friday in Columbia. Ravenel didn't attend because he is at the rehabilitation center.

For $1,285 a day, or an average of between $45,000 and $65,000 a stay, patients are offered a variety of therapies while staying in split-level lodges on the 160-acre campus set in the Sonoran Desert northwest of Tucson.

The 95-bed center offers an Olympic-size pool, walking trails, a climbing wall, a ropes course, a fitness center and spectacular views of the Santa Catalina Mountains for those who come for help with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual compulsivity, gambling, alcoholism and drug addiction............"

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070708/NEWS01/70708032

[allisonthegreat]

2. And he is the only politician that got caught ..

So far.

Obviously somebody else in the chain got popped and they gave the DEA what they wanted...

we in south carolina should be so proud..(sarchasm)

[loves_dulcinea]

3. heard a rumor of a rumor

that he didn't actually use the stuff, he just traded it for gay sex.

[hiaasenrocks]

4. I will neither confirm nor deny whether

someone told me that yesterday around noon, nor will I confirm that he or she has lived in Charleston for 44 years with connections to the local god ole boy network.

[KoKo]

5. Why hasn't it come out about this...any ties to Lindsey Graham? Lindsey has rumors swirling

and wasn't Ravenel going to run for his seat? Is this an Insider Gay Gang going at each other.

Sad...if that's true. Would like it to be on ISSUES and not Gender or not. :-(

[loves_dulcinea]

6. i heard that

ravenel was going to challenge for the seat of lindsay (snickers, "bust out with the oils, oooh la la!").

as far as i'm concerned, they can drag each other to hell in a handbasket, by hook or by crook.

i only hope that if the democratic party does by some scant chance manage to attain power, that we will do better than our predecessors.

[Netbeavis]

7. PLEAS GUILTY

http://www.thestate.com/news/story/160577.html

Ravenel agrees to plea to cocaine charges
By RICK BRUNDRETT - [e-mail]


Former State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiring to possess and distribute less than 100 grams of cocaine, according to a plea agreement filed this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Columbia.

Ravenel’s attorneys and federal prosecutors have agreed that for sentencing purposes, the quantity of cocaine involved was less than 100 grams, which, if accepted by the judge, could reduce his sentence under federal sentencing guidelines.

If Ravenel’s cooperation in the case leads to the investigation or prosecution of another person, prosecutors also will ask the judge to reduce his sentence further under sentencing guidelines, according to the agreement.

A court hearing for Ravenel, the multimillionaire Charleston developer who was indicted June 19, is scheduled for Thursday in Columbia.

The State newspaper reported in July that Ravenel, if convicted, could receive as little as six months’ house arrest and probation up to about four years in prison under sentencing guidelines.

The maximum sentence for the charge is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Ravenel, 45, who was elected in November, was suspended from office by Gov. Mark Sanford the same day he was indicted. He resigned his position immediately after a July 24 court appearance.

Two other co-defendants, Michael L. Miller, 25, of Mount Pleasant, and Pasquale Pellicoro, 53, of Charleston, face the same charge.