Marijuana charges dropped against Dionne Warwick

Jet, June 24, 2002

Marijuana charges against legendary singer Dionne Warwick were recently dropped after she agreed to do an anti-drug public service announcement.

"The case was dropped. The case is moot and wiped out. She does not have a record," Ed Griffith, a spokesman for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office told JET.

Warwick, who was not in court, was arrested last month at Miami International Airport after baggage screeners said they found 11 suspected marijuana cigarettes inside her lipstick container (JET, May 27).

In a statement issued through her attorney, H.T. Smith, Warwick said: "I am pleased to announce that the criminal charge filed against me in Miami, Florida, was dismissed today. I want to thank my family, friends and fans who gave me their full support, encouragement and prayers during this difficult time."

Warwick added, "To this day, I am still puzzled as to what happened to me in the Miami airport. But through the grace of God, I can now put this unpleasant chapter behind me. I look forward to continuing to do what I do best, and that is to bring joy into the lives of people through my music, and to continue my charitable work for those with the greatest need."

The agreement was part of a pre-trial diversion program that is offered in Dade County for first-time, misdemeanor offenders, Griffith said. "It was not a plea bargain arrangement," Griffith explained.

"If you complete the pretrial diversion requirements, your charges are dropped. It is really meant to give first-time offenders a second chance," he explained.

As part of the requirements under the pre-trial diversion agreement, Warwick made a $250 donation to Project Cradle, an organization that supports children born with HIV, and is required to make an anti-drug public service announcement directed at youths.

She also underwent a drug assessment evaluation to determine if she had a drug problem, Griffith said. The evaluation found she did not have a drug problem. She did not enter a drug rehab center nor was she asked to undergo drug treatment as had been incorrectly reported by some media outlets, Griffith said.

After the inaccurate TV and print reports, Warwick issued another press statement. "I categorical]y state that I am not now nor have I ever been in drug rehabilitation. Further, I do not now nor have I ever had a drug problem."

She added, "It was also reported that I entered into a `plea bargain.' This also is inaccurate. I maintained my plea of not guilty. At no time did I plead guilty or `no contest' to the charge. This difficult chapter is now behind me."