CNN reporter Richard Quest faces drug charge
Richard Quest, 46, a British citizen, was arrested around 3.40 am on a possession of a controlled substance count, a misdemeanor that usually refers to a personal use amount of a drug.
A CNN International news reporter was arrested in Central Park on Friday with a small amount of methamphetamine in his pocket, but avoided jail when he agreed to undergo drug counseling and therapy.
Richard Quest, 46, a British citizen, was arrested around 3.40 am on a possession of a controlled substance count, a misdemeanor that usually refers to a personal use amount of a drug. He was also charged with loitering for being in the park after 1 am when it is officially closed.
Quest told police "I've got some meth in my pocket" when he was detained, according to the complaint filed in court. The complaint said he had a plastic sandwich bag containing methamphetamine in a jacket pocket.
Quest is known for reports on business travel. He hosts "CNN Business Traveler" and "Quest."
At his arraignment in Manhattan's Criminal Court, Judge Anthony Ferrara told Quest that if he attends the counseling and therapy designated by prosecutors for the next six months, his case will dismissed.
The judge allowed Quest to leave court without posting bail. He warned that if Quest failed to comply with the counseling schedule, he could be back in court and on his way to jail. Quest's lawyer, Alan M Abramson, said his client "did not realize the park had a curfew. He was returning to his hotel with friends."
CNN had no immediate comment on Quest's arrest.