note: Well, CNN.com itself does not have a statement or post yet about this one, so I’m lifting this from Inquirer.net. I watch Richard Quest from time to time, and this really comes as a great surprise. I suddenly wonder if it’s meth after all, that is behind his quirky presentation of stories.
This should serve as a lesson to fellow practitioners here, especially to those who have been “rumored” to be using illegal drugs themselves (but are these really just rumors? Really?). And some individuals in the Philippine broadcast media have been terminated because of drug use.Let’s see how CNN will handle this. ***NEW YORK—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 a.m. on a count of possession of a controlled substance—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 a.m. 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 his boisterous and quirky style, especially on CNN International. 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 be 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. The matter is scheduled to be dismissed.”
CNN had no immediate comment on Quest’s arrest. — Associated Press and Reuters