New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung faces felony charges of possessing cocaine, the Belknap County Attorney’s office confirmed Thursday.
Chung, 32, was not arrested at the time of the June incident. He was indicted on Aug. 8, and is scheduled for an arraignment next Wednesday.
“The charges arise from an incident which occurred on June 25, 2019 when members of the Meredith New Hampshire police department were called to Mr. Chung’s residence for service,” Belknap County attorney Andrew Livernois said in a statement. “During the course of that call, the police obtained the evidence which has led to the current charges being filed.”
A report from 98.5 the Sports Hub said cops went to Chung’s home because the alarm went off due to a break-in.
The Patriots said in a statement: “We are aware of the reports regarding Patrick Chung. We will not be commenting while his judicial proceedings take place.”
Defendants are required to appear at arraignments, unless a request stating otherwise is granted. Cocaine possession is a Class B felony. It carries a prison term of up to seven years.
Under the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, players convicted or who admit to a violation of the law are subject to discipline by the commissioner. First-time offenders can be suspended up to four games. Per the league’s personal-conduct policy, illegal possession of drugs can result in discipline even if the violator isn’t convicted.
Chung has been a part of three Super Bowl-winning teams with the Patriots, including last year’s squad. He is entering his 11th NFL season, all but one of which has been with the Patriots; he played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.
The Patriots selected Chung in the second round, No. 34 overall, in the 2009 NFL Draft. Chung played through a torn rotator cuff last season, according to The Athletic, and he suffered a broken arm in the Super Bowl.
— With AP