Sports editor charged with possession
December 12, 2010
By Taylor Moak
The Kentucky Kernel’s sports editor has been charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Chandler Howard, a journalism sophomore, was charged with one count of possession of marijuana and two counts of drug paraphernalia on Dec. 10, 2010.
Howard said two UK police officers came to his dorm room after authorities received a tip saying someone in Howard’s room had bought marijuana earlier that night.
Police knocked on his door, Howard said, and asked if he had anything in his room. Howard said he gave the police a bag of marijuana he had for personal use.
UK Police Chief Joe Monroe said Howard consented to a police search of his room and turned over about one gram of marijuana. Monroe said Howard also turned over a pipe, grinder and rolling papers.
Monroe said Howard received a citation instead of being arrested because he cooperated with the police.
According to Howard’s uniform citation, his court date is Feb. 8.
Monroe said the amount of marijuana was small and he did not think Howard would be punished harshly.
He guessed that Howard may have the option to go through a diversion program through the County Attorney’s office because he had never been in trouble before.
Monroe said Howard’s offense was not serious, and the program would keep the charges from showing up on his record.
Kernel Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said Howard will be suspended for one week without pay for not reporting the charges to the Kernel.
Howard said he was sorry for his actions.
“I’d like to apologize to my family, friends and colleagues for this,” Howard said. “I understand that by taking this position I am expected to be above these things and am held to the same standards as other student leaders on campus. I apologize for not living up to that.”
