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Dukes Makes No Contest Plea In Pot Case

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By THOMAS W. KRAUSE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 28, 2007

TAMPA - Elijah Dukes pleaded no contest Thursday to a marijuana possession charge.

In January, Tampa police stopped Dukes' 2006 Dodge Charger because of loud music. As they walked up to the car, they could smell marijuana, police said. A drug-sniffing dog also alerted the officers to the illegal substance.

Dukes and a friend were cited for possession and received summonses to appear in court. Officers quoted Dukes as saying: 'Are you really going to arrest me over a little sack of weed?'

On Thursday, Judge John Conrad withheld a finding of guilt on the misdemeanor charge but sentenced Dukes to 12 months of probation. He must complete 50 hours of community service, take a drug evaluation and submit to at least three random urine samples.

Dukes is proceeding through a well-publicized divorce that also requires drug screenings.

Conrad said Dukes could end his probation six months early if he completes the community service.

In a few weeks, Dukes is planning to leave for the Dominican Republic to play winter baseball. Dukes is on the Rays' inactive list after being optioned to the minor leagues.

The judge said Dukes may complete his probation requirements by mail and does not have to meet with a probation officer.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.

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