Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 19, 1991                   TAG: 9104190805
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: LOVINGSTON                                 LENGTH: Short

EX-OFFICIAL GETS 90 DAYS ON P OT CHARGE

Circuit Judge Samuel Johnston sentenced Krieger to the maximum for a Class 1 misdemeanor - 12 months in jail and $2,500 fine, but suspended all but 90 days and allowed Krieger to serve it as a work-release prisoner.

Johnston also ordered Krieger to undergo regular drug screening while he completes an additional two years probation and performs 500 hours of community service.

Johnston warned that if tests show Krieger is using any illegal drug, he will impose the remaining nine months of the sentence.

Krieger pleaded guilty Feb. 8 to a charge of possessing 31 marijuana plants "as an accommodation to another individual and not with intent to profit."

Krieger said he had not smoked marijuana since his arrest and subsequent resignation as county administrator.

"That doesn't make up for what happened," he said. "I allowed personal weakness to wipe out 10 years of professional achievement. But the worst part is, it's hurt my family, hurt my friends and has been embarrassing to Nelson County."

Nelson County deputies say they found Krieger, 39, tending 6-foot marijuana plants behind his Tye River home last year.

- Associated Press