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

DATE: THURSDAY, July 27, 1995                   TAG: 9507270048
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JAN VERTEFEUILLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MAN ACCEPTS PLEA BARGAIN IN MARIJUANA POSSESSION

Rather than take his chances with another jury, Eric "Nike" Jones agreed Wednesday to a plea bargain on marijuana charges that likely will require no more jail time for him.

Jones, 21, was tried two weeks ago on charges of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and with using a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. A jury was unable to reach a verdict, so a mistrial was declared.

The Roanoke man's second trial had been scheduled for Wednesday, but Jones instead pleaded guilty to the possession charge, which involved a bag containing nearly 6 ounces of marijuana found in a drawer in his bedroom during a police search in January. A semiautomatic pistol was found under his mattress. The more serious gun charge - which would have required a mandatory five-year sentence - was dismissed as part of the deal.

Police were searching his mother's Ferdinand Avenue home while executing a search warrant against Jones' younger brother, Jerome "Doobie" Jones.

Doobie Jones, 19, who admitted being a major crack cocaine dealer, was charged with possessing 132 grams of crack with intent to distribute and using a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty to both charges against him and agreed to cooperate with the government in hopes of getting his 15-year sentence reduced.

Nike Jones spent nearly four months in jail awaiting trial. When he is sentenced, it likely will be to time served and probation. A sentencing date has not been set.

Nike Jones is working full time for a moving company, his attorney said. He was released on bond after the mistrial was declared. Last Friday, a week after his release, police were called to his mother's house after Nike Jones and his sister, Lisa, got into a fight.

According to a police report, Lisa Jones, 22, swung a mirror at her brother, and he broke it while trying to deflect the blow. She cut him in the side with the broken mirror, and he shoved her down, cutting her foot and thumb, police said. Nike Jones was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, but his sister declined treatment. No charges were filed.

by CNB