Hi I'm Al, And I'm An Addict
While Al Gore is out saving the planet, his namesake has been charged with felony drug-possession charges and other offenses, authorities told People.
One of the more disturbing details of the arrest is that this member of the Gore clan had 140 Vicodin pills and "dozens" of other prescription drugs.
If convicted on all charges, Albert Gore III faces up over three years in prison. But state law makes him eligible for Proposition 36, a California drug diversion program that allows those struggling with substance abuse to seek treatment over incarceration. His arraignment is set for Aug. 1 in Orange County's Laguna Niguel.
The only statement from the former vice-president was that his son was, "getting treatment."Allegedly driving over 100 mph, Gore, 24, was initially pulled over in a Toyota Prius for speeding on Independence Day.
Police, who had searched the car because they smelled marijuana, found prescription drugs including Xanax, Valium, Soma, Vicodin and Adderall, as well as a small amount of weed.
In all, he was charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of marijuana, and a speeding infraction, the DA says.
Upon completion of the 18 month drug program, the charges that he would otherwise plead to would subsequently be reversed and dismissed.
Gore has clearly been struggling with addiction for some time. In August 2000, he was ticketed for speeding in North Carolina, and had his driving privileges suspended. This was during the presidential election where Bush, some say, stole the election from his father. Two years later, he was cited for DUI in Virginia.
He eventually pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year's probation. In December 2003, Gore was arrested for marijuana possession in Maryland after he was pulled over for driving with his headlights off. He was sentenced to drug counseling in that case.