Felony drug charge against Kings’ Jarret Stoll reduced to two misdemeanors

The felony count of a drug possession charge against Kings center Jarret Stoll was reduced to two misdemeanors as the result of a plea agreement approved Thursday morning in Las Vegas Justice Court.

His sentence includes performing 32 hours of community service within 120 days, and Stoll’s lawyer David Chesnoff said Stoll has already started that process.

Stoll was not present at Thursday’s court proceedings.

“Now that the case has been resolved I am committed to meeting all of my obligations to the court and I’m grateful for the chance to offer guidance and to share positive life lessons to kids as part of the resolution of this matter,” Stoll said in a statement. “My focus remains on hockey and I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice next season.”

Components of Stoll’s community service will include putting together a hockey program for at-risk youth in the Las Vegas area. Stoll will also volunteer with the Salvation Army in Clark County.

It was noted that Stoll will donate hockey equipment, believed to be worth about $50,000, as part of the youth program. In Thursday’s court proceedings, the likelihood of NHL expansion to Las Vegas was noted and there would be an inclusion of league players, possibly teammates of Stoll’s, to address the youth program, adding a “celebrity component.”

“He’s a great athlete. That’s his sport. We knew [the NHL] could be coming and we thought it would be something that would catch the attention of the at-risk kids and provide Jarret a forum to tell them about how important a good lifestyle and health is,” Chesnoff said.

“We’re very satisfied [with the resolution].”

Chesnoff said that Stoll already started the Salvation Army community service commitment.

The felony drug possession charge, for cocaine, could have carried a sentence ranging from probation to up to four years in prison. Stoll pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of provoking commission of breach of peace and trespassing.

Stoll, who turned 33 Wednesday, is due to be an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Even before his arrest in April, he was not expected to return to the Kings next season.