No Case Against Andrew Young, Prosecutor Says

A U.S. attorney said today that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute Mayor Andrew Young or other city officials for obstruction of justice in the handling of drug allegations against civil rights activist Julian Bond.

But federal prosecutor Robert Barr said an investigation of narcotics allegations against a number of prominent Atlantans is continuing. He declined to identify any of those involved.

“There is evidence that federal laws have been violated” regarding obstruction of justice, Barr said at a news conference.

He stressed, however, that the focus of the investigation has narrowed to “the possession and distribution of dangerous drugs.”

Bond Denies Charges

A federal grand jury last month began investigating city officials’ handling of allegations by Bond’s estranged wife, Alice, that her husband was a regular cocaine user. Bond has denied the charges.

The panel was asked to consider whether Young, who served as ambassador to the United Nations in the Carter Administration, tampered with a federal witness by telephoning Alice Bond before an interview she had with police and FBI agents. Young acknowledged that he made the call but said it was not intended to discourage her testimony.

“With regard to allegations of obstruction of justice or tampering with a witness, I do not believe there is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that such offenses were committed,” Barr said.

At a City Hall news conference, Young said he is pleased with the prosecutor’s decision and is not concerned about Barr’s statement that there is some evidence of obstruction of justice.

‘Like Milk to a Baby’

“There was not enough evidence to prove me guilty, and that’s innocent enough for me,” said the mayor, who was surrounded by friends and supporters.

“The thing that’s hurt me most . . . is to be associated with drug use, for at no time in my life have I used drugs,” Young said. “I don’t want any (young people) to think that in circles of this administration any kind of drug use is acceptable or permissible or even tolerated.”

Alice Bond told police March 19 that a number of prominent Atlantans used or supplied cocaine. In that first interview, she said drug dealers fed cocaine to Bond “like milk to a baby.”

Five days later, Police Chief Morris Redding briefed Young on the allegations. Young then telephoned Alice Bond. He said he called her as a friend and asked that she not spread unfounded rumors.