Michigan Legislator Pleads Guilty to 2 Drug Charges

A state legislator today pleaded guilty to charges of delivery of cocaine and marijuana.

State Sen. Basil Brown, 60, the longest-serving member of the Michigan Senate, entered the pleas before Ingham County Circuit Judge James Kallman as his trial was to begin.

Paula Zera of the Ingham County prosecutor’s office said other charges against the Highland Park Democrat will be dropped as a result of the plea. But she said there was no agreement on sentencing.

Brown is to be sentenced Jan. 4 and could receive a 20-year term.

Brown’s guilty plea could lead to his ouster from the Senate but it may not prevent him from continuing his court battle against the charges--based on charges of improper police conduct.

Zera said it is unclear whether Brown has exhausted his possible appeals. But she said a claim of entrapment generally can be pursued after a guilty plea.

Police use of a prostitute-drug addict as an undercover agent has drawn criticism, even from the courts, though they refused to dismiss the charges.

Brown was arrested at his Lansing apartment in 1985 and charged with delivery of cocaine, delivery of marijuana and possession of both drugs.

He won reelection without difficulty in 1986 despite the charges, however.