LaMarr Hoyt Arrested at Home on Cocaine Charge

LaMarr Hoyt, former San Diego Padres pitcher, was arrested Saturday at his apartment and charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, authorities said.

Hoyt, 32, who served a brief sentence in federal prison this year on drug charges, said, “Oh no, not again,” when Richland County Sheriff’s Department narcotics investigators entered his home, Inspector Allen Sloan said.

The officers served a search warrant and found about two grams of cocaine and several plastic bags containing marijuana, Sloan said.

Investigators also seized drug paraphernalia, including “instruments used to cut cocaine,” Sloan said. That led to the possession with intent to distribute charges, which carry minimum 10-year sentences upon conviction because of Hoyt’s previous drug arrests. Hoyt also faces revocation of a five-year parole on drug charges.

Hoyt was taken to the Richland County Detention Center and released Saturday after he posted a $20,000 bond.

Richland County Sheriff’s Lt. Leon Lott said investigators received information last summer, soon after Hoyt returned to Columbia, that he was involved in drugs.

Hoyt also must answer federal charges in San Diego alleging he violated probation by testing positive for cocaine use, according to a published report.

It is the first time Hoyt has been accused of using cocaine. His drug problems in 1986 involved sedatives.

Hoyt won the American League Cy Young Award in 1983 with the Chicago White Sox.