Grace Jones Says ‘Not Guilty’ to Drug Charges

Jamaican actress-singer Grace Jones pleaded not guilty to cocaine possession charges Thursday as her long-delayed trial began in a crowded courtroom.

The government’s first witness, detective Leroy Hanson, testified that Jones repeatedly insisted, “I don’t do drugs,” during a raid on a house where she and her boyfriend were staying. Hanson said cocaine was found in her handbag.

A government forensics expert later testified that the cocaine seized totaled only 0.007 ounces and said tests of Jones’ blood and urine had detected no sign of cocaine or other illegal drugs.

Defense lawyer Tom Tavares-Finson contended that the drugs had been planted on Jones by someone named Michelle, but he did not elaborate.

Hanson said he was acting on a tip when he and other officers April 8 searched the home of Jones’ boyfriend, singer-songwriter Chris Stanley, in Kingston’s affluent Stony Hill suburb.

Hanson said Jones told him that she had no idea how the drugs ended up in her handbag. “I don’t know what it is. I don’t do drugs. . . . You can take me and have me tested by a doctor.”

Jones, 37, a flamboyant entertainer known for her striking crew-cut hair and disco singing, was arrested, spent two days in jail and was released on $2,700 bail.

When her trial began Thursday after seven postponements, Jones was asked how she pleaded to the charges against her and she responded, “Not guilty.”