GLENDALE : Drug Program OKd for Latina Singer

A popular Latina singer accused of being under the influence of cocaine will be allowed to enroll in a drug education program in lieu of prosecution, officials said Friday.

Marisela Hernandez of Encino, a singer known by some as the Mexican Madonna, did not appear in Glendale Municipal Court on Friday because she was sick, her attorney, Donald E. Levinson, told the court.

Despite the singer’s absence, Judge Barbara Lee Burke approved a probation report that found Hernandez was eligible for a drug program, which if completed would allow prosecutors to drop their case against Hernandez, officials said.

Hernandez, 27, pleaded innocent Aug. 2 to one count of being under the influence of cocaine stemming from her June 13 arrest at the Days Inn Hotel in Glendale.

If convicted, she could be sentenced up to 90 days in County jail.

Burke told Levinson to return April 1 for a progress report. Levinson did not return telephone calls Friday and Hernandez could not be reached for comment.

Deputy Dist. Atty. James Bozajian said Hernandez has up to two years to complete the drug education program, which normally runs between six months and a year.

Bozajian explained that the program is usually available to those accused of committing their first misdemeanor or felony drug-related offense, such as less severe drug possession or intoxication cases.

If the singer fails to complete the program, or is arrested in another drug case, she could still be prosecuted for the one cocaine use charge, prosecutors said. Probation officials can also order drug testing while Hernandez is taking drug education courses, the prosecutor said.

Hernandez, who has had Platinum and Gold record sales both here and in Mexico and South America, was among four people arrested this summer at the Days Inn Hotel on West Pioneer Drive. A vial containing a white substance tested positive for the drug.

Hernandez first appeared on the music scene in 1984 with her album, “Sin El” (Without You), which sold more than a million copies in the United States, Mexico and South America. She is the mother of a 2-year-old girl and had been engaged to her manager at the time of her arrest.