Athlete in Drug Case Allowed to Travel

A judge Thursday agreed to let two-time gold medalist Justin Huish, who is accused of selling drugs, leave the country to take part in two upcoming archery events in preparation for the Summer Olympics.

The 25-year-old competitor returned to Ventura County court a day after pleading not guilty to charges he sold marijuana from his Simi Valley home last month.

Although Huish has been released on his own recognizance pending an April 4 preliminary hearing in the felony drug case, he has not been allowed to leave the area.

But on Thursday, Huish and attorney Robert Sanger persuaded Judge Art Gutierrez to allow the archer to attend events in Turkey and Germany in preparation for the summer games in Sydney, Australia.

Gutierrez also agreed to let Huish travel to competitions in Nevada, Arizona, Tennessee, Nebraska and Washington, D.C.

Huish and roommate Brian Mastrangelo, 24, turned themselves in to authorities last month after police searched their home and uncovered evidence of drug sales, authorities said.

Police confiscated 4 1/2 ounces of marijuana, 4.2 grams of hashish oil, $23,000 in cash, scales, packaging materials and ledgers.

Huish faces up to three years in state prison if convicted of the felony charge, though prosecutors say he could be released on probation.

Also this week, Huish filed a claim with the county requesting that the $23,000 in cash be returned. The matter has not come before a judge yet.