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Tapia lawyers working toward plea

Associated Press
Saturday, May 5, 2007

Five-time world champion boxer Johnny Tapia hasn't been indicted on drug possession charges stemming from an overdose in March, but his attorney and the district attorney's office are working toward a possible plea agreement.

Deputy District Attorney Mark Drebing said Friday if a deal is reached, Tapia's May 15 appearance before a grand jury would be unnecessary.

Tapia, 40, was taken to an Albuquerque hospital March 12 after paramedics responded to his hotel room. His wife and manager, Teresa Tapia, had called 911 and reported that he wasn't breathing. Tapia was initially hospitalized in critical condition, but left three days later.

Albuquerque police said they found three baggies of cocaine in the boxer's hotel room.

Tapia has a history of cocaine use and run-ins with the law.

Drebing said Tapia faces a charge of drug possession and possibly drug-paraphernalia possession.

Drebing said the district attorney's office usually focuses on treatment and counseling in a case like this.

"If it's not crimes of a violent nature, multiple crimes or anything like that, the goal is to get them off drugs," he said.