How the mighty have fallen - Village People cop facing jail

[klaatu]

http:/musicnews.virgin.net

The original policeman in Seventies disco band the Village People could go to jail for more than four years.

Victor Willis, who co-wrote hits including 'YMCA' and 'In the Navy', has been arrested in San Francisco on drugs charges, five months after skipping bail.

Willis pleaded not guilty to drug possession and giving false identification to a police officer.

The 54-year-old was pulled over for a routine traffic stop but was arrested after cocaine and drug paraphernalia were allegedly found in his car.

Officers had been searching for him since October, when a bench warrant was issued after he failed to appear for sentencing on separate drug and weapons charges.

Lieutenant Jeff Azzopardi, of South San Francisco police, said the arresting officer did not immediately recognise Willis, who allegedly gave a false name initially and was later identified through fingerprints.

The star was arrested in Daly City last July for possessing cocaine and agreed to a plea bargain that would have resulted in a prison term of no more than 16 months.

But he never turned up for sentencing and his bail jumping now means a judge can impose the maximum four-year, four-month sentence.

He is set to return to court on April 10 on the latest charges but a new sentencing date for the first case has not been set.

Willis left the Village People in 1980.

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For the older members of the Forum this is tragic news....

Klaatu