State Rep. Charged With Marijuana Possession
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A local state representative has been charged with possession of marijuana.
Police say the incident happened at a Steelers game.
State Rep. Paul Costa, of Wilkins Township, has been charged with marijuana possession by Pittsburgh police.
Police allege that Costa and another male were outside Heinz Field on Oct. 3 at the Steelers-Ravens game.
Costa is charged with smoking marijuana while tailgating in the parking lot outside the gate.
The state rep. is in Harrisburg and not available for comment, but his attorney categorically denies that Costa had the drug in his possession.
"Representative Costa was not at any time in possession of marijuana or any other prohibited substances," Attorney Phil DiLucente said. "There is no way, shape or form that he was acting in the manner in which it is alleged. We are anxious to go to court to have this remedied."
Costa's attorney says police found no marijuana on Costa or in his car and he suspects this is a case of mistaken identity.
He says lots of middle-aged males like Costa are dressed in jeans and Steelers sweatshirts at these games.
A court hearing on the misdemeanor charge is scheduled for Nov. 24.
