Why was David Crosby jailed? Inside drug, alcohol and legal woes that plagued late rock legend
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Folk-rock star David Crosby died aged 81 after a long illness. "It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django," his widow Jan Dance said in a public statement.
“Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched." The statement further read, "We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
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Why was David Crosby jailed?
The legendary musician reportedly had quite a few run-ins with the law over his use of drugs and guns in the 1980s. When he was already an established singer, he spent nine months in a Texas prison over charges related to possession of illegal weapons and drugs, including possession of cocaine and heroin. He was later also arrested in a hit-run case. Crosby reportedly drove into a fence in a neighborhood in Marine County, Northern California. Police found a .45 caliber pistol and cocaine after searching him, as per various reports.
In March of 2004, Crosby was accused of unlawfully possessing a hunting knife, ammunition, and around an ounce of marijuana. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon in the third degree. Crosby reportedly left the items in his hostel room in New York City, eventually spending 12 hours in jail for the offenses. He was released on bail of $3,500. At the time, authorities said a "hotel employee searched the suitcase for identification and found about an ounce of marijuana, rolling papers, two knives and a .45-caliber pistol. Mr. Crosby was arrested when he returned to the hotel to pick up his bag."
In July 2004, Crosby pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to attempting criminal possession of a weapon. He was subsequently fined $5,000 and given no jail time. Prosecutors dismissed a charge of unlawful possession of marijuana, and Crosby was discharged on condition that he pay his fine and not get arrested yet again.
Crosby had later admitted that he was grateful for the arrest in Dallas. “I actually wrote a thank-you note to that judge,” he had said, according to The Dallas Morning News. “I said, ‘I wanted you to know that, this time, it worked. I’m getting married. I’m working. I’m testing straight. I’m having a very good time with life. And I thank you.’”