Anastasio Pleads Not Guilty To Drug Charges

Former Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio unexpectedly showed up early to an upstate New York courtroom January 3rd and pleaded not guilty to a drug possession charge.

Police pulled over Anastasio December 15th after noticing erratic driving on a rural road in the city of Whitehall. Police found prescription painkillers and Xanax that was not prescribed for him.

A prosecutor said the quantity of drugs could warrant a felony charge.

Anastasio, who lives in Richmond, Vt., is due back in court February 14th.

Following his arrest, he released a statement saying he felt "terrible about what happened" and "I am deeply sorry for any embarrassment I have caused my friends, family and fans."

He was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and driving while intoxicated, according to police.