Patriots safety Patrick Chung was indicted earlier this month in New Hampshire on a charge of possession of cocaine and faces arraignment next week and a “speedy” trial in March, according to court documents.
Police were called to Chung’s home in Meredith, N.H., on June 25, according to a statement released by Belknap County Attorney Andrew Livernois. During the course of the investigation, police obtained evidence that led to the charges being filed, officials said. Chung was not arrested on June 25.
The information from the search was then forwarded to the Belknap County Attorney’s Office, which made the decision to proceed with the case. The grand jury returned its indictment on Aug. 8.
In a statement, the Patriots said they were “aware of the reports regarding Patrick Chung.”
“We will not be commenting while his judicial proceedings take place,” the statement read.
According to the indictment, Chung, 32, “did possess or have under his control a quantity of the controlled substance cocaine” in Meredith. The indictment added that Chung “committed the above act knowingly.” Cocaine possession is a Class B felony and carries a potential prison term of up to seven years.
An arraignment is scheduled for next Wednesday in Belknap County Superior Court. A “target date” for a “speedy” trial is set for March 4, 2020, court records state.
Chung could face a suspension stemming from the charge. The substance-abuse policy, which was collectively bargained by the league and the NFL Players’ Association, states that “players convicted of or admitting to a violation of law” related to drug possession are subject to discipline from the league. First-time offenses will result in a four-game suspension without pay, according to the policy. Because Chung’s trial is not until next spring, he will likely avoid any potential discipline during the 2019 season.
“We will monitor developments in the law enforcement matter,” an NFL spokesman said.
It’s unclear if the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy can be invoked at any point. According to the policy, a player can face discipline even if the conduct does not result in a criminal conviction. Illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs is listed as one of the 14 offenses that can trigger discipline in the absence of a conviction.
If Chung were to miss time, the Patriots would likely rely on Terrence Brooks to fill in at strong safety. Brooks, who signed in free agency this past spring, has received plenty of reps with the first-team defense as Chung recovers from offseason shoulder and forearm surgeries. Chung has participated in practice, but has worn the red non-contact jersey for most of the summer.
The 11-year veteran was not on the sideline for the Patriots’ 10-3 win over the Panthers on Thursday night. In previous preseason games, Chung had taken an active role in helping the coaching staff. After the game, Patriots safety Duron Harmon expressed his support for Chung.
“Obviously, Patrick’s a great guy,” Harmon said. “He’s a leader, a captain, a great father. We can’t talk about (the case). All we can say right now, it’s an ongoing investigation. We’re rooting for Pat, we love Pat, we’re going to do everything we can to rally behind Pat and make sure he gets through this.”
Chung is entering his 10th with the Patriots. He has been the team’s starting strong safety since the 2014 season.
Rick Sobey contributed to this report.
