West Palm Beach, Fla. – Rush Limbaugh must submit to random drug tests under an agreement filed today that will dismiss a prescription fraud charge against the conservative commentator after 18 months if he complies with the terms.
He also must continue treatment for his acknowledged addiction to painkillers and he cannot own a gun.
The agreement did not call for Limbaugh to admit guilt to the charge that he sought a prescription from a physician in 2003 without revealing that he had received medications from another practitioner within 30 days. He pleaded not guilty Friday.
“This is a common sense resolution and the appropriate way the state should treat people who have admitted an addiction to prescription pain medication and voluntarily sought treatment,” Limbaugh’s attorney, Roy Black, said in a statement today to The Associated Press.
Prosecutors launched their investigation in 2003 after Limbaugh’s housekeeper alleged he abused OxyContin and other painkillers. He entered a five-week rehabilitation program that year and blamed his addiction on severe back pain.
“I spoke recently with his doctor who told me Mr. Limbaugh has made an exceptionally strong recovery and remains firmly committed to continued treatment,” said Black, who said Limbaugh has been drug free for 2 1/2 years.
The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office may revoke or modify the deal if Limbaugh violates the terms, according to the agreement.
