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U.S. President's Niece Arrested on Drug Charges
MIAMI, Jan 29 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - The daughter of Florida Governor Jeb Bush, brother of President George W. Bush, was arrested Tuesday and charged with trying to obtain medication with a fraudulent prescription in Florida's capital city, police there said.
Noelle Bush, 24, was arrested early Tuesday in Tallahassee and released several hours later. Authorities did not immediately identify the substance she was trying to obtain.
CNN television reported she was trying to obtain Xanax, used to treat anxiety, panic disorder or insomnia. News agencies reported she was arrested at a pharmacy drive-through window Tuesday on charges of trying to buy the drug with a fraudulent prescription.
Xanax, a prescription drug similar to Valium, is normally used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug can make users feel drowsy and dizzy as it reduces nervousness and tension.
Authorities said Noelle apparently posed as a doctor and called in a fake prescription after suffering a panic attack Monday evening. She was subsequently jailed and released pending a Jan. 31 arraignment.
If convicted, she could get up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Governor Bush and his wife, Columba, issued a statement saying: "Columba and I are deeply saddened.
"This is a very serious problem. Unfortunately, substance abuse is an issue confronting many families across our nation," the statement said. "We ask the public and the media to respect our family's privacy during this difficult time so that we can help our daughter. We will have no further comment on this issue. Thank you for your understanding."
They added that, "substance abuse is an issue confronting many families across our nation."
The only daughter of Jeb and Columba Bush, Noelle - who holds an associate's degree from Tallahassee Community College - has two brothers, George P., 25, and Jebby, 18.
Jeb Bush is seeking reelection as Florida governor in 2002, a bid that could meet a stiff challenge from former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.
After Jeb Bush's unsuccessful first run for governor in 1994, he, and his wife, had announced that one of their three children struggled with a drug problem. They did not say whether it was Noelle or one of her brothers.
In addition, back in May he took the unusual step of denying publicly rumors of an adulterous relationship with a state employee.
In June 1999, Columba Bush was fined $4,100 for lying to U.S. Customs officials when she returned to the United States from a trip to Paris.
On arrival in Atlanta, Georgia, she said she was carrying only $500 in clothing and jewelry purchased on the trip, but when officials asked to check her receipts, it emerged she had bought nearly $19,000 worth of goods.
Columba Bush, who was traveling alone, said in a statement she was "sorry for exercising bad judgment and can assure everyone this will never happen again."
President George W. Bush's daughter, Jenna, in June had her driver's license suspended for one month and was ordered to pay a fine of $500 for violating laws against underage drinking in Texas.
The President's other daughter has also gotten in trouble for underage drinking.
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