Former NBA player Jose Ortiz was arrested in Puerto Rico after federal agents seized 218 marijuana plants at his house along with 40 rounds of assault-rifle ammunition, the U.S. Attorney’s office said Thursday.
Wednesday, federal agents raided the home he was renting in the central mountain town of Cayey after a monthlong investigation following a tip Immigration and Customs Enforcement received. A twenty-four year career in professional basketball that included four Olympic appearances was clearly not enriching enough for the forty-seven year old who opted for a life of ‘plant cultivation’ that could result in (at minimum) five years behind bars if found guilty. In addition to the confiscated contraband, investigators reported finding pamphlets that detailed how to grow the plants.
For now, like his predecessors, Ortiz has decided to enter a drug rehabilitation center in lieu of the allegations while he awaits his hearing that is scheduled for July 26.