(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Cavs' West faces more weapons charges in Maryland
By SARAH KARUSH,
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was indicted Tuesday on additional weapons and traffic charges stemming from his Sept. 17 arrest for speeding on a motorcycle and carrying multiple weapons.
The eight-count indictment sheds no new light on why West, 26, was riding a motorcycle on the Capital Beltway in Prince George's County, Md., at 10 p.m. with two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun. Prosecutors on Wednesday added an 8 1/2-inch Bowie knife to the list of concealed weapons West was carrying.
It's illegal in Maryland to carry concealed weapons and to transport loaded handguns.
West was indicted on two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a handgun, two counts of transporting a handgun, and one count each of reckless driving and negligent driving. The charges are all misdemeanors. Each of the weapons counts carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
West was initially charged with just two counts of carrying a handgun and with driving in excess of reasonable and prudent speed.
Court records don't list a lawyer for West. His agent, Noah Croom, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
West has been treated in the past for bipolar disorder, and last week his wife filed a domestic violence report against him in Ohio. No charges have been filed in that incident.
West, who could still face a league suspension over the charges in Maryland, made his season debut during Saturday night's 90-79 win against Charlotte, scoring 13 points in 24 minutes.
After the arrest, West reported to training camp on time but missed the team's first four practices without an excuse. He returned, but then left the team for a week to deal with personal matters. He missed all eight preseason games and Cleveland's first three regular-season games.
West, who lives in Brandywine, Md., was riding a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle when he cut off a police officer on the beltway in Upper Marlboro, authorities said. The officer pulled him over, and the weapons were discovered.
Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey said West will likely be arraigned by the end of the week, and the case could go to trial early next year.
Updated November 3, 2009
