Hidden Track

There doesn’t seem much to report from Trey’s day in court in Whitehall, New York today. But the former 70 Volt Parade lead singer did plead not guilty to the multiple charges against him stemming from his December 15th arrest.

Anastasio, facing three felony charges of illegally possessing prescription painkillers and driving while impaired and misdemeanor counts of possessing heroin and an anti-anxiety medication that had been prescribed to someone else, was released on bail and scheduled to return to Washington County Court on March 27.

So, the saga continues, and previous reports that Trey would cop a plea today turned out to be wholly inaccurate.

Appearing before Judge Kelly McKeighan and a crowd of media, Anastasio agreed to a pre-plea investigation that will help the court get to know him better “and help you resolve your case,” according to the judge.

Since the anniversary’s tomorrow, I highly recommend that the judge check out 2/28/03 to get to know the real Trey better.

Anastasio’s attorney, Steve Coffey, acknowledged after the hearing that his client has a drug problem and is seeking treatment. Coffey said Anastasio attended a 28-day treatment program in January and is attempting to overcome his addiction.

“He has a problem, he knows it and is working with it,” Coffey said.

Coffey also said Anastasio instructed him not to fight the charges.

“He told me ‘I’m here to face the consequences and work it out with the court and go on with my life,’” Coffey said.

Friend of HT, The Otrane, brings up a good point: Trey’s done everything he can since the arrest. First he thanks his arresting officer, then he completes a 28-day rehab, now this lawyer quote about facing the consequences. By the time this is over they’re going to be thanking him for getting arrested in Whitehall.

Anastasio’s plea leaves the door open for a deal to be worked out with the court. Hopefully that deal will be worked out soon for Big Red so he can get back to melting our faces, and perhaps put his drug problems behind him.

• Previously on Hidden Track: Now Trey’s a Real Rock Star; The Day After; and Trey at the Y: An Audience of His Peers
• The latest TV news report from WNYT (free show?)
• Read on below for a full timeline from the December arrest to today’s plea

Here is a handy timeline to illustrate the events of the past 10 weeks…

December 15th, 2006: Anastasio was stopped for keeping the tires off the line in Whitehall, New York, which led to his arrest for Driving While Drugging:

“Subject was observed to be under the Influence of a Narcotic Substance after failing Field Testing. Anastasio was also found to have a Suspended Driver’s License in the State of New York. Anastasio was also found to be in possession of an assorted amount of Prescription Medications, Hydrocodone, Percocet, and Xanax, being prescribed to another person. Anastasio was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th, and DWI - Drugs.”

Trey apologized later that day: “I feel terrible about what happened last night, and I am deeply sorry for any embarrassment I have caused my friends, family and fans”

December 16th, 2006: Trey finally gets the national media recognition he has been lusting after for so long. Rock star staus, baby…

December 31st, 2006: Big Red references his arrest by playing an acoustic version of Makisupa Policeman during the encore of his NYE show in Atlantic City. In the aftermath, a patently stupid debate breaks out on Phish message boards about whether Trey was making light of a serious situation.

January 3rd, 2007: Reports surface that heroin was one of the substances found in Trey’s car on 12/15/06. The whole Anastasio family makes an appearance at the Whitehall Municipal Court, where Trey is arraigned and enters a plea of not guilty. Ernest reportedly goes to rehab soon thereafter this appearance.

January 13th, 2007: The case was postponed indefinitely when Trey decided he may want to testify in person.

February 7th, 2007: Speaking at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Trey addresses the issues that led to his arrest.

February 9th, 2007: Trey indicted on seven counts stemming from his arrest, including three felony charges of illegally possessing prescription painkillers and driving while impaired. Bad boy.

February 27th, 2007: Trey pleads not guilty in Whitehall court, and a date of March 27th is scheduled for his next appearance.