Downey's Drug Case Continues

INDIO, Calif. (AP) â€” Actor Robert Downey Jr.'s drug case was continued to allow defense attorneys to gather evidence, prosecutors said. <br><br>Downey, charged with possession of cocaine and a tranquilizer,

Thursday, February 22nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

INDIO, Calif. (AP) â€” Actor Robert Downey Jr.'s drug case was continued to allow defense attorneys to gather evidence, prosecutors said.

Downey, charged with possession of cocaine and a tranquilizer, faces more than four years in prison if convicted.

His court hearing was postponed on Wednesday until March 15, Riverside County prosecutor Tamara Capone said.

``At that time one of two things will happen: He will either plead guilty or it will be set for a preliminary hearing,'' she said.

The judge has urged the prosecution and defense to reach a settlement.

Downey, 35, was arrested on Nov. 25 at a Palm Springs hotel after police received an anonymous 911 tip.

He was released from prison in August after serving about a year for violating probation on drug arrests dating back to 1996.

The actor, who was nominated for a best actor Oscar for the 1992 movie ``Chaplin,'' won a Golden Globe award in January for his supporting role on the Fox TV show ``Ally McBeal.''