Christian Music star faces drug charges

Monday, June 19th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) â€” Christian music singer Michael English surrendered to authorities on drug charges Friday, three days after he was indicted, and was immediately released on bond.

The 38-year-old singer is facing 12 counts of fraudulently obtaining the prescription drug hydrocodone, a sedative similar to codeine. He has said he got addicted to hydrocodone after it was prescribed to him as pain medication for an injury.

Police raided English's Nashville apartment in February after an investigation showed he and a friend were having numerous prescriptions filled by doctors.

After the raid, English's manager said he was being treated for drug addiction and depression.

English shocked the Christian music industry in 1993 when he returned six Gospel Music Association Awards and acknowledged an adulterous affair with a backup singer that resulted in her pregnancy.