Judge says no to drug court request from NY musician arrested amid Hoffman death investigation

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A jazz musician arrested on heroin possession charges amid an investigation into Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death has lost a bid to have the case handled by a New York drug court that emphasizes treatment instead of punishment.

A Manhattan judge turned down Robert Vineberg’s request Wednesday. The case will continue in a regular criminal court. Vineberg’s lawyer hasn’t returned a call seeking comment.

Vineberg was arrested as police followed leads after Hoffman’s Feb. 2 death from a combination of heroin, cocaine and other drugs. Vineberg isn’t charged with any role in the “Capote” actor’s death.

Vineberg has said he and Hoffman were friends but hadn’t been in touch since December.

Vineberg has pleaded not guilty to possessing 300 packets of heroin with the intent to sell it.

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