Fmr. lawyer guilty of drug possession

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Claude Michael Scialdone, a former lawyer, pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in a Virginia Beach courtroom on Tuesday.

65-year-old Scialdone, formally of the 1200 block of East Ocean View Avenue pleaded guilty without any agreement.

Julie L. Pickell, spokesperson for the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney Office, said "The Court granted Scialdone a deferred disposition, conditioned on good behavior for one year, supervised probation through the Office of Community Corrections which is to include substance abuse assessment and treatment as recommended by the caseworker."

The Court restricted Scialdone's driver's license. He is also required to perform 100 hours of community service and remain drug and alcohol free.

On August 8, 2009, officers responded to the 2900 block of Indian River Road in Virginia Beach after someone called 911 in reference to a car in a ditch. When officers arrived, they found Scialdone standing next to his car. According to police, he was disoriented and smelled of alcohol.

Scialdone was searched and cocaine was found in his pants pocket. After refusing a breath test, he was arrested and officers subsequently searched his car. They found a cooler with bottles of cold beer and vodka.

Scialdone was charged with DUI, refusal to perform a blood or breath test, reckless driving and possession of cocaine.