Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Accused Drug Dealer Avoids Jail Time

Robert Vineberg pleaded guilty to lesser charge of drug possession and faces five years probation

Philip Seymour Hoffman
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Philip Seymour Hoffman died Feb. 2 from a lethal combination of cocaine, heroin and other drugs. Robert Vineberg, the man who allegedly provided him with drugs, avoided jail time Thursday.

Vineberg was never charged with any connection to Hoffman’s death, but there were connections between the two.

Also read: Philip Seymour Hoffman Didn’t Want ‘Trust Fund Kids,’ Left Fortune to Their Mother

Vineberg had said that he and Hoffman were friends, but had lost touch in recent years. Some speculated that he was Hoffman’s drug dealer, though he insisted that he did not provide the drugs that killed the actor.

The 58-year-old Canadian musician pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court on Thursday to drug possession and faces five years of probation, as well as forfeiting the $1,284 seized from his home, as reported by the Associated Press. He also must complete 25 days of community service and continue drug treatment. Vineberg was facing possible jail time over a much more serious charge.

Also read: Philip Seymour Hoffman Death: Alleged Drug Dealer Says Heroin Was for Personal Use; Bail Set

He was charged with possession of 300 packets of heroin with the intent to sell. A guilty verdict on those charges could have seen him face jail time and possible deportation. But the prosecution ran into trouble with some of its evidence, after a hearing allegedly revealed that two detectives failed to read Vineberg his Miranda Rights before he opened up to them.

Vineberg’s sentence will be formally handed down on Oct. 14.

Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.

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