Trey Anastasio Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge, But Avoids The Slammer

Former Phish frontman Trey Anastasio has owned up to his mistakes and is taking steps to deal with his drug problem, which has probably kept him out of prison.

Anastasio was arrested in Whitehall, Vt. in December and charged with heroin possession, possession of prescription painkillers and an anti-anxiety drug prescribed to someone else, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

During a court appearance in Fort Edward, N.Y. on Friday, he pleaded guilty to the felony charge of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance as part of a plea agreement that allows him to avoid jail time if he successfully completes a drug program ordered by the court. The jam-rocker admitted to possessing Vicodin, Percocet, heroin and Xanax when he was pulled over on Dec. 15.

The 12- to 15-month program requires Anastasio to make weekly court appearances, undergo drug testing and perform community service. If he completes the program without any trouble, he'll receive five years probation. But if he fails to abide by the court's regulations, he could be imprisoned for three years.

The 42-year-old musician currently lives in New York City, but plans to move to Fort Edward to take part in the program.