Action News 5 is reporting that former NBA player Tony Allen, 43, was arrested during a traffic stop in Poinsett County, Arkansas, near mile marker 18 on Interstate 555. Deputies pulled over a silver vehicle driven by 33-year-old William Hatton, with Allen as a passenger allegedly. Hatton was also charged with several things including possession of meth or cocaine (less than 2 grams) and possession of marijuana (less than 4 ounces) according to Action News 5.
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During the stop, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, prompting both individuals to exit the car. A search allegedly revealed a package of marijuana on Allen, paraphernalia with marijuana residue linked to Hatton, and a plastic wrapper containing a powdery white substance (later confirmed as cocaine) in a cigarette box in the passenger seat. Allen was booked into the Poinsett County Detention Center and charged with possession of meth or cocaine (less than 2 grams) and possession of marijuana (less than 4 ounces). At this time, legal proceedings are ongoing and Allen remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This isn't TA's first trouble with the law. Allen, whose #9 jersey was retired by the Memphis Grizzlies, was among several NBA players indicted in 2021 for allegedly defrauding the NBA’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. Prosecutors said the group submitted nearly $4 million in false medical and dental claims between 2017 and 2020. Allen was accused of receiving about $420,000 in reimbursements for services that were never rendered. In 2023, Allen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and agreed to repay the funds. He later received probation rather than prison time, citing cooperation and remorse. The case marked a rare federal prosecution involving former professional athletes.
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