Being from a famous, well-heeled family has its privileges. It can also have it downside when you mess up.
Ronald Ilitch, the 57-year-old son of Mike Ilitch, knows that all too well. If any average Joe had been busted with a small amount of cocaine, like he was, and been with a hooker, it wouldn't have gotten any media notice.
But on Thursday, he was arraigned in Detroit's 36th District Court on one count of a controlled substance (cocaine) under 25 grams, and it was big news in media outlets around town.
He was set free on $5,000 bond after pleading not guilty. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
George Hunter and Candice Williams of The Detroit News reported that police pulled over Ilitch around Six Mile Road and Grand River in northwest Detroit about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday after they saw a woman get into his Corvette, which had tinted windows. Tinted window are illegal in Michigan. A search of the car produced the drugs. Police said the woman was a prostitute.
Ilitch was taken into custody. The prostitute was released at the scene, the News reported. -- Allan Lengel