Willie Nelson Teams Up With Sheriff's Department That Busted Him

[Jim Finnel]

While fellow Texans — including Kinky Friedman and Texas lawyer Dick DeGuerin — have expressed outrage at the Hudspeth County sheriff that busted Nelson on a marijuana charge Nov. 26, Willie Nelson himself has responded differently: On his website, he's asking fans to donate to the Hudspeth County Sherriff's Office's annual Christmas toy drive.

"For what it's worth, we appreciate the mention and we're glad to take any donations for the children of Hudspeth County," Chief Deputy Mike Doyal of the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Department tells Rolling Stone. "We think that's pretty good."

Doyal was at the sheriff's office when Nelson was booked, and says he was surprised by the remarkable media response. "He had a little bag of marijuana and I would never have dreamed of the coverage it got," he says. "Nonetheless, we've got a job to do and we've got to do what we've got to do."

He adds: "We handled it as easily as we could and still do our job. The man's, what, 77 years old? What are we gonna do to him? He was very cooperative and nice and pleasant to be around."

Nelson is charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of one year and a fine of $4,000. "I'm betting it doesn't go there, but that's between him and the county attorney," Doyal said. "We did our part. Now it's up to the lawyers and the judges."

Meanwhile, Willie's friend Snoop Dogg — watch them perform "Superman" in Amsterdam in 2008 — has spoken to TMZ about the arrest. "They better leave Willie the fuck alone, man," Snoop said. "Willie Nelson is a legend. Sometimes you need to back up off of certain people and have a certain amount of respect for your elders. And Willie Nelson is our elder."

He added: "Willie Nelson is my people," he added. "If you got a problem with Willie Nelson, you got a problem with me."

Since the bust, Nelson was also nominated for a Grammy for his covers album Country Music for Best Americana Album.


NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Rolling Stone
Author: Patrick Doyle
Copyright: 2010 Rolling Stone

 

[Jim Finnel]

Willie is a class act on and off stage

 

[24kanthony]

This story made my day. For real.
I seriously love this so much!

 

[Jim Finnel]

kill em with kindness

 

[buckethead]

I got a chance to see Willie last year and I am so glad I did! The statement that he Is a class act does not even begin to sum up what a genuine person he is.He knew the law and he broke it plain and simple.Not that I agree with the law as it stands and I am sure He doesn't either but the fact is those are the laws now. As any Law abiding citizen would do is face up to Like a Man and Not hide behind the fact that "I"M Willie Nelson you can't do this to me!" mentality that so many other stars have today.Whether people agree or not I think it is great publicity to the fact of legalization. It Makes people really question the fact of Is this really a crime that we want to pursue???

 

[Ronjet44]

Willie is a super american ,,we all love you willie ,,keep up the good work ,,

 

[Slowpuffer]

Leo don't understand kindness !! And he can't become a Leo, with agreeing to arrest people for laws that he don't believe is right !! That's why I have no respect them !! How, can you arrest your neighbors, just to get a paycheck !! I'll never respect most cops !!

 

[Bonehead]

I don't really care for his music but he is still a great person and a legend.

 

[new2hydro]

Of course Willie's gonna ask people to donate to the sheriffs toys for tots program, then when he goes to court he can remind everyone how there would be so many children going without presents this year if it wasn't for him. He leaves more class on his used toilet paper than Arvin West could ever hope to obtain. Willie-Snoop 2012 they have my vote.