The Voice Season 10 finalist Laith Al-Saadi is facing up to four years in prison and a $25,000 fine after being arrested for three-counts of narcotics possession.
The 40-year-old Voice star was arrested at 6:20 p.m. on Feb. 11 after being pulled over by Michigan State Police for driving a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder with expired license plates.
The troopers discovered a backpack in the back seat containing 12 grams of marijuana, in addition to a number of other drugs such as hydrocodone, morphine sulphate and fentanyl as reported by the Gaylord Herold Times.
The Ann Arbour musician was taken to Ostego County Jail, the troopers also arresting a female passenger for narcotics possession.
On Wednesday (Feb. 28), Al-Saadi’s lawyer, Michael Komorn, released a statement claiming his client has a history of “chronic pain” and the drugs were treating the condition. The statement can be read below:
“Laith has suffered from chronic pain for many years,” he said in a statement to the Herald Times. “He is currently under a physician’s care for treatment of his debilitating severe and chronic pain. We appreciate the outpouring of concern from his fans and want to ensure the public that this is a medical issue that Laith is addressing with his physicians. We hope the public respects his privacy and his family’s privacy in this regard, any other issues we will address in court.”
Al-Saadi was fourth runner-up on Season 10 of The Voice, Alison Porter of Team Christina ultimately taking home the Gold.