AMERICAN WALKS FREE AFTER BEING ARRESTED

A wealthy U.S. businessman was released without conviction after being
caught trying to enter New Zealand with more than 3 1/2 ounces of cannabis
resin and leaf, authorities said Saturday. The Cleveland (Ohio) Plain
Dealer identified him as Peter B. Lewis, 66, chairman and chief executive
officer of Progressive Corp., based in Mayfield Village, Ohio.

The man's name was suppressed from publication in New Zealand.

He faced the Otahuhu District Court on three charges of importing
prohibited drugs after New Zealand authorities found 2 ounces of hashish
and 1/2 - 3 ounces of cannabis in his luggage at Auckland Airport and
elsewhere on Jan. 5.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail.

Judge David Harvey released the suspect without conviction and suppressed
his name from publication in New Zealand, saying ``the consequences of
publication would far outweigh the crime.''

Lewis, who The Plain Dealer said is a proponent of legalizing marijuana for
medicinal use, is believed to be in Auckland to attend the America's Cup
yachting regatta.

Harvey released the American without recording a conviction.

``Enjoy the fresh air,'' Harvey told him. ``Our harbor is a wonderful place
and I'm sure you're out there enjoying it. Don't let anything get in the
way of you and the atmosphere.''

New Zealand's Weekend Herald newspaper reported that the man had agreed to
pay an undisclosed sum to a drug rehabilitation program.

Asked about the donation after the ruling, Marie Dyhrberg, the man's New
Zealand lawyer, said she was ``not at liberty to confirm that it was
agreed. It was voluntary, it wasn't part of a court order, so that's not
part of what I'm instructed to disclose.''

Progressive, the fourth-largest personal auto insurer in the United States,
has more than 12,000 employees.

Company officials were not available for comment Saturday. A message was
left at company headquarters. A Progressive spokeswoman declined to comment
to The Plain Dealer on Friday.