DATE SET FOR TRIAL IN PARKER DRUG CASE

The UF Basketball Staff Assistant Has Been Accused Of Distributing Cocaine

A magistrate has set a Feb. 14 trial date on federal drug charges in the
case of a Florida basketball staff assistant.

The U.S. Attorney's Office charged Major Lloyd Parker III last month in a
case that involves the distribution of about 500 grams of cocaine.

Parker, 26, made his initial court appearance Tuesday on an indictment,
issued earlier this month by a grand jury in Tallahassee, charging him and
co-defendant Farrah Stephanie Moise, 25, with distributing and conspiracy
to distribute cocaine. The charges against the pair carry a maximum 40-year
prison sentence, four years supervised release and a $2 million fine.

It is unlikely, however, that Parker, who has no prior criminal record,
would serve a maximum sentence if convicted.

John Stokes, Parker's attorney, entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of his
client at the hearing.

Parker, whose father, wife and sister were sitting in the courtroom
audience, said little at the hearing except to answer whether he understood
the charges and what was happening in the courtroom.

Parker did not comment after leaving the courtroom. He remains free on a
$100,000 bond.

Stokes said, "Major Parker takes very seriously these charges. At the
appropriate time, he will be fully prepared to address them. He is looking
forward to resolving these problems and at some point down the road getting
on with his life."

The attorney would not talk about the facts of the case but said he will be
reviewing the government's evidence.

The indictment against Parker and Moise lists four instances, three in
November and another in early December, where the two are accused of
distributing cocaine.

An undercover Gainesville Police officer met Moise and set up the purchase
of a half kilo of cocaine for $12,800, according to court records.

On Dec. 7, investigators reported they saw Parker deliver a white shopping
bag containing the cocaine to Moise, which she gave to the officer.

Parker, a staff assistant under Florida coach Billy Donovan, has been
suspended indefinitely since Dec. 8 when news of his arrest became public.
His duties included assisting in recruiting and helping coordinate summer
camps.

Donovan recently commented on problems surrounding some former basketball
players, including Parker, who was one of Donovan's first recruits.

"I am disappointed at decisions that some young people have made. But for
me, as a coach who coached them, who told them during the recruiting
process, 'I'll be by your side. I'll help work with you,' I think I have to
be somewhat supportive and understand decisions were made that weren't
right and now try to help some people.

"I need to help Major Parker after this whole thing finishes to try to help
him be a contributor and try to get his life back in order," Donovan said.