GOVERNOR'S STEPSON TO ENTER COURT PROGRAM FOR DRUG OFFENDERS

NEW BRITAIN, Conn -- Gov. John G. Rowland's stepson, who was arrested in
October on a marijuana-possession charge, was accepted Monday into a court
program for first-time offenders. If he successfully completes the program,
the criminal charge will be dropped.

Ryan Largay, 18, the son of Mr. Rowland's wife, Patricia, from an earlier
marriage, appeared briefly before Judge Joan Alexander of New Britain
Superior Court with his lawyer, Joseph Wicklow III, at his side. Neither
Mr. Largay's parents nor Mr. Rowland appeared in court with him.

Mr. Largay, who with his younger brother lives at the governor's mansion in
Hartford, was arrested on Oct. 13 and charged with possession of less than
four ounces of marijuana. The arrest came after the police broke up a party
at the USA Motel in Newington.

At his arraignment on Oct. 27, Mr. Largay applied for entry into a
community labor service program.

Judge Alexander told Mr. Largay that the program includes completion of 14
days of community service and attendance at a court-approved drug education
or counseling program. The judge ordered him to pay the $205 program fee.

To comply with the program, Mr. Largay cannot be arrested or found in
possession of alcohol or illegal drugs for a full year.

The court also ordered Mr. Largay not to return to the motel where he was
arrested or to initiate contact with his co-defendants, Adam Forrest, 17,
of Newington, who briefly sat with Mr. Largay in court on Monday, and
Christopher Bosco, 17, of Kensington.

Mr. Forrest received a misdemeanor summons for possession of marijuana,
according to the Newington police.

Mr. Bosco was charged with 11 counts, including possession of narcotics,
sale of a controlled substance and use of drug paraphernalia, according to
court records. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 5.

On Monday afternoon, Governor Rowland said in a statement:

"As it would be for any parents, today is a very difficult day for us. With
the full support of his family, Ryan will face the consequences and the
decision of the court. Patty and I respectfully request that as much
privacy as possible be afforded Ryan and our family during this time."

Throughout most of the court session, Mr. Largay, dressed in baggy blue
jeans and a gray and black hooded jacket, a baseball cap pressed to his
body, cast his eyes to the floor. When Judge Alexander asked him if he
understood the conditions of the program, he looked squarely at her and, in
a clear voice, answered, "Yes, your honor."

Mr. Largay's lawyer, Mr. Wicklow, who accompanied him to a probation office
after they left the courtroom, declined to comment.