JEB BUSH'S DAUGHTER STARTS DRUG PROGRAM

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA -- Noelle Bush, the governor's daughter who was
accused of prescription drug fraud, has been admitted to a drug treatment
program, her lawyer said.

The 24-year-old daughter of Gov. Jeb Bush and the niece of President Bush
will not return to face the charge until her treatment is completed,
attorney Peter Antonacci said Friday.

She waived her right to a speedy trial and may be sent to drug court after
her release from the drug program, said Leon County State Attorney Willie
Meggs.

Bush was arrested at a pharmacy drive-through window Jan. 29 on charges of
trying to buy the sedative Xanax with a fraudulent prescription.
Authorities said she posed as a doctor and called in the phony prescription
after suffering a panic attack.

First-time offenders often are sent to drug court and must attend meetings
and pass periodic tests. If a person successfully graduates from the
process, criminal charges are dismissed and removed from the records.

Xanax is one of the top prescription drugs diverted for illicit use. It can
change a person's physiological and psychological functions.