Western-Star.com

HAMILTON — A preliminary hearing date has been set for former University of Cincinnati and NBA player Corie Blount who is facing drug charges.

Blount was scheduled to appear in Butler County Area II Court in Hamilton Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, for arraignment, but court personnel said Tuesday, Dec. 9, that he will next appear in court at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17 for a preliminary hearing. He is charge with possession of drugs, third-degree felony.

Blount, 39, was arrested Dec. 4 after officials intercepted 11 pounds of marijuana being sent to his grandmother's home in Butler County. The package came from out of state and was scheduled to be delivered to a home on Serenity Drive in Liberty Twp. The Butler County Sheriff's Office Drug and Vice Investigation's Unit worked with federal agents and Middletown police to intercept the package as Blount arrived at the residence, where he was arrested, according to a release.

Search warrants were executed at the residence, where deputies found a second package the contained 11 pounds. and a third package with seven pounds. of marijuana.

Blount was jailed at the Butler County Correctional Complex and later bonded out on $10,090. He is listed as having a residence at 5427Kyles Lane in Liberty Twp.

Blount was the starting center on University of Cincinnati basketball teams that reached the Final Four in 1992 and Elite Eight in 1993.