The Latest: Ex-pitcher Loaiza pleads not guilty in drug case

Posted February 14, 2018 6:00 am

The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2007 file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers' Esteban Loaiza, of Mexico, throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game in Phoenix. Former All-Star pitcher Loaiza - who earned a total of more than $43 million over 14 seasons - is heading to court accused of drug dealing involving 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of suspected cocaine. The 46-year-old retired Major League Baseball player is scheduled to appear in court in Chula Vista, Calif., south of San Diego, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File) The Associated Press

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on drug smuggling allegations against former Major League Baseball pitcher Esteban Loaiza (all times local):

2:40 p.m.

Former All-Star pitcher Esteban Loaiza has pleaded not guilty to drug charges following his arrest for allegedly possessing 44 pounds of suspected cocaine.

Loaiza denied all allegations during an appearance Wednesday in San Diego County Superior Court that was also attended by his father and other family members.

Prosecutors charged Loaiza with possession and transportation for sale of more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cocaine base or heroin, and using a false compartment to smuggle drugs.

The specification of more than 10 kilograms could draw a stiffer penalty.

Loaiza would face up to 20 years and eight months in prison if convicted.

The court raised his bail to $250,000 after the prosecution argued he poses a flight risk.

___

11:20 p.m.

Former All-Star pitcher Esteban Loaiza is heading to court accused of drug dealing involving 44 pounds of suspected cocaine.

The 46-year-old retired Major League Baseball player is scheduled to appear in court in Chula Vista, California, on Wednesday.

Loaiza was arrested Friday on suspicion of drug smuggling after San Diego County sheriff's officers found a "sophisticated" compartment used to hide contraband in his vehicle. Later authorities obtained a search warrant for the home he rented in the beach community of Imperial Beach, where officials say packages containing a white powder believed to be cocaine were found.

He could not be reached for comment.

FILE - In this Aug. 1, 2004, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher Esteban Loaiza talks to reporters during a news conference at Yankee Stadium in New York. Former Major League Baseball pitcher Esteban Loaiza has been arrested in California on suspicion of smuggling cocaine and heroin. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department says Loaiza was booked into jail Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, evening and held in lieu of $200,000 bail.(AP Photo/Ed Betz) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 11, 2007, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Esteban Loaiza reacts after giving up his third home run in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during their baseball game in Los Angeles. Former Major League Baseball pitcher Esteban Loaiza has been arrested in California on suspicion of smuggling cocaine and heroin. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department says Loaiza was booked into jail Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, evening and held in lieu of $200,000 bail. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas, file) The Associated Press

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