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Robert Downey Jr.'s son pleads guilty to drug charge

Written by . Published: September 13 2014

Actor Robert Downey, Jr.'s son pleaded guilty to cocaine possession at a California court hearing on Friday (12Sep14).


Indio Downey, 21, was arrested after police spotted him smoking from a pipe while sitting in a car in West Hollywood in June (14), and he was later charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.


On Friday, Indio, who attended the hearing with his father, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to complete a drug education program. He has been seeking treatment for the past 70 days at a facility and will remain there for another three months.


If he stays sober and out of legal trouble, the case will be dismissed.


During the hearing, Indio told the judge, "I appreciate this opportunity, and I hope to make the most of it."


The judge responded, "You've learned a lot of good coping skills from the program, I hope. This is a 24/7 disease... it can pop up at any time. You have to be vigilant and on top of it at all times.


"I know in life people always look up to superheroes. You have contact with one superhero, and that's Iron Man."


Downey, Jr. has previously offered to support his son through his legal and drug woes, insisting addiction problems are a family issue.


Shortly after Indio's arrest, the actor released a statement, which read: "Unfortunately there's a genetic component to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it. Also, there is a lot of family support and understanding, and we're all determined to rally behind him and help him become the man he's capable of being.


"We're grateful to the Sheriff's department for their intervention, and believe Indio can be another recovery success story instead of a cautionary tale."


The movie star spent years battling drug problems after finding fame in Hollywood in the 1980s.

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