A jazz musician arrested on heroin-possession charges amid an investigation into Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death has lost a bid to have the case handled by a drug court that emphasizes treatment instead of punishment.
A Manhattan judge turned down Robert Vineberg’s request Wednesday. The case will continue in a regular criminal court.
His lawyer didn’t return a call seeking comment.
Vineberg was arrested as police followed leads after Hoffman’s Feb. 2 death from a combination of heroin, cocaine and other drugs.
Vineberg isn’t charged with any role in the actor’s death.