Philip Seymour Hoffman’s accused drug dealer has gotten a boost from rock n’ roll maven Debbie Harry in his latest bid to stay out of jail and land in a court-ordered treatment program to fight his heroin addiction.
Robert Vineberg, the Canadian jazz musician who’s worked with Madonna and David Bowie, is an “asset to New York’s culture,” according to a letter penned by Harry and Blondie guitarist Chris Stein.
“He has always acted as a consummate professional irregardless of any substance abuse problems. His work with us on recordings and live performances has been meticulous and his musicianship can’t be (overstated),” wrote the two, who’ve known Vineberg for 30 years.
The letter is part of a motion filed Tuesday by defense attorneys asking that Vineberg, a lifelong heroin addict, be sent to a drug treatment program instead of thrown in jail. A judge denied a previous request.
The new court papers provide details on Vineberg’s drug addiction, which began at age 17 and intensified amid his thriving music career. Throughout his life, he attended Narcotic’s Anonymous meetings but relapsed regularly.
Now, Vineberg is clean after participating in outpatient drug counseling for “opioid dependence,” the papers claim.
Cops arrested Vineberg shortly after Hoffman’s death, raiding his Mott Street apartment and seizing nearly 300 glassines of heroin. Vineberg, who admitted to dealing heroin, denied selling Hoffman the batch that killed him.
The 58-year-old told The Post in an exclusive jailhouse interview that he and Hoffman were good pals who would text each other to help get sober.
Vineberg is charged with three felony counts of criminal possession and intent to sell and faces deportation if convicted. He’s due back in court June 3.