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American Morning

Daughter of Florida Governor Jeb Bush Arrested Yesterday

Aired January 30, 2002 - 07:40   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: As we told you, there is some disturbing news for the Bush family this morning. Noelle Bush, the 24-year-old daughter of Florida Governor Jeb Bush, was arrested yesterday in Tallahassee and charged with prescription fraud. She allegedly tried to buy the tranquilizer Xanax at drive-through pharmacy using a forged prescription.

Brian Cabell has more now from Tallahassee.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN CABELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The telephone call for Xanax came into Walgreens late Monday night. According to a store employee, the prescription sounded suspicious and they didn't leave a quantity. "I called the answering service of the doctor," the employee said. "Another doctor called back and said it was a fake and to bust her." And that's what police did.

They arrested 24-year-old Noelle Bush as she waited alone in her car at the drive-up window. According to the police report, "Bush appeared shaky during the interview but calmed down considerably after being placed under arrest." She was jailed briefly at Leon County Jail before being released.

Noelle, who has appeared on the campaign trail with her father, graduated from a Tallahassee community college a couple of years ago and attended Florida State for one year. She was due to start a new job on Tuesday. Governor Bush, for his part, issued a written statement saying, "We ask the public and the media to respect our family's privacy during this difficult time so that we can help our daughter."

Residents here in Tallahassee seem inclined to grant that request.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I believe that it is a family matter, but as a public official he does owe us some sort of explanation for his actions, as well as the actions of his family members.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's really hard, particularly in (INAUDIBLE). And I think we ought to let the family work that out.

(END VIDEOTAPE) CABELL: Ms. Bush reportedly faces arraignment tomorrow here in Tallahassee. As for possible penalties, if she is found guilty or pleads guilty, it is a felony here. It's a possible five-year prison term, but officials say that will not happen in this case. Ms. Bush has no criminal record. In all likelihood, what she will face is possible probation and a court-ordered drug diversion program -- Anderson.

COOPER: Brian, is Ms. Bush still in custody at this point?

CABELL: No. She is with her family. She's been with her family yesterday. And as the governor has said, he hopes the media and the public will just leave them alone and solve this as a family. But she will apparently be in court tomorrow.

COOPER: All right. Brian Cabell in Tallahassee, thanks very much -- Jack.

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