ND Senator In Alcohol-Related Driving Charge Denies Drug Charges

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota state senator who pleaded guilty to an alcohol-related driving charge says he was unaware that his passenger possessed marijuana and marijuana pipes.

Park River Sen. Joe Miller tells the Grand Forks Herald that he doesn't smoke marijuana. Authorities say Miller does not face any drug-related charges from the June 21 incident.

Miller pleaded guilty in July to speeding, having an open container of alcohol and being in actual physical control of a vehicle while over the legal blood-alcohol limit. He served a day in jail and paid $500 in fines.

His passenger, 30-year-old Mathew Dub, has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor drug charges. Miller says Dub works on his farm.

Miller says he's holding firm to his earlier decision not to resign his state Senate seat.