SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Former NBA player Jose Ortiz has been arrested in Puerto Rico after federal agents say they seized 218 marijuana plants and 40 rounds of assault-rifle ammunition at his house.
Ortiz was charged Thursday with possession with intent to distribute the plants. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer.
U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez says the 47-year-old ex-player faces a minimum of five years in prison if found guilty.
She said federal agents Wednesday raided his rented home in the central mountain town of Cayey. That followed a monthlong investigation following a tip to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The 6-foot-10 Ortiz played two seasons for the Utah Jazz, the last in 1990. He played in college at Oregon State.