Former TV anchor avoids trial by completing drug program

CUMMING (AP) Former Atlanta television anchor Warren Savage will not face trial for cocaine possession now that he has completed an 18-month drug treatment program in Forsyth County.

Savage graduated from the program on Monday. He was arrested in Forsyth in October 2006 and later pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine.

The charge carried a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, but prosecutors dismissed a more serious charge of possession with intent to distribute as part of a plea agreement that required him to enter the drug treatment program.

Savage was a U.S. Marine for five years and an anchor on WSB-TV in Atlanta for 10 years. He abruptly quit his job at the television station in September 2005.