Artie Lange ‘Own Worst Enemy,’ Prosecutor Says Of Heroin Battle

HOBOKEN, NJ — Comedian and Hoboken resident Artie Lange may be his “own worst enemy” after avoiding inpatient drug treatment following his heroin possession arrest last year, an Essex County assistant prosecutor says.

Last week, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Superior Court Judge Nancy Sivilli placed Lange, 50, on probation for four years and ordered him into outpatient drug treatment. Lange will also face mandatory drug screening, fines and 50 hours of community service.

If Lange fails to live up to the terms of the probation, he could be incarcerated for five years, prosecutors said.

The comedian, known for his appearances on The Howard Stern Show and Mad TV, pleaded guilty to possessing 81 decks of heroin in December of 2017. His plea agreement called for a probationary term and drug treatment, prosecutors said.

Assistant Prosecutor Tony Gutierrez had urged Sivilli to force Lange into a residential treatment program, noting that during the plea, the comedian indicated he was going to residential treatment in Georgia but allegedly never did.

“This defendant is his own worst enemy,” Gutierrez said of Lange. “He is not doing the right thing to help himself. He needs court-mandated drug treatment for 18 months to two years, not outpatient treatment.”

• See related article: The Addiction Industry: NJ Scientist Says Opioid Treatment Needs To Change
• See related article: Wife Blames Drugs For Husband's Death At Prison In Essex County

Lange was candid about the plea deal and his ongoing struggles with addiction on Twitter, posting several updates about the case over the past week:

• June 1 - “On way to my sentencing court date. This is as good as I’m gonna look! I honestly don’t know what’s gonna happen. I’ve been a good boy and juggled work w recovery. I’ve been my moms only source of income for 30 years... OK. I know. Wahhhh! Ur right. We all got sob stories.”
• June 1 – “To tell the truth the judge has been really fair and patient. The attorneys for the state have been great as well. And my attorney Frank Arleo has been outstanding. I’m the only scumbag in the group. I’m hoping for the best. But whatever the judge says I will do it like a man.”
• June 2 – “The judge was very fair! But 4 years probation is a long time. I am gonna try my best. If I end up in jail for years let my life be a lesson to you kids battling heroin. I had everything! And more. I traded it for powder. Don’t make that mistake. Ur better than that. And I love u!”
• June 2 – “Also the prosecutor Tony is a good man. I truly feel he wants the best for me. He was doing his job. His words were heard! Loud and clear. I thank him as well as my lawyer Frank Arleo. Two good men and a woman on the bench who commands respect! She has mine. Stay tuned guys. Peace!”

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Photo: Lange at the "Crashing" HBO Premiere Screening at the Avalon Hollywood on February 15, 2017 in Los Angeles (Shutterstock / Kathy Hutchins)