NEW YORK -- Millionaire movie producer Robert Evans, who pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing cocaine, was sentenced today to use his 'unique' creative talents to help the young in the war against drug abuse.
Evans, whose movie credits include 'The Godfather' and 'Marathon Man,' was put on special probation for one year by Federal Judge Vincent Broderick, who suggested that he produce a movie on the narcotics problem.
Broderick ordered Evans, his brother Charles and a third defendant in the case, Michael Shure, to 'develop a creative program to educate youngsters to the evils and self-destructive aspects of drus use.'
'If you are successful, you will have achieved a major breakthrough where most of us have been floundering for years,' the judge told the three men.
Turning to Robert Evans, the judge, referring to his movie suggestion, said, 'It would be an opportunity to make a major contribution to the health and validity of this country.'
Broderick gave the men one month to report to him what they intend to do. If they conform to the probation requirements, the narcotics charge will be deleted from the record.
Evans, 50, of Beverly Hills, Calif., pleaded guilty in August to a misdemeanor charge of possessing five ounces of cocaine. He faced a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The producer's brother, Charles Evans, Shure, both of New York City, are partners in Evans Partnerships, which is involved in building shopping centers, office buildings and other commercial structures.
The three men were convicted of buying for $19,000 five ounces of cocaine from a federal narcotics agent who posed as a drug dealer. The purchase was made by Charles Evans in his office last May.
Robert Evans was in California at the time, but admitted he agreed to share in the purchase price during a telephone conversation with his brother.
