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Bice's father discusses son's drug charge

American Idol contestant Bo Bice was arrested in June 2001 for cocaine possession, but had the charge dismissed in June 2004. His father says there's more to the story and wants to protect Bo's reputation.

Court documents say Harold "Bo" Bice was arrested on University Drive in June 2001 for cocaine possession.

His father says he was framed by a family member and talked exclusively to WAFF 48 News in hopes of saving his son's reputation.

Elwin Bice says the court documents don't lie and that his son, American Idol contender Bo Bice, was arrested in 2001 for cocaine possession.

Bo attended Narcotics Anonymous and in June 2004 the charge was dismissed.

But Elwin says Bo took the fall for his aunt -- who was already facing serious jail time for drugs.

"The officers made a deal if she turned in so many people they would lessen her sentence," Elwin says.

Elwin says his son was playing at a Huntsville bar, his jacket slung over a chair, and somebody put two small plastic containers of cocaine in his pocket and two marijuana cigarettes.

Elwin says when bo walked out of the club, he was arrested.

"He definitely was set up," Elwin says.

Elwin worries Bo's reputation is now on the line.

WAFF 48 News has also learned from court documents that Bo bice has more recent arrests in Birmingham.

Two years after the first charge in Huntsville in 2001, Bo was arrested again near Birmingham and charged with marijuana possession, public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bice pleaded guilty to the intoxication and paraphernalia charges in December 2004.

The pot charge in Birmingham was dropped five months ago after Bice completed a drug recovery program.

The cocaine charge in Huntsville dismissed last year under the same terms.

Elwin says Bo will overcome the negative publicity.

"I'm sure it will bother him for awhile but he will fight his way through it. And he'll go and show everybody that that's not me, this is me," Elwin said

WAFF 48 News Reporter Susie Edwards spoke with several of Bo's friends Thursday on the phone.

They wouldn't comment on his past arrests--but say that's not who he is now.

They say he has cleaned up his act

American Idol representatives say Bo Bice told them about his past arrests before going on the show.