San Diego Padres: Felony charges dropped against Luis Campusano

Back in October, San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano had been arrested on felony marijuana possession in Georgia. He was pulled over, leading to a search of his vehicle which led to the discovery of 79 games of pot, far above the 28.5 games required for possession to be considered a felony. Campusano faced up to ten years in prison if convicted.

Fortunately for Campusano, those charges were dropped on Thursday. State prosecutors have declined to pursue the matter due to issues with probable cause for his being pulled over in the first place.

San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano avoids felony marijuana charges

This is not necessarily the end of the matter as far as Major League Baseball is concerned. While he will not face charges, the league will investigate the situation, which could lead to a suspension or fine even though marijuana is no longer on MLB’s list of ‘drugs of abuse.’ If nothing else, he has been recommended to a treatment program, as is the case for any player in these circumstances.

This is still welcome news for both the Padres and Capmusano. He made the team’s Opening Day roster due to Austin Nola‘s injury, backing up Victor Caratini. As Campusano is one of the top catching prospects in the game, and ranked as a consensus top 100 prospect for the second consecutive year, he is a key part of the present and future.

He has also impressed in his brief time in the majors. Campusano homered in his first major league at bat and has recorded a hit in both games he has played in the majors. His solid power potential and bat speed make him a potential building block in the lineup, while his athleticism and strong arm portend a bright future behind the plate.

But that future had been in question due to his arrest. Had he been found guilty and sent to prison, his career could have come to an end depending on how long of a sentence he was given. Fortunately, that cloud is no longer hanging over his head.

Felony marijuana charges have been dropped against San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano. His bright future has been restored.