Former MLB star Lenny Dykstra arraigned on drug, terroristic threat charges

ELIZABETH - Former Major League Baseball player Lenny Dykstra, who was indicted earlier this month on two drug charges and allegedly threatening an Uber driver, returned to court Monday for his arraignment.

Dykstra, dressed in a blue shirt, tie and black overcoat, didn't say anything during the brief hearing before Union County Superior Court Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh here.

Dykstra's attorney David S. Bahuriak, based in Philadelphia, entered a not guilty plea on his client's behalf. Dykstra is scheduled to return to court Dec. 3.

As he left the courthouse, Dykstra, a three time All-Star who played 12 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, including the Mets' 1986 championship team, was followed by a throng of reporters.

"I'm a man of the people," Dykstra said as he walked.

"We"ll let the process handle itself and the truth will come out," Dykstra said.

EARLIER:Former MLB star Lenny Dykstra indicted on drug, terroristic threat charges

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Bahuriak said there have been a lot of accusations thrown around that are not supported by fact.

"We're here in a courtroom now and facts come out now, and now we have a chance to defend ourselves. And once we take a look at the evidence, the evidence will not lie. You will find that Mr. Dykstra is actually innocent," he said.

He said Dykstra is not guilty of all charges.

"This has been an overblown incident from the very beginning," said Bahuriak. "He is not guilty, he did not commit a crime and the evidence is going to show that."

Dykstra was previously represented by attorney Michael Brucki.

Asked whether the incident has been overblown because Dykstra is a baseball celebrity, Bahuriak said Dykstra is a "big personality."

"Anyone who knows him, knows that. Lenny is a wild guy. Lenny is a man of the people, but Lenny's not a bad guy, he's not a violent guy and the evidence in this case is going to show that."

Earlier this month a Union County grand jury indicted Dykstra on possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine, both third-degree crimes, as well as a terroristic threat charge, also a third-degree crime.

Bahuriak said he has conferenced with the state over the case and he has received some of the discovery. Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Desimone is handling the state's case.

Dykstra, of Linden, was arrested by Linden police in connection with allegedly threatening an Uber driver. Linden police were alerted to a vehicle that sped into the parking garage attached to police headquarters in the early morning hours of May 23. The driver repeatedly honked his horn before coming to an abrupt stop.

Dykstra allegedly put a weapon to the driver's head and threatened to kill him, police said. No weapon was found in Dykstra's possession but drugs were found. Both Dykstra and the Uber driver, Brian Lutty, of Roselle, allege the other made him fear for his life.

If convicted, Dykstra could face up to 10 years in prison, in part due to two prior convictions, including a federal fraud conviction.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com