The presence of heroin in the jazz has always proved staggering. It claimed the life of greats like Charlie Parker, and now, less than great saxophonist Robert Vineberg is suspected to have sold the lethal dose of heroin that took Philip Seymour Hoffman's life.

Interestingly enough, Vineberg turned to smack dealing due to a washed up career as a session player (and maybe a stint or two with James Chance's Contortions). How often has this story been told, and how many dealers in the New York City have taken to the dope show for similar reasons?

If convicted, Vineberg will serve a sentence of 25 years for felony possession of heroin with intent to sell. In the two apartments where Vineberg resided, officials claim more than 275 packages of the drug were discovered.

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