Actor guilty on drug-gear charges

Actor Tommy Chong of the spaced-out, dope-smoking comedy duo Cheech & Chong pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal conspiracy charge of selling drug paraphernalia over the Internet.

Chong, 64, of Pacific Palisades, and his family-run business, Nice Dreams Enterprises, admitted to conspiring to sell marijuana pipes via Web site promotions that featured the comedian’s celebrity endorsement.

Under a federal plea agreement, Chong also admitted in a Pittsburgh courtroom that he promoted the drug paraphernalia during personal appearances around the U.S.

He could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. But federal prosecutors said the actual penalty will likely be more lenient. U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab set a sentencing hearing for Sept. 11 and released Chong on $20,000 bond.