LOUISA, Va. – Millard Chisholm, 66, of Bumpass, was sentenced to five years in prison for drug charges; two counts of distribution of cocaine, one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm with cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Chisholm was charged following an investigation by the Louisa County Narcotics Task Force which involved officers arranging undercover purchases of cocaine from Chisholm, according to Louisa Commonwealth’s Attorney Rusty McGuire.
A search of Chisholm’s home led to the discovery of large quantities of marijuana and cocaine, as well as a .22 caliber revolver.
The judge questioned Chisholm about his previous statement that he had been a guitarist for the Doobie Brothers. Chisholm said that he was a former guitarist for the Doobie Brothers, and he assured the judge he was in the band from 1971-1977.
Chisholm explained that he never got to jam out with Michael McDonald, because he left before McDonald joined the band.
Despite such bold claims to stardom the prosecutor argued the weight of drugs the defendant possessed, the amount of money he had in his house and the presence of a gun justified prison time.
The court agreed and sent Chisholm to prison.
“We hope this case sends the message to not deal drugs unless you want to go to prison,” McGuire said. “We are thankful that the Louisa County Narcotics Task Force brought Chisholm to justice.”
Chisolm received 25 years total on each felonies with all but 5 years suspended.
“Millard Chisholm is not now nor has he ever been a member of The Doobie Brothers or associated with the band in any way,” said Doobie Brother’s manager Bruce Cohn, in a statement to CBS 6. “Besides members Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston and John McFee, there has only been one other The Doobie Brothers guitar player in the group: Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, who ironically is now a U.S. Marshal in Washington, D.C. (about 180 degrees opposite of Mr. Chisholm).”
“Strangely, this is not the first time a criminal has falsely claimed an affiliation with the band,” Cohn added.
While you likely won’t hear from Chisholm for awhile, you can look forward to a November 4 release of Southbound from the Doobie Brothers.
Southbound, a compilation album of new recordings of the band’s classic hits, features guest appearances from Blake Shelton, Chris Young, Zac Brown Band, Sara Evans and Toby Keith, among others.
