Broadcom founder cleared of drugs charges

Nicholas had been accused of supplying cocaine and ecstasy

Henry T. Nicholas III, co-founder and former chief executive of chipmaker Broadcom, has been cleared of any wrongdoing after a Federal court judge yesterday threw out a series of drugs charges against him, according to widespread reports.

Judge Cormac J. Carney dismissed the drugs distribution charges at the request of prosecutors, just weeks after he threw out stock option backdating allegations made against Nicholas and Broadcom co-founder Henry Samueli.

It is reported that prosecutors were adjudged to have interfered with witnesses in the case.

Nicholas was indicted two years ago on a string of salacious charges related to his partying lifestyle, including the supply of cocaine and ecstasy to friends, spiking the drinks of technology executives without their knowledge, and hiring prostitutes for "customers, representatives and associates of Broadcom".

In one incident while onboard a private plane to Las Vegas, Nicholas is alleged to have "caused marijuana smoke and fumes to enter the cockpit, requiring the pilot flying the plane to put on an oxygen mask".

Nicholas reportedly said that he intends to embark on charity projects now that his courtroom ordeal is over, although he did not rule out a return to Broadcom in the future.

Prosecutors are likely to appeal against the stock option backdating case.