Arts

TV NOTES; Sorkin Arrested

By JIM RUTENBERG
Published: April 18, 2001

Aaron Sorkin, the executive producer of ''The West Wing'' on NBC, was arrested on Sunday afternoon on drug possession charges at the Burbank, Calif., airport. The police said he was carrying what were believed to be hallucinogenic mushrooms, which are illegal. The mushrooms were allegedly spotted in Mr. Sorkin's carry-on bag by airport security as he made his way to board a plane for Las Vegas.

Mr. Sorkin was booked at the Burbank city jail and released on $10,000 bail, said Victor J. Gill, an airport spokesman. Mr. Sorkin is to be arraigned later this month.

If convicted, he faces a maximum of one year in county jail, according to the California Health and Safety Code. He could also face a fine of $70, said a Burbank detective, Thor Merich.

In a statement Mr. Sorkin said: ''I am glad to be surrounded by such a supportive group of people and am prepared to proceed as directed by my attorney and in the best interest of my family. I appreciate your respect for my family's privacy during this period.'' Mr. Sorkin said he sought treatment for cocaine addiction several years ago. JIM RUTENBERG