Elderly Englewood Man Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges

An elderly man who was among three people arrested amid allegations of prostitution and drug use at a senior citizen housing complex in northern New Jersey has pleaded not guilty.

The Record reports that 75-year-old James Parham entered his pleas Wednesday during an appearance in Englewood municipal court. Parham is accused of possessing a glass pipe used for smoking crack cocaine and maintaining a nuisance in which people gathered for unlawful purposes.

When asked if he planned to hire an attorney or wanted a public defender, Parham declined both options. He told the judge he didn't plan to represent himself, telling him "God is my attorney, your honor."

Authorities have said Parham also admitted providing prostitutes to some of his younger neighbors, claims he denied on Wednesday.

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