FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung is scheduled to be arraigned next Wednesday on a felony charge of cocaine possession, according to the Belknap County attorney's office in Laconia, New Hampshire.
Chung, 32, was indicted on the charge Aug. 8, according to the attorney's office, which added that the incident occurred June 25.
Belknap County Attorney Andrew Livernois issued a statement saying police found the evidence after a "call for service" to Chung's residence.
In the statement, Livernois said Chung was not arrested at the time police found the evidence, but rather after the police investigation.
"The information was referred to the Belknap County Attorney's Office, which made the decision to indict Mr. Chung, based upon its determination that there was probable cause to believe that a crime had been committed by Mr. Chung," Livernois' statement said.
The Patriots issued a statement saying they were aware of the reports but would not comment further while "judicial proceedings take place." The NFL also said it was monitoring developments.
As part of the collectively bargained NFL/NFL Players Association policy and program on substances of abuse, Chung could face possible suspension without pay for up to four games for a first-time offense.
A 10-year NFL veteran, Chung has been a key cog in the Patriots' defense as part of three Super Bowl championship teams. He has played in 140 career games, with 110 starts, and has 708 tackles and 11 interceptions.
Chung did not play in Thursday night's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, and he did not appear to be on the sideline in uniform. After the game, coach Bill Belichick would not answer a question about his status.
"Pat hasn't played all preseason,'' Belichick said.
Chung broke his arm in Super Bowl LIII and has not been fully cleared for contact after reportedly undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. He was not present at the team's Tuesday practice, after having been a regular participant in practices.