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Ex-MLB pitcher Esteban Loaiza pleads guilty to cocaine charges; could serve life in prison

Ex-MLB pitcher Esteban Loaiza pleads guilty to cocaine charges; could serve life in prison
Posted at 12:33 PM, Aug 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-10 22:41:47-04

Former MLB All-Star pitcher Esteban Loaiza could face life in prison after pleading guilty to drug charges Friday. 

According to TMZ, Loaiza originally entered a not-guilty plea but changed his plea to guilty Friday. 

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Loaiza was arrested back in February for trying to move approximately 20 kilos of cocaine and heroin from a home that was nearby a school in San Diego. The drugs are estimated to have a street value of $500,000.

Loaiza last pitched in the majors in 2008 and made over $40 million in his 13-year career. He played for eight teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox.

Loaiza led the American League in strikeouts in 2003 and made the All-Star team in 2003 and 2004.

According to TMZ's report, Loaiza faces a minimum of 10 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for November 2.