State Rep. Paul Costa faces a court hearing next week after he was cited for possessing marijuana near Heinz Field Oct. 3 at a tailgating party before a Steelers game.

Mr. Costa, D-Wilkins, was charged with prohibited acts, a misdemeanor. His attorney, Phillip DiLucente, said that Mr. Costa was accused of passing a marijuana cigarette to another man in a parking lot near Clark Bar & Grill, located in the 500 block of Martindale Street.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in Pittsburgh City Court on Nov. 24 at 8 a.m.

Mr. Costa "adamantly" denies the charges, Mr. DiLucente said.

"Rep. Costa detests marijuana and/or any illegal substance and did not nor would ever participate in the illegal activities charged," Mr. DiLucente said.