Taji Lee, 23, of Newark, N.J., who was charged last week with 16 felony and seven misdemeanor drug violations, had his preliminary hearing postponed yesterday. A new hearing date has been set for Feb. 23.

Officers of the Centre County Drug Task Force caught Lee on four separate occasions, selling a total of 398 packets of heroin and about 46.5 grams of cocaine, according to court documents.

Members of the Centre County Drug Task Force arrested Lee Jan. 11 after a drug exchange in a laundromat located at 141 N. Barnard St.They arrested and arraigned him on a $1 million bail.

A State College area man who is suspected of stealing a car waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday. Thomas Boozer was arrested and arraigned last Wednesday in connection with the theft of a Ford Taurus on the 200 block of South Burrowes Street between 2 a.m. and noon on Jan. 2.

Boozer's pre-trial conference date is set for March 17.

State College trial lawyer Robert Bascom announced Wednesday that he is entering the Republican primary for the position of Centre County district attorney.

No other candidates have officially entered the race. Bascom ran against incumbent Ray Gricar for the position in 2001.

A partner in the Mazza Law Group, 1315 S. Allen St., Bascom said he has worked in the State College area for eight years and has been a criminal trial lawyer for twelve years.

Bascom said he would work on prevention of all crimes, particularly driving under the influence, if elected district attorney. He also said he would work with Penn State, local police departments and fraternities to reduce underage drinking and other alcohol-related crimes. As district attorney, Bascom said he would also reach out to incoming freshmen to educate them about alcohol abuse.