When Paris Hilton was busted in Las Vegas last week for alleged cocaine possession, she went straight to the express line at the Clark County Detention Center — where she was processed in half the time (three hours versus six) it normally takes for charged criminals.
But it wasn't V.I.P. treatment, authorities insisted.
"She was treated differently," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Jim Dixon told The Las Vegas Review-Journal. "So I don't have a disruption of my process here at the county jail."
Dixon continued: "When you bring somebody in like that, everybody comes over and tries to look at them. I'd have officers attempting to keep inmates away from her. I'd have disruptions."
Dixon insisted that the heiress was still subjected to normal booking procedures despite the speedy entrance and exit.
After cops found cocaine in her purse two weekends ago, Hilton, 29, was charged with felony cocaine possession and faces up to four years behind bars.
The "matter will be dealt with in the courts, not in the media" her attorney said August 28. "I encourage people not to rush to judgment until all of the facts have been dealt with in a court of law."
"I'm so thankful to all my fans for all the love and support you are giving me," Hilton Tweeted to fans shortly after being released.