Authorities say former death row inmate Aaron Patterson...

Authorities say former death row inmate Aaron Patterson and 2 other men were arrested today as part of a federal investigation into illegal gun and drug sales. U-S attorney spokesman Randall Samborn said Patterson was arrested during a traffic stop. He said a criminal complaint was expected to be filed today. The U-S attorney's office says Patterson is suspected of conspiring to possess and distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. He also is suspected of being a felon in possession of a weapon. Patterson served 17 years in prison before he was 1 of 4 men pardoned last year by then-Governor George Ryan when he cleared death row. (see also Dec. 15, 2003, Jan. 24, 2004 and Jul. 6, 2004).