LINDSAY LOHAN - LOHAN'S DAD: 'LINDSAY SOCIALISED WITH DEALERS AS A TEENAGER'

Troubled star LINDSAY LOHAN has been around drug dealers since she was 15, according to her father. The actress reportedly checked into rehab in Utah earlier this week (06Aug07) following her July (07) arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) - for the second time in two months - and possession of cocaine. But her dad insists it's not the first time she's been associated with illegal substances. Michael Lohan, who is estranged from his daughter, reveals the Mean Girls star was followed by investigators on leaving home in New York for Hollywood because of her criminal connections. He says, "They said Lindsay was surrounded by criminal activity and was being exposed to alcohol and drugs." Michael claims the investigation was covered up to protect his daughter's burgeoning career.