Does an arrest make someone ineligible for an ESTA?

[janef001]

I have a male friend who got addicted to medicine and forged a prescription when he was 19. He was arrested and cautioned but never received a conviction.

He applied for an ESTA a few months before the incident and got it for two years. It's expired and he wants to apply for another one. Will having this caution affect him? I've heard the U.S. takes a dim view of any drug related crimes.

Looks like it does

uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/additional-requirements/

Agreed, as the website says:

"We cannot advise whether a traveler’s specific situation will have a bearing on their eligibility to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.
Our advice is that if you have ever been arrested, cautioned or convicted you apply for a visa."

My friends oh was denied as he had been arrested for fighting as a teen. He had to go to London for a visa

A caution is accepting that you were guilty of the offence.