A Senate staff aide who worked last year as a Harvard Freshman proctor and social studies tutor has pleaded guilty to charges of possession of heroin, a U.S. District court spokesman said yesterday.

Eric M. Breindel '77, who graduated from the Law School last June, was arrested in Washington D.C. on May 16 after he allegedly bought drugs from an undercover police officer.

At an information hearing on May 23, Breindel pleaded guilty to heroin possession, which is considered a misdemeanor. Sentencing will take place on August 8, after the magistrate receives a report about the incident drafted by the court's probation department.

Breindel's lawyer, William Taylor, said yesterday that the defense will be allowed to present its case at the sentencing.

Taylor added that he and Breindel had not yet decided on the format of their presentation, which might include character witnesses.

"By August he and I will have something decided." Taylor said.

But Breindel's co workers at the Senate Intelligence committee where he worked this year said they still retain the highest regard for Breindel's abilities as a writer and a capable member of the staff he served on for only eight weeks before his arrest At the time of his arrest, Sen Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) asked for Breindel's resignation.

"Eric is a bright capable person, and it is reasonable to believe he will be able to overcome these difficulties." Michael D. McCurry, spokesman for Moynihan's staff, said yesterday.