| Archive for 2010 |
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| Posted by Janice | Permalink | 1 Comment | Add a comment |
Unfortunately, the vicious cycle of celebrity prescription drug abuse has captivated the media for decades. As I note in a piece that ran in the Daily Journal – “The High Cost of Celebrity Healthcare” – far too many stars have died from drug overdoses and it appears there’s no end in sight. One such celebrity, Anna Nicole Smith, had her life turned upside down after the nearly simultaneous death of her son, Daniel and birth of her daughter, Dannielynn. During this time of mourning, Smith turned to her rehabilitation ‘care team’ which included Drs. Khristine Eroshevich and Sandeep Kapoor and lawyer-lover Howard K. Stern.
In her fragile emotional state and with help from the trio, Anna Nicole became dependent on several prescription medications to allegedly treat anxiety, depression and physical pain. After a trial lasting nearly two months, a jury dismissed charges against Kapoor but convicted Stern and Eroshevich on several felony counts; Eroshevich for obtaining medication through fraud and Stern for conspiracy – aiding and abetting.
This is only the first step to make those who irresponsibly dispense medication pay for their careless actions. There’s still more to come in this saga when sentencing for Eroshevich and Stern takes place in January. To see my full article please click here.
December 27th, 2010
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In a Salt Lake City federal court Friday, now homeless preacher Brian David Mitchell, 57, was finally found guilty of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart in 2002.
The then 14 year-old Elizabeth was transported across state lines and subjected to nearly one year of sexual assaults by Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Mitchell should face life in prison during his sentencing May 25, 2011.
December 10th, 2010
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A Rose Bowl brawl before last Saturday’s annual UCLA – USC football matchup led to 2 hospitalizations and several arrests. On Thursday, Anthony Richard Cisneros (22) pled ‘not guilty’ to attempted murder. The two victims are Pasadena resident, Vimal Patel (24), who suffered 8 stab wounds in the back, and Simi Valley resident, Joshua Dirling (27), who received a stab wound in the cheek. Cisneros’ two siblings, Arthur (25) and Akira (24) also pled ‘not guilty’ to assault charges.
According to the District Attorney’s office, Anthony could face a maximum of life in prison with parole, while Arthur and Akira can be sentenced up to four years. The father of the three suspects, Arturo (44), was also arrested Sunday on suspicion of attempted murder in the stabbings, but was released Tuesday while detectives continued their investigation. Two other men were charged with resisting arrest. Stay tuned . . .
December 10th, 2010
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On Tuesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon invalidated a 2004 agreement between Frank and Jamie McCourt that would have given Frank sole ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The next round of proceedings will no doubt involve Frank’s legal team attempting to establish other strategies to dispute Jamie’s ownership claims. Analysts believe this murky mess will not be resolved anytime soon. Lady Justice shakes her head in disbelief about neither party willing to “play ball.” Stay tuned..
December 9th, 2010
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| Posted by Janice | Permalink | 6 Comments | Add a comment |
Late yesterday, Anna Nicole’s former lawyer-companion filed a request for dismissal of two convictions involving the use of fictitious names in procuring prescription drugs. One of Stern’s criminal defense lawyers, J. Christopher Smith, suggests that this behavior is “common practice” in Hollywood. According to the Associated Press, Stern’s attorney claims that Stern thought it was legal to prescribe medication using fake names. Sounds like a defense that should have been presented during trial and not after the defendant is already found guilty. Absent a dismissal from Judge Perry, Stern may try to get a new trial altogether. Hopefully Judge Perry will respect the jury’s guilty findings. Sentencing for both defendants is still set for January 6. Stay tuned…
December 2nd, 2010
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