Want More Celebrity News?
Visit our affiliates at: Celebrity DUI, Celebrity Legal News Spotlight, Celebrity Bankruptcy or Celebrity Divorce.
Celebrity Arrest Spotlight
We might think that movie stars, musicians, business moguls, political figures and professional athletes are somehow larger than life, but real life catches up with them just like it does the rest of us. Celebrity arrests happen almost every day, some of them more high profile than others-and the consequences may go beyond a simple arrest in some cases. Negative publicity like that surrounding Mel Gibson's 2006 DUI arrest and his behavior at the scene can impact a career, and professional athletes have been benched, even released, after criminal charges were filed against them.
Check out some of the most recent and unusual arrests, criminal charges, and narrow escapes among the rich and famous.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for May 8, 2008
NBA Star Accused of Assault
New Jersey Nets star Richard Jefferson will be charged with one count of misdemeanor assault over an incident that happened in Minneapolis in January. TMZ reported that Jefferson was at the Graves 601 Hotel, where he got into an argument with another patron. One thing led to another and Jefferson allegedly ended up on top of the other patron and was reportedly trying to choke him. The incident report says that as Jefferson was leaving the club, a witness asked him to stay until the situation was worked out. According to that witness, Jefferson told him, "Say another word, I will kick your ass."
Uma's Stalker Found Guilty
Jack Jordan, the man who reportedly stalked actress Uma Thurman, was convicted by a Manhattan jury on May 6, 2008 of fourth-degree stalking and one count of second degree aggravated harassment, according to ET Online. The jury acquitted Jordan of two other aggravated harassment charges. Jordan's next court date is scheduled for June 2, 2008 and the judge ordered that he be remanded for psychiatric evaluation until that time.
Former Baywatch Star Arrested
Actor Jose Solano who played Manny Gutierrez on "Baywatch" was recently arrested and charged with burglary and hit and run. Solano allegedly entered a tattoo parlor in Placerville, California and left with a book of tattoo drawings. Cinema Blend reports that as he was making his getaway, he put his car into reverse and slammed into a light pole before taking off. Solano was booked into the El Dorado County Jail and later released on bail.
Falcons Linebacker Accused of Domestic Battery
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was arrested on May 3, 2008 at his home in Dacula, Georgia after a disagreement with his wife allegedly turned physical. Boley was booked at the Gwinnett County Detention Center and was later released on $1,200 bond, according to a report by the Canadian Press.
Felony Charges against Sean Stewart Dropped
Rod Stewart's son, Sean Stewart, had been charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon along with other charges stemming from an incident in which he was accused of punching and throwing bricks at a couple outside a Hollywood party in April 2007. The Associated Press reported that a Superior Court Judge in L.A. County dismissed the four felony charges against Stewart on May 1, 2008. Stewart had always denied involvement in the attack and claimed that he was a victim of mistaken identity. The charges were dropped after the prosecutor announced that the case could not proceed because one of the alleged victims could not be certain that it was actually Stewart who attacked them.
Dennis Rodman Popped for Domestic Battery
TMZ reported that former NBA star Dennis Rodman was arrested on April 30 after LAPD police were called to a hotel in Century City where he and his girlfriend were staying. Rodman was charged with suspicion of felony domestic battery and released on $50,000 bail. Rodman's manager told TMZ that while the couple was arguing, Rodman grabbed the woman's arm and left a bruise. Since his arrest, Rodman has entered an outpatient rehab program.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for May 1, 2008
Is Kevin Gage Going Back to the Joint?
Actor Kevin Gage, 48, was arrested for drug possession in Annapolis, Maryland on April 29, 2008. Gage starred in the movie "Heat" and was once married to Kelly Preston. He was reportedly observed smoking a hand-rolled marijuana cigarette by police after they were called to the scene of a loud party. Gage was ticketed and released on his own recognizance according to TMZ.com. The actor has previously served time behind bars for growing marijuana. He was jailed in 2003 and spent two and a half years in prison.
UCLA Worker Indicted for Selling Celeb Files
The Smoking Gun reported that on April 29, 2008 Lawanda Jackson, a former worker at the UCLA Medical Center, was named in a Federal indictment for allegedly accessing and selling the confidential medical records of celebrity patients. Jackson, 49, allegedly obtained the information between 2006 and May 21, 2007 when she was fired from her job as an administrative specialist. A national media outlet reportedly paid Jackson at least $4,600 for the private patient information and wrote the checks to her husband. Although there is speculation that the National Enquirer was paying for the medical files, the indictment does not specify which media outlet allegedly issued the payments to Jackson's husband. The indictment also does not reveal which celebrity medical files were allegedly sold to the media although The Times has reported that Jackson allegedly reviewed the medical records of 33 celebrities including Farrah Fawcett and Maria Shriver. Jackson could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the felony charge of illegally obtaining individually identifiable health information for commercial advantage. She denies selling the medical files but admitted in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that she viewed the medical records out of curiosity.
Star of "CSI" Star Arrested for Heroin, Cocaine and Ecstasy
Gary Dourdan, star of "CSI," was arrested in Palm Springs on April 28, 2008 on suspicion of possession of several illegal drugs. Dourdan reportedly had heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and prescription drugs in his car when police approached the car he was sleeping in at around 5 a.m. MSNBC reported that Dourdan's vehicle was parked on the wrong side of the road and the interior light was on when police noticed a person sleeping behind the wheel. Police say that Dourdan was disoriented and possibly under the influence of drugs when he was disturbed and the drugs and drug paraphernalia were then found in his car. Dourdan was then arrested and booked at the Palm Springs jail on possession of narcotics and possession of dangerous drugs. He was released after he posted $5,000 bail.
Vanilla Ice Cool with Wife
According to TMZ.com, the domestic battery charges against Robert Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, have been dropped. He was arrested on April 10, 2008 after allegedly hitting and kicking his wife. Mrs. Ice recanted her story and since there were no independent witnesses in the case, the battery charges were completely dropped. The no contact order has also been dropped so that Ice can return to his home and have contact with his wife and children as long as he keeps it cool.
Scott Weiland Sentenced to Eight Days in Jail
Former Velvet Revolver singer Scott Weiland was sentenced to spend 192 hours in jail for his second DUI arrest in November. Weiland will have until May 28 to do the time. A lawyer for Weiland entered a no contest plea to the DUI charge in court on April 28, 2008. People.com reported that Weiland will be required to complete an 18-month alcohol program and will pay approximately $2,000 in fines. He will also be on probation for the next four years.
Angie Everhart Arrested for DUI
Model Angie Everheart was recently arrested for DUI and held on $15,000 bail. The New York Daily News reported that Everheart posted bail and will return to court to face the music on May 15, 2008.
Amy Winehouse Arrested for Assault
In the early morning hours of April 23, 2008, Amy Winehouse was arrested in London after she reportedly head-butted someone who offered to get her a cab, according to a report by People.com. The alleged assault happened outside of a bar where Winehouse had been spending time that evening. Winehouse was released without being formally charged but given a formal caution, which means that the incident will appear on her record and could be brought up in court if any further incidents happen in the future.
Wesley Snipes Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
On April 24, 2008, actor Wesley Snipes was sentenced by a federal judge to three years in prison. MSNBC reported that Snipes did everything he could to attempt to convince the judge that he should not do jail time, including paying $5 million in taxes that he owed, having celebrity friends write letters of support for him and pointing out that he had a clean criminal record. However, Snipes' efforts did not pay off as the judge apparently decided to make an example of him and sentenced the actor to the maximum of three years in prison. Snipes was convicted of a misdemeanor charge for not filing his taxes in February. He had faced much more serious charges, but was acquitted of all but the misdemeanor. Lawyers for Snipes have vowed to appeal the sentence.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for April 24, 2008
Richie Sambora Pleads No Contest to DUI
Richie Sambora was charged with two counts of DUI in connection with a traffic stop on March 25. TMZ reported that Sambora was driving with a blood alcohol content of .13 percent with two children in the car. The police wanted to also add charges of child endangerment, but prosecutors declined. On April 22, Sambora was officially charged and pleaded no contest to one charge of driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. The other DUI charge was dropped as a condition of his plea deal. Sambora will be placed on three years of informal probation during which time he will not be allowed to drink, and will have to attend an alcohol education course and pay about $1,600 in fines and penalties.
Olympic Medalist Pasha Grishuk Slipped GHB
A spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department has said that former Olympic ice dancer Pasha Grishuk was drugged with the common date rape drug GHB during a business meeting at an Orange County hotel. Grishuk began feeling sick and numb on April 12 at the St. Regis Monarch Beach. She had found a dissolved pill in the bottom of the drink she had at dinner and another one in the bottom of a drink she had ordered in the hotel's lounge. Toxicology reports released on April 22 showed that the substance in Grishuk's drink was GHB, but it is not known who drugged her or why, according to the Mercury News.
Country Singer Accused of Assault
The Houston Chronicle reported that country singer Miranda Lambert, who appeared on the television show "Nashville Star" in 2003, is accused of assaulting a woman at a club in Tyler, Texas. The woman apparently wanted to get a picture of her friend with Lambert so she approached her. Lambert was apparently offended and then cursed and repeatedly shoved the woman into a bar stool. No one was injured in the incident and Lambert has not yet been charged. Police say that they are conducting an investigation and Lambert could face a Class C misdemeanor charge, which is the equivalent of a traffic citation.
Sandra Bullock's Car Hit by Drunken Granny
On April 18, Sandra Bullock and her husband, Jesse James, were on the road in Gloucester, Massachusetts when they were hit by a drunk driver. The Boston Globe reported that Bullock and James were being driven to their hotel when a 64-year-old woman in a Subaru station wagon crossed the center line and hit the front of their car. Lucille Gatchell was arrested for DUI and also charged with failure to stay in a marked lane. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and says that she only had two glasses of wine before driving, although her blood alcohol content was reportedly .20 percent. No one was injured in the accident.
CNN Travel Reporter Tied Up in Meth Scandal
Something a bit strange was going on in Central Park in the early morning hours of April 18. CNN International's business travel specialist, Richard Quest, was found wandering around, reportedly with a sex toy in his shoe and a rope around his neck that was also tied to his genitals. As police were leading Quest out of the park because he was there after curfew, he volunteered that he had drugs in his pocket. TMZ reported that Quest was then searched and the cops found a small amount of methamphetamine in a Ziploc bag. He was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and with being in Central Park after closing time. Quest was arraigned in Manhattan's Criminal Court and received some good news from Judge Anthony Ferrara. Ferrara told Quest that if he attends counseling and therapy for the next six months, the charges against him will be dismissed, but if not he would likely spend some time in jail. The reporter's future with CNN is uncertain.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for April 17, 2008
Vanilla Ice Loses His Cool
Robert Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice, was arrested on April 10 and charged with domestic battery after a spat with Mrs. Ice, Laura Van Winkle. TMZ reported that Vanilla Ice allegedly pushed his wife during an argument and she called the cops. The former rapper was taken to Palm Beach County Jail where he spent the night. On April 11th, he was in court, where Judge Nancy Perez ordered him to stay away from his wife. For now he is only allowed to have phone contact with the Mrs. and may have contact with his children through one of his friends. He was allowed to go to the residence with a police escort to pick up his belongings.
Dr. Phil Embarrasses Himself Again
When the news broke this week about six teenage girls in Florida who mercilessly beat a girl and filmed it to post on MySpace, someone from the Dr. Phil show had a bright idea and sent a producer and a production assistant down to Florida to bail the ringleader of the gang of girls out of jail. Fox News reported that Dr. Phil had planned to do a show on teen violence featuring Mercades Nichols, but has since realized that there is a gag order in the case and the show can not go on. The Dr. Phil show took some heat for bailing the girl out of jail and quickly issued a statement saying that the producer acting on behalf of the show had overstepped the guidelines by posting $3,300 bail for Nichols.
Mischa Barton Pleads Out
On April 10, Mischa Barton appeared in a Beverly Hills court and pleaded no contest to DUI. Barton's DUI lawyers had negotiated a plea deal for her. In exchange for Barton's guilty plea to the DUI charge, the marijuana charge against her was dropped and the driving without a license charge was reduced. TV Guide reported that under the plea agreement Barton was sentenced to three years probation, paid almost $2,000 in fines and will have to complete a three-month alcohol education class by September 17th.
Paris' Brother Pleads No Contest
People Magazine has reported that Paris Hilton's little brother Baron Hilton has pleaded no contest to DUI. He was sentenced to three years probation and has lost his license for one year. He will also have to visit the L.A. County Morgue as part of his punishment. The young Mr. Hilton was arrested in February after a bizarre early morning incident during which he reportedly rammed a gas station employee with his car and produced a fake ID when questioned by the cops.
Pete Doherty Returned To Jail
British musician Pete Doherty has been put in jail where he will stay for 14 weeks because he has violated a probation order. Doherty is the frontman for Babyshambles and is often linked to Kate Moss. He appeared in a London court on April 8 and the judge decided to send him to jail. Babyshambles was to perform a sold-out show on April 26. NME reported that the singer was jailed because he had been using heroin while also receiving methadone treatments.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for April 8, 2008
Nickelback Singer Guilty of DUI
Canadian police pulled Nickelback frontman Chad Kroger over for speeding in his red Lamborghini Diablo on June 22, 2006. When the Surrey, British Columbia police officer smelled alcohol on Kroger's breath, he was arrested for speeding and suspicion of DUI. Kroger's DUI lawyers had argued that the police had illegally obtained breath samples during the arrest, but a judge dismissed those claims according to a report by Starpulse. This week Kroger skipped his court date and was found guilty of DUI in his absence. He will be required to appear in court on May 1 for sentencing.
Chris Henry's Arrest the Last Straw for Bengals
Chris Henry, 24, was cut from the Cincinnati Bengals NFL team this week after being arrested for the 5th time since December 2005. The former wide receiver had been suspended for half of the last season by the NFL due to being arrested four times in 14 months. Henry reportedly turned himself in to police on April 2 for misdemeanor assault and criminal damaging charges after an 18-year-old man accused him of punching him in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle. USA Today reported that Henry spent an extra night in jail after posting a $51,000 bond because he had to wait for someone to come to the jail to fit him with an ankle monitoring device. Henry has previously been arrested for incidents involving alcohol, guns and drugs.
Another Crazy Naomi Campbell Arrest
Naomi Campbell was booted off of a British Airlines flight at Heathrow Airport on April 3 and arrested for spitting on a police officer. Campbell was on a flight to Los Angeles before takeoff when she claimed that one of her three carry-on bags was missing. She reportedly threw a fit and would not calm down when the officer attempted to speak with her. Since Campbell was in such a rage, the officer determined that she was unfit to fly and took her off of the plane. CNN reported that she was arrested and taken to the Heathrow police station and later released on bail and ordered to return in May. This was not the first episode in which uncontrolled anger issues have gotten the supermodel in trouble. Her most notable legal troubles include a court appearance in Toronto in 2000 where Campbell pleaded guilty to beating an assistant who displeased her during the shooting of a film in 1998. Because she showed remorse for that incident, she was released without a criminal record or punishment in that case. Then in January 2007, Campbell pleaded guilty to reckless assault on her maid with a mobile phone. She was sentenced to five days of community service and ordered to attend an anger management course and pay the woman's medical bills.
Anne Hathaway's Boyfriend Busted for Bad Check
Raffaelo Follieri, the Italian businessman who is also actress Anne Hathaway's longtime boyfriend, turned himself in to police and was arrested on April 3 by the NYPD for allegedly bouncing a check for $215,000. The check was reportedly written in September and ABC News reported that the complainant had tried to cash the check several times before filing the criminal complaint on March 24. Follieri was issued a desk appearance ticket for a Class B misdemeanor.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for April 3, 2008
Sean Levert's Dies While Serving Jail Sentence
Singer Sean Levert, member of the 80s R&B trio "LeVert," died on March 30 while serving a jail term. Levert was the son of the lead singer of the O'Jays, Eddie Levert. The New York Times reported that Levert had been recently sentenced to one year and 10 months in jail for failing to pay $89,025 in child support. An autopsy did not immediately reveal the cause of death, however; no foul play is suspected in the case. The family has reportedly asked the FBI to investigate.
Kenyatta Jones Makes A Bad Move on the Dance Floor
Former Redskins and Patriots football player, Kenyatta Jones was arrested in a club in Tampa, Florida after he reportedly attempted to urinate on the dance floor. The United Press International reported that Jones, who now plays for the Tampa Bay Storm, was asked to leave The Blue Martini dance club after he tried to relive himself. He was escorted out of the club but wound up shoving a police officer against a door as he tried to push his way back in. A second officer shot Jones with a Taser gun, and he was then taken to jail. Jones is charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and trespassing. He was released from jail on $4,500 bail.
Rapper Beanie Sigel Back in the Joint
Rap artist Beanie Siegel has been put back in jail because he gave his probation officer a fake urine sample after testing positive five times in March for Xanax and Percocet. Siegel had been serving a six-month term in a halfway house because he violated the terms of a previous supervised release. TMZ.com reported that this was just the latest in Siegel's history of trouble with the law. In 2004, he was sentenced to a year behind bars for weapons and drug charges, and in 2005 he was charged with but acquitted of attempted murder.
Ex-NBA Star in Trouble Again
Former pro basketball player Isaiah Rider was arrested on March 28 for grand theft auto. Rider formerly played for the Lakers and the Timberwolves. Sports Illustrated reports that Rider was driving a 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo when he failed to stop at the limit line at an intersection. Police noticed, ran the tag on the car and discovered that it had been reported as stolen. Rider was arrested and released on $25,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 23 to answer the charges against him.
Rikki Rockett Arrested for Rape
Rikki Rockett, aka Richard Allan Ream, the drummer of the 80s band Poison, was arrested on March 24 at LAX as he got off a plane from New Zealand. An arrest warrant for rape had been issued for the 46-year-old drummer in Mississippi. Ream was arrested by the Airport Division of the LAPD as he was going through customs and was taken to the L.A. County Jail. He was booked on a felony fugitive sexual assault warrant that stemmed from an incident on September 23, 2007 at a casino. Ream is accused of raping a female guest of the Silver Star Hotel & Casino where he was also staying at the time. According to The Huffington Post, Ream was released from jail the day after his arrest because Mississippi declined to extradite him.
Remy Ma Faces Jail Time
On March 27, Rapper Remy Ma was found guilty of two counts of first-degree assault, attempted coercion and criminal possession of a weapon. The charges stem from an incident outside a Manhattan nightclub in July 2007 during which Remy shot a friend of hers during a fight. E! Online reported that the defense team tried to argue that the shooting was an accident, but the prosecution was able to convince the jury that Remy deliberately shot the woman after $3,000 was stolen from her purse. She will be sentenced on April 23 and faces up to 25 years in prison.
Richie Sambora Arrested for DUI
Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora was pulled over by police in Laguna Beach, California on March 25 after being seen driving erratically. TMZ reported that Sambora failed field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. At the police station, Sambora reportedly submitted to a blood test rather than take a breath test. Ava, Sambora's 10-year-old daughter with Heather Locklear, was in the car at the time of his arrest.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for March 27, 2008
Nate Dogg Pleads Guilty to Trespass and Battery Charges
Former Death Row recording artist Nate Dogg pleaded guilty to aggravated trespassing and battery on March 20 in Orange County, California. The charges against Nate Dogg, whose real name is Nathaniel Hale, stemmed from a domestic violence complaint filed against him in 2006 when he broke into the home where his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend lived with her mother. Six Shot News reported that Dogg was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to complete a domestic violence/batterers treatment program as a result of his guilty plea. Additionally, he will not be allowed to own a firearm for 10 years.
Adam Sandler's Pal Arrested
Actor Allen Covert, who is best known for co-starring in many movies with Adam Sandler, was arrested by the LAPD on the set of a movie he is currently filming with Sandler. Covert is accused of battery and was taken to the Wilshire Division police station but was released without being booked. Trans World News reports that Covert approached a photographer, spat on him and attempted to knock the camera out of his hand. Covert had believed that the pap was trying to film his child. Guy Pearce, Courteney Cox-Arquette and Adam Sandler reportedly witnessed the altercation.
Mickey Rourke Pleads Guilty To Reckless Driving
Mickey Rourke pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of reckless driving to settle the charge that he was drunk driving on his Vespa scooter in November. The Palm Beach Post reported that Rourke was sentenced to six months probation, ordered to pay $1,178.75 in fines and perform 50 hours of community service. Rourke has opted to pay $10 per hour for the 50 hours of community service so that he won't have to serve. He will also have to complete an online driving course. After his sentencing, Rourke commented that the officer who arrested him isn't liked by his colleagues and is too fat to be a cop.
Rapper Paperboy Facing Drug Charges, Again
One-time Grammy nominated rapper Paperboy is facing drug charges for the second time. Paperboy, whose real name is Mitchell Charles Johnson, was arrested in Merced, California after police found a small amount of marijuana and prescription drugs that were not his in his car during a traffic stop. The Fresno Bee reports that Paperboy was pulled over for driving with a broken brake light. When the officer smelled marijuana, the car was searched. Paperboy was arrested and booked into the Merced County Main Jail on misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession and transportation, illegal possession of prescription medication and driving on a suspended license. He posted $10,000 bail and was released. Paperboy was also arrested last year on June 13 when he was stopped by Merced police and was in possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. In October he pleaded no contest to one felony count of possession for sale of marijuana and was put on three years of felony probation, so this most recent arrest could have serious consequences.
Husband of Corinne Bailey Rae Found Dead
Jason Rae, the husband of British soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae, was found dead in an apartment in Leeds, England on March 22, apparently from a drug overdose. People Magazine reports that police arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the death and charged him with supplying controlled substances. The man was later released on bail. Police are awaiting toxicology reports to aid in the investigation. Jason Rae and Corinne Bailey Rae were married in 2001. Jason Rae was a saxophonist with the Haggis Horns and Corinne Bailey Rae is best known for her hit song "Put Your Records On."
Celebrity Arrest Updates for March 20, 2008
Billie Jean’s Not My Wife - Just A Trespasser
There was a strange situation at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch on March 10. Michael was not there, but a woman named Billie Jean Jackson was and she claimed that she was Jackson's wife. CNN reported that sheriff's deputies in Santa Barbara County were dispatched to the Neverland Ranch after security officers there had detained Ms. Jackson. She was arrested and taken to the Santa Barbara County Jail.
Chris Rock Exposed
During the criminal trial of disgraced Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano this week, a tape of a telephone call between Chris Rock and Pellicano was entered into evidence. On the tape, Rock talks about a one-night stand he had with Monica Zsibrita in 1998 and provides lots of very personal details. The Huffington Post reports that Rock had contacted Pellicano in order to get information about Zsibrita who had claimed to be pregnant and then accused Rock of raping her. Rock was never charged with rape and the child in question was proven not to be his. Pellicano is currently on trial for bribery, conspiracy and other charges.
"The Punisher" Star Charged sith DUI
Thomas Jane was arrested on March 17 for DUI according to the Austin American-Statesman. California Highway Patrol officers pulled over the star of "The Punisher" in Kern County, California early in the morning. The police say that Jane, whose real name is Thomas Elliot, was driving a late-model Maserati at a high rate of speed when he was stopped. He reportedly failed field sobriety tests and a Breathalyzer test. Police say that Jane was also driving with a suspended license. He will be in court for his arraignment on April 9th.
All Grown Up, But Crying Like A Little Girl
Danielle Fishel, the actress who played Topanga on "Boy Meets World," reportedly had a breakdown in front of the judge when she appeared in court on March 18. Fishel was in court because she failed to appear for a hearing in her DUI case and a warrant had been issued for her arrest. TMZ reports that when she was pulled over last December cops found out about the outstanding warrant and arrested her. She reportedly sobbed uncontrollably in front of the judge and her probation was reinstated. The judge warned Fishel to be on her best behavior because if she violates her probation again she will be sentenced to 25 days behind bars.
Busta Rhymes Gets Probation
A NYC judge sentenced Busta Rhymes to three years of probation on March 18 for assaulting a fan and his former driver last year. The judge also told Rhymes to keep his nose clean because if he violates probation he'll be put in jail. Newsday reports that Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, was also ordered to perform 10 days of community service. He was fined $1,250 plus court costs and will be required to enroll in an alcohol education program to settle the charges of DUI and driving on a suspended license.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for March 17, 2008
Bai Ling Cops A Plea
Actress Bai Ling has settled the theft charges against her by pleading guilty on March 5 to disturbing the peace. People Magazine reports that Ling was ordered to pay fines and penalties totaling more than $700. She was arrested last month at LAX after she allegedly took two Star magazines and a pack of batteries worth $16.22 from a gift shop. Ling insists that the whole incident was a misunderstanding and that she never meant to take the items without paying for them.
O.J. Trial Postponed
At the request of O.J. Simpson's lawyers, his trial for charges of armed robbery and kidnapping has been postponed until September. MSNBC reports that Simpson's lawyers had asked that the judge dismiss some of the charges against him, but that request was denied. District Court Judge Jackie Glass has not made a decision about whether or not O.J. and his co-defendants will stand trial together or separately.
Former Miss Nevada Appears in Court
TMZ reports that the former Miss Nevada, Katie Rees, appeared in court on March 7 to face six misdemeanor charges stemming from her arrest on February 6. The court decided that Rees would remain free without bail until she goes on trial on April 9. She faces charges of speeding, driving with a suspended license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended license plates, failure to produce proof of insurance, and resisting a police officer. The lawyer who represents Rees says that Rees suffered a chipped tooth when police officers pushed her against her car during her arrest, and that she was a victim of police brutality.
Courtney Love Says Her Identity Has Been Stolen
Multiple news outlets reported over the weekend that Courtney Love went to the Los Angeles Police Department to report massive identity theft affecting credit reports of both she and her late husband Kurt Cobain. The Post Chronicle reports that Love claims that identity thieves have opened 188 credit cards, stolen checks and purchased cars using her Social Security number. Love also has told police that a $3.5 million home in New Jersey was purchased last year using the credit information of Kurt Cobain. Four years ago, Love reported that an estimated $69 million had been embezzled from she and Kurt Cobain and their daughter's trust account. She says that no one has believed that she was a victim of fraud until now, and even now some news outlets doubt her claims. She has hired a forensic financial investigation firm to look into the matter for her.
"Mary Ann" Caught with Pot
Dawn Wells, the actress who played Mary Ann on "Gilligan's Island," pleaded guilty on February 29 to one count of reckless driving and was sentenced to five days in jail and six month's unsupervised probation. Philly.com reports that the actress paid a $410.50 fine and under her plea agreement had three misdemeanor counts against her dropped. Wells had been charged with driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested on October 18 as she was driving home from a surprise birthday party that was thrown for her. Two half-smoked joints were found in Wells' vehicle, but she said that she had picked up some hitchhikers and dropped them off when they began smoking.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for March 6, 2008
Steve-O Arrested
Steve-O of MTV's "Jackass" fame was arrested and taken to jail after his neighbor called police. Steve-O was reportedly bashing holes in the walls of his apartment when his neighbor made a citizen's arrest and held onto him until the cops got there. E! Online reported that Steve-O was booked on March 3 for vandalism, drug charges and for having an outstanding traffic warrant. He was apparently trying to urge his neighbor to move.
The Game Begins Serving Jail Sentence
NME reports that rapper The Game reported to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility on March 3 to begin serving a 60-day jail sentence. Last month he pleaded no contest to a felony charge of possession of a firearm in a school zone and was sentenced to 60 days behind bars, 150 hours of community service and three years probation. The charge against him stemmed from an incident in February 2007 during which The Game reportedly got into an argument with another person during a pick-up basketball game at a school and then pulled a gun out of his vehicle and threatened to shoot.
Daughter of Rapper Juvenile Murdered
Rapper Juvenile is mourning the murder of his four-year-old daughter, Jelani, who was murdered by her 17-year-old brother on February 27, 2008 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Police arrested Anthony Tyrone Terrell Jr. for allegedly murdering his mother, Joy Deleston, who worked as a sheriff's deputy and her two daughters, Micaiah and Jelani. Yahoo News reports that Terrell is charged with three counts of murder and three counts of aggravated assault for gunning down his family.
Heath Ledger's Doctors Cleared by Feds
Federal agents investigated doctors in Los Angeles and Houston who reportedly prescribed medication to Heath Ledger. According to the New York Post, the DEA questioned the doctors about the Oxycontin and Vicodin that was found in Ledger's system at the time of his death. It was discovered that these doctors had prescribed medication to Ledger, but they had not prescribed Oxycontin or Vicodin to him.
Driver in Hogan Crash Denies Racing
Daniel Jacobs was driving a silver Dodge Viper owned by Hulk Hogan on August 26 last year when a crash happened that left John Graziano in a coma with permanent brain damage. Witnesses said that Jacobs was racing Hulk Hogan's son, Nick, when the wreck happened. TMZ reports that Jacobs made a court appearance on February 28, 2008 and admitted to driving the car in question, but denied that he and Nick were racing when the accident happened. He was sentenced to 90 days probation and 25 days of community service, lost his license for 90 days and will pay a $500 fine. Nick will appear in court on April 14.
Judge Says Ja Rule Shouldn't Have Posted Bail For Co-Defendants
Rapper Ja Rule, aka Jeffrey Atkins, appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court on February 27, 2008 for a hearing on the concealed weapons charges against him from last July. The judge in the case noted that Ja Rule secured bail with his $3.5 million home for himself and two co-defendants and she had concerns. The Boston Globe reports that New York Supreme Court Justice Micki Scherer said that by arranging the bail of his co-defendants, Ja Rule put himself in a position to control the outcome of the case and she's not having it. She ordered the co-defendant's to arrange their own bail packages without the help of Ja Rule.
DUI for MLB Player
The Irvine Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for St. Louis Cardinals baseball player Scott Spiezio. CBS News reports that Spiezio is wanted on six charges including DUI, hit and run with property damage, aggravated assault, battery and assault. The warrant stems from an incident last December in which Spiezio allegedly left a bar after drinking and crashed into a curb and a fence. A neighbor reported to police that on the same night, Spiezio came to his home, vomited on the floor and assaulted him. Spiezio reportedly received treatment for substance abuse last year.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for February 28, 2008
Alycia Lane Gets off Scott Free - Almost
Former newscaster Alycia Lane was arrested in December for allegedly punching a police officer. She appeared in court on February 25 and the felony assault charge was reduced to a charge of obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor, and a harassment charge, The New York Times reports. Prosecutors in the case agreed to drop the charges against Lane if she can manage to keep her nose clean for six months and completes one day of community service. The district attorney's office released a statement saying that the scratches that Lane put on the officers face did not rise to the legal definition of physical injury, and that was the reason that the felony charge against her was not pursued. Since the incident, Lane has been fired by KYW-TV in Philadelphia.
You Know What They Say about Karma...
Tucker, the son of Dog the Bounty Hunter, has been jailed for violating multiple terms of his parole. Tucker is best known as the son who sold the now infamous tape of Dog's racist rant to the National Enquirer. TMZ reports that two weeks after the tape surfaced, Dog found out that Tucker was using drugs and made threats to tell his parole officer. Shortly thereafter, the tape was heard around the world. Tucker was then ordered by his parole officer to check into rehab, which he did, but then walked away from it. So last week, the parole officer did a surprise home visit and was not pleased. Tucker's parole was revoked and he was then picked up by the police and taken to the Oahu Correction Facility. He has allegedly violated the conditions of his parole by failing a drug screening, associating with known felons and leaving rehab without completing treatment.
Ne-Yo Popped for Reckless Driving
E! News reports that R&B singer Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Smith, was arrested in Cobb County, Georgia on February 19 after cops clocked him driving over 100 mph. Ne-Yo was driving a 2006 Range Rover when he was pulled over by the police and arrested for reckless driving. The singer also could not produce a valid driver's license, and was cited for that as well. He was released on $1,300 bond and will return to court on March 25 to answer the charges.
Aaron Carter Arrested for Drug Possession
Aaron Carter was arrested on February 21 in Kimble County, Texas after police reportedly found approximately two ounces of marijuana in his vehicle. Fox News reported that Carter was pulled over on I-10 after he was caught speeding, but the search of his vehicle is what really got him in hot water. After the pot was discovered, Carter was taken to jail overnight to wait for his arraignment the next morning. TMZ reported that Carter, 20, was driving alone at the time of his arrest but had two pit bull dogs with him. When he was released from jail the morning after his arrest, Carter had to go to the animal shelter and pay $70 to pick up the two dogs.
Bobby Brown May Face Drug Charges
Singer Bobby Brown was in court on February 19 in Brockton, Massachusetts to face possible drug charges, according to a report by WMUR9. The charges stem from Brown's arrest last year when he was found to be in possession of cocaine. Brown's defense attorney characterized the drugs in Brown's possession as "a very small amount of cocaine residue." The court did not make a decision as to whether or not to pursue drug charges against Brown. The clerk magistrate took the matter under advisement and will issue a ruling after 10 days.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for February 21, 2008
Criminal Investigation in Britney Spears Case
TMZ reports that there is a criminal investigation underway in the Britney Spears case. Spears is not accused of any crime, but is the alleged victim. The Major Crimes Division of the LAPD is investigating claims by the conservators that Sam Lufti may have drugged Spears in order to keep her under his control.
Charges Dropped against G-Unit's Yayo
Rapper Tony Yayo, whose real name is Marvin Bernard, appeared in court on Valentine's Day on the assault charges against him. Bernard had claimed that he was falsely accused, and it seems as though the person he was accused of assaulting backed up his story. As a result, as HipHopGame.com reported, all charges against Bernard were dropped.
Bai Ling's Five Finger Discount
Chinese movie star Bai Ling was arrested at LAX on February 13 after she was caught shoplifting $16 worth of merchandise from an airport gift shop. IMDB.com reports that the clerk at the shop reportedly put her under citizen’s arrest until the cops got there and took Ling to a police department and booked her for the theft.
Bad News for Farrah Fawcett
The son of Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal was arrested for DUI and drug possession on January 26. TMZ reports that Redmond O'Neal was pulled over by Los Angeles County Sheriffs because he was speeding, but during the stop police determined that he was intoxicated and was in possession of heroin and methamphetamine. O'Neal has a previous drug conviction from 2005 when he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and methamphetamine.
Another Arrest for Rapper Juvenile
Juvenile was busted in Meridian, Mississippi after police pulled him over for an expired tag and found that he had marijuana in the car. USA Today reports that Terius Gray, the rapper's real name, was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession. Gray is no stranger to the law. He has previously been arrested for various offenses although most of the charges against him have been dismissed. He pleaded guilty to felony battery in 2003 and was sentenced to 75 hours of community service in connection with an incident in which he reportedly bashed another man in the head with a champagne bottle.
Heidi Fleiss Arrested Again
Former Hollywood Madame Heidi Fleiss was arrested on the morning of February 7 in Pahrump, Nevada according to a Fox News report. Police were alerted about a possible drunk driver and when they pulled the car in question over, Fleiss was behind the wheel. According to Fox, Fleiss and her passenger John Owen were under the influence of a controlled substance and both were arrested. The police report indicates that prescription narcotics were found in the car, but Fleiss was unable to produce a valid prescription for the drugs. Fleiss was charged with driving under the influence and possession of dangerous drugs without a prescription. Owen was charged with possession of marijuana and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Both posted bail and were released.
Another Hilton DUI
Luckily, it wasn't Paris Hilton who was busted for DUI this time. It was Paris' younger and underage brother Barron Hilton who was arrested for DUI on the morning of February 12. Hollywood.com reports that 18-year-old Barron was pulled over by cops on Pacific Coast Highway at 8:30am and arrested for suspicion of drunk driving and possession of a fake ID. He was booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff's station. According to the report released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Hilton registered a blood alcohol content of .14 on a breath test.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for February 7, 2008
A Lesser Known Spears Arrested
Comedian Aries Spears performed at a Manhattan comedy club on the night of February 1 and ended up being arrested. The NYPD responded to a 911 call from the Comix Comedy Club in Manhattan shortly after midnight. A woman at the club claims that Spears fondled her. He was arrested, taken downtown and booked on a misdemeanor charge of forcible touching. Spears received a ticket and will have to appear in court to answer the charge. He was released on a personal recognizance bond.
Wesley Snipes Acquitted of Tax Fraud
On February 1, a jury in Florida acquitted Wesley Snipes of the most serious charges against him. Snipes was found not guilty of federal tax fraud and conspiracy charges, but was convicted on three misdemeanor charges of failing to file tax returns. Although he's not totally off the hook, he now faces up to three years in prison as opposed to the sixteen years he could have been looking at if he had been convicted of all charges. Snipes' co-defendants were convicted of the same charges that Snipes was acquitted of - tax fraud and conspiracy.
CBS Reporter Lesley Stahl Robbed
Approximately $100,000 worth of jewelry and electronics were stolen from CBS news reporter Lesley Stahl's apartment in New York on January 25. Police say that the robbery happened in broad daylight and Stahl was robbed by someone posing as a construction worker. The thief broke a patio door, gained access to the apartment and made a clean getaway with several diamond watches, a pearl necklace, earrings, gold and silver necklaces and a laptop computer.
Trial Date Set for Remy Ma
Rapper Remy Ma appeared in a Manhattan Criminal Court on January 31 and the judge finally set a trial date for her assault and witness-tampering case. Remy Ma was arrested back in July 2007 for allegedly shooting a "friend." The trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on February 25.
Britney Spears' Psychiatrist Calls the Police
While the call was not in connection with any criminal behavior, Britney Spears' new psychiatrist called the North Hollywood division of the LAPD on January 31 to get the ball rolling so that Spears cold be taken to the UCLA Medical Center on a 5150 psychiatric hold. Spears' doctor told police that she had grave concerns about Britney's driving and erratic behavior. Police and EMS arrived at Spears' home, where she was transported by ambulance to the UCLA Medical Center where she has been since.
Freelance Reporter Removed from Brad Pitt's Home
On January 30, a man who claimed to be a freelance reporter was arrested for trespassing at Brad Pitt's Hollywood home. The "reporter" was noticed blocking the driveway with his car and was reportedly asking which house belonged to Brad Pitt. The police were called, and the man was arrested.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for February 1, 2008
Mexico Closes Case on Dog
Case closed! Duane "Dog" Chapman is finally and officially a free man. A Mexican appellate court judge has ruled that Dog Chapman, his son Leland and his brother Tim won't be sent back to Mexico to face charges that stemmed from their capture of Andrew Luster, the Max Factor heir. Luster is now serving a 124-year prison sentence in the U.S. He had fled to Mexico during his trial for rape and sexual assault. Chapman and his gang went down to Mexico to apprehend Luster but were arrested while they were there because bounty hunting is against the law in Mexico.
Gladiator Busted for Drug Paraphernalia
One of the original American Gladiators, Lace, was arrested on January 24th in Los Angeles after police found drug paraphernalia on her. Marisa Pare, who went by the stage name "Lace" on the original American Gladiators show from 1989 to 1992, was taken to Van Nuys jail and booked for possession of narcotic paraphernalia. She was later released on $250 bail.
"Moment of Truth" to Question Drew Peterson?
Well, he's hardly a celebrity, but Drew Peterson sure loves the cameras. Peterson is the main suspect in his wife Stacy Peterson's disappearance, and although already widely convicted in the court of public opinion, he has not been charged with a crime. Stacy Peterson disappeared in October and is presumed dead. She was Drew Peterson's fourth wife. His third wife died under suspicious circumstances and her body has been exhumed for forensic examination. Meanwhile, Drew Peterson has been hamming it up in front of news cameras and indicated that he's ready to start dating again. Any takers?
Peterson's lawyer has contacted the television show "Moment of Truth" to suggest that Drew Peterson would like to come on the show to take a lie-detector test. Stacy Peterson's family has reportedly been trying to get Drew to take a polygraph test, without any luck, most likely because they did not offer to bring cameras. Drew still insists that Stacy left him for another man and denies any involvement in her disappearance or his third wife's death.
Foxy Brown Staying Put in NY Jail
Foxy Brown, who is currently serving a year in a New York jail for violating probation, had wanted to travel to California to have her hearing checked but the judge told her loud and clear that she is going nowhere. Judge Melissa Jackson denied Brown's motion and called it "desperate and frivolous." Foxy Brown will have to get permission from the Department of Health and the Department of Corrections to have her hearing evaluated and get treatment in New York.
No More Dead Beetles for Garrison Keillor
Radio host Garrison Keillor has dropped a restraining order that he had obtained against a fan who would visit him and send him gifts such as dead beetles and an alligator foot. The woman, Andrea Campbell, agreed to back off, and Keillor agreed to drop the restraining order against her.
No Witnesses for Wesley Snipes
Attorneys for Wesley Snipes did not put on much of a defense in court against the federal tax charges leveled against the actor. In a Florida federal court this week, attorneys for Snipes called no witnesses before they rested their case. One of Snipes' attorneys, Daniel Meachum, stated that he believes the government had fallen short on meeting the burden of proof in the case, and therefore there was no reason for them to call witnesses on Snipes' behalf. Snipes and two co-defendants are on trial for allegedly failing to file federal tax returns for Snipes in 2000, for attempting to collect $11 million in tax refunds that were not owed to him, and writing bad checks to the U.S. Treasury. Snipes' attorneys say that he was the victim of his accountants and truly believed that he did not owe taxes. That's why they were not paid. Legal analysts say that if convicted, Snipes could go to jail for several years. Both sides have now rested their cases.
Lil' Wayne Arrested n Drug Charges
Rapper Lil' Wayne, aka Dwayne Carter Jr., was arrested on drug charges near Yuma, Arizona. He was charged with felony counts including possession of marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was involved in the arrest when Lil' Wayne's tour bus went through a US Border Patrol checkpoint. Carter and two other people were arrested after cops reportedly found 105 grams of marijuana, 29 grams of cocaine and 41 grams of ecstasy pills on the tour bus. There was also reportedly $22,000 in cash and a 40-caliber pistol found on the bus. Bond for the rapper was set at $10,000. No stranger to the law, Carter was also arrested last year on felony drug charges.
No Jail Time for Busta Rhymes
After dragging things out for as long as possible, Busta Rhymes finally settled all four charges against him by pleading guilty. The charges against him included two assault charges, driving under suspension and a DUI. The assault charges stemmed from incidents last year, and the judge ordered three years of concurrent probation for those charges. On the DUI charge, Busta Rhymes will shell out $750 for a fine and enroll in an alcohol education program. For driving under suspension, Busta will surrender his driver's license for six months. If Busta violates his probation, he will go to jail for a year. An order of protection was issued for the assault victims, so he will also have to mind his manners to stay out of trouble - and jail.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for January 24, 2008
L.A. Sheriff Tells Paps to Watch It
The L.A. County Sheriff's Department has declared open season on the paparazzi. Because of a flood of recent complaints by residents and business owners in West Hollywood, the sheriff's department has issued a warning to the paparazzi that the laws will be strictly enforced. They are hoping to cut down on all of the speeding, reckless driving and the general madness that ensues when the paps are chasing down celebrities in the area.
Kiefer Sutherland Sprung from Jail
By all accounts, Kiefer Sutherland was a model inmate at the Glendale California City Jail, but now he gets a chance to be a model citizen on the outside. Sutherland was released from jail on January 21st after serving time for his most recent DUI arrest. He served exactly 48 days behind bars.
OJ Simpson's Bail Doubled
The judge at OJ Simpson's bail revocation hearing had some choice words for him before ordering that his bail be doubled and that 15 percent of it be paid in cash before he was released. Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass scolded Simpson in open court, saying that she didn't know if he was arrogant, ignorant, or both. Simpson had not paid his $125,000 bail, so Glass ordered that his bail be doubled to $250,000 and that he pony up some cash before getting out of jail again. Glass told Simpson in no uncertain terms that if he violates the terms of his bail again, he will be in jail until his trial starts on April 7th.
Restraining Order against Randy Moss
No criminal charges have been filed against Randy Moss, but Rachelle Washington has been to court and obtained a restraining order against the NFL star. Washington alleges that Moss committed battery against her, causing serious injury and then refused to allow her to get medical attention for her injuries. Moss denies the allegations and is preparing with his team, the New England Patriots, for Super Bowl XLII on February 3rd against the New York Giants.
Brian Transeau's Child Found
Musician Brian Transeau's three-year-old daughter was missing for about a month and was finally found on January 15th. The little girl was abducted from Transeau's hotel room in Maryland by her mother, Ashley Duffy. Duffy had been there to visit the child, but decided to take off with her rather than leave her with Transeau, who has custody. Duffy was arrested for "out-of-state child abduction from the lawful custodian" and "out-of-state child detention from the lawful custodian"and taken to Lynwood Jail.
Gary Collins Does His Time
Gary Collins turned himself in at the Glendale, California City Jail on January 14th. He elected to pay $75 per day to do his time at Glendale, rather than do his time at the L.A. County jail. He spent 96 hours behind bars in connection with his DUI accident, which caused an elderly man's death. While Collins was technically not at fault in the accident, he was charged, and pleaded no contest to DUI.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for January 17, 2008
"Pulp Fiction" Co-Writer Behind Bars
Roger Avary, who co-wrote "Pulp Fiction" with Quentin Tarantino, was arrested on January 13th on suspicion of manslaughter and felony DUI. Avary was driving in Ojai, California when he crashed his car. His wife was injured and his other passenger, Andreas Zini, was killed in the wreck. Avary was released from jail on $50,000 bail.
OJ Simpson Back In Jail
OJ Simpson was flown with his bail bondsman from Florida back to Nevada to be jailed after his bail was revoked on January 11. OJ reportedly violated the terms of his bail when he left a message with his bail bondsman in an alleged attempt to get a message to one of his co-defendants. OJ had been ordered not to have any contact with his co-defendants in the sports memorabilia hotel armed robbery case. OJ will be back in court on January 16th for his bail revocation hearing.
Marion Jones Sentenced
Disgraced Olympic champion Marion Jones was sentenced to six months in prison on January 11th for lying to federal investigators during a steroids investigation and taking part in a check fraud scheme. Although Jones reportedly begged the judge to not separate her from her children, he was unsympathetic and ordered her to do the time although the prosecution had not necessarily pushed for a jail sentence.
Michelle Rodriguez Released
"Lost" star Michelle Rodriguez found her way out of jail on January 9th after serving only 18 days behind bars for violating her DUI probation. The judge had ordered Rodriguez to serve 180 days in jail and had specified that she would not be eligible for early release. The judge was reportedly not pleased about the Sheriff's plans to release Rodriguez early, but said that it was ultimately up to the Sheriff to run the jail. Apparently the Sheriff felt that it was important to treat Rodriguez like any other inmate, and therefore she was released after serving 10 percent of her time because the jail is overcrowded.
Big Win in Court
Matt Roloff, star of the reality show "Little People, Big World," had his day in court on January 9th for a DUI charge. Roloff waived his right to a jury trial and had the case decided by the judge. The judge heard the case and found Roloff not guilty of DUI. His DUI lawyer had argued that he was just a little tired when cops saw him swerve last June.
Kid Rock Waffle Pop Case Postponed
Kid Rock was scheduled to be arraigned in Dekalb County, Georgia on January 7th, but the case was postponed. This case is in connection with an arrest for misdemeanor battery at a Waffle House restaurant last October. The arraignment was rescheduled for February 4th; however, the Dekalb County Solicitors say the case may not go forward without more evidence.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for December 31, 2007
Jim Leyritz's Deadly DUI
Ex-New York Yankees team member Jim Leyritz was involved in a car crash that left one woman dead after celebrating his 44th birthday on December 28, 2007. He was arrested and charged with two counts of DUI and vehicular manslaughter after the accident. Police say that Leyritz was driving a Ford SUV in Fort Lauderdale, Florida when he blew through a red light and slammed into another vehicle. A 30-year-old mother of three was thrown from her car during the accident and later died at the hospital. Reportedly, Leyritz initially refused to take a breath test. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
De Mornay Charged with DUI
On December 27, 2007, actress Rebecca De Mornay was officially charged with two counts of DUI by the Los Angeles District Attorney's office. De Mornay was arrested for DUI on October 30 after being pulled over by police on Sunset Boulevard and reportedly failing field sobriety tests. The police reports indicate that De Mornay's blood alcohol content was .09 percent. Her arraignment was scheduled for December 31, 2007.
Another Starlet DUI - This Time It's Mischa Barton
Former "O.C." actress Mischa Barton is the latest celebrity to be busted for DUI. Barton not only was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, but the cops also reportedly found pot and narcotics in her possession when she was arrested. To round it all out, she was also driving without a valid driver's license.
Police found Barton driving around West Hollywood in the early morning hours and she was allegedly driving in between two lanes of traffic and didn't signal when she was making a turn. So deputies pulled her over to see what was going on and wound up arresting and taking her into custody. Barton reportedly blew a .12 on a breath test and admitted to smoking pot earlier in the day. She was released from jail the next morning on $10,000 bail.
Brandy Not Charged with Manslaughter
Actress and R&B singer Brandy Norwood will not be charged with manslaughter in connection with the deadly accident she was involved in last year. The one-year statute of limitations runs out at the end of 2007 and the Los Angeles City Attorney has announced that criminal charges will not be filed against Brandy. The California Highway Patrol has found that the woman who died in the accident actually hit the vehicle traveling in front of her and slammed on her brakes before being hit by Brandy's vehicle. The Los Angeles County Coroner also found that the deceased woman, Awatef Aboudihaj, had traces of marijuana in her system.
R. Kelly Picture Irony
Jean Johnson, 49, says that she's a huge fan of R. Kelly. She likes the singer so much she went to jail for snapping a photo of him with her cellphone. Johnson took the picture of R. Kelly in the courtroom during a recent hearing after the judge in the case had expressly forbidden any pictures being taken. She pleaded guilty to contempt of court and was given a 5-day jail sentence, but was released with just time served.
Convicted Groper
Vincent "Don Vito" Margera, 51, who played the character "Don Vito" on the MTV show "Viva La Bam" was convicted of two counts of sexual assault on a child and sentenced to probation. The judge also ordered Margera not to play his "Don Vito" character for ten years, to get a mental health evaluation and enroll in a drug and alcohol treatment program. The charges against Margera stemmed from an autograph signing appearance, during which he groped three girls aged 12 to 14. He will be required to register as a sex offender following this conviction.
Tom Sizemore Released From Prison
Actor Tom Sizemore is a free man after spending time in prison for violating the terms of his probation for a methamphetamine conviction during 2004. Sizemore was sentenced to 16 months in prison last June but was given 213 days off his sentence for time he had already spent in inpatient rehab and in jail. He was released from prison on December 10 because he also got some time off of his sentence for good behavior behind bars. He is currently enrolled in a drug treatment program to help him stay clean and keep his new-found freedom.
R. Kelly Court Drama
On December 20, 2007, singer R. Kelly showed up for a hearing in a Chicago court in his child pornography case, only to have the judge reschedule it. Perhaps the judge was just giving R. Kelly a dose of the disrespect he was shown the day earlier, when Kelly was a no-show for the scheduled hearing and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Kelly claims that he didn't make his hearing on December 19 because his tour buses were delayed in Utah. The tour buses were pulled over for traveling at speeds over 100mph and the log books were apparently not in order, so they were ordered out of service and R. Kelly had no ride to court! The child pornography case has been going on since 2002 when R. Kelly was accused of videotaping himself having sex with an underage girl.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for December 20, 2007
Amy Winehouse Questioned By Police
Singer Amy Winehouse was arrested, questioned by police and released on December 18th in London. Winehouse may face similar charges that have landed her husband in the slammer. She is accused of "perverting the course of justice." The police think that Winehouse may have interfered with the police investigation of an assault on a bartender that her husband was involved in by offering money to the victim to change his testimony.
Mickey Rourke Free to Operate Vespa Once Again
Mickey Rourke was arrested for suspicion of DUI in Miami last month. Down at the station, Rourke was given a breathalyzer test and blew a 0.081 which is just a smidge over the legal limit of 0.08. Now Rourke's DUI attorney has provided police documents to the Miami Herald indicating that the breathalyzer may have been inaccurate during Rourke's breath test. According to a control test on the machine, the breathalyzer malfunctioned during Rourke's first test. During a second test, Rourke registered 0.074, which is under the legal limit. Although the D.A. has not dropped the charges against him yet, Rourke has been given his operator's license back.
Daniel Baldwin Faces the Judge
After skipping court earlier this month and having a judge revoke his probation and issue a warrant for his arrest, a confused Daniel Baldwin showed up in court on December 17th to clear things up. He explained that he had called his probation officer to let him know that he wouldn't be at court, but that the probation officer had failed to let the judge know. The judge quashed the warrant and let Baldwin off the hook this time, but he must re-enroll in the court-ordered drug program.
Country Singer Popped for Assault
After performing a benefit show for the Arizona's Children Association, country singer Chris Cagle reportedly got a little rowdy in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Cagle was apparently annoyed by a fan and her boyfriend who wanted his autograph. Things got so heated when Cagle refused to sign that he busted the boyfriend's chops. Tuscon police wrote Cagle a citation for misdemeanor assault in connection with the incident.
Audioslave Singer Terrorized by Stalker
Singer Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave fame has been to court seeking a restraining order against a stalker who is terrorizing him and his family. Cornell claims that the man who is making his life a living hell has been hired by his ex-wife to drive him crazy. Cornell says in court documents that his ex-wife, Susan Silver, has made death threats against him and his wife and even their 2-year-old son. He also claims that she has hired Matthew Turner to harass his family. According to Cornell, Turner carries a concealed weapon and is an ex-sheriff's deputy. The Cornells say that Turner has relentlessly stalked them and has even entered their home and refused to leave. LAPD's Threat Management Unit has reportedly taken on the case because of the seriousness of the threats and alleged actions of Silver and Turner.
Blonde Karate Kid Sentenced for DUI
One of the less famous stars from the Karate Kid III movie, Sean Kanan, was arrested by LAPD for DUI on August 18. Kanan pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor DUI charges against him and was sentenced to 96 hours in county jail this month. He will also be on probation for five years, pay a fine and complete an 18-month alcohol education program.
Shia LaBeouf in the Clear
Actor Shia LaBeouf appeared in a Chicago courtroom on December 12th in connection with an incident in November at a Walgreens store. He was arrested after failing to leave the store after a security guard asked him to go because he seemed to be drunk. LaBeouf got good news in court when he was told that Walgreens did not want to pursue the charges against him. The misdemeanor charges were thus dropped. LaBeouf was reportedly embarrassed by the incident and is happy to put it all behind him.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for December 13, 2007
Michael Vick Sentenced
After pleading guilty to operating a dog-fighting ring and checking himself into jail to begin serving his sentence even before it was handed down, Michael Vick found out on December 10 that he will be incarcerated for 23 months. Vick could have been sentenced up to five years behind bars. A federal judge in Richmond, Virginia handed down the sentence, although federal sentencing guidelines recommend 12-18 months for this offense. The judge told Vick that he was not sure that he had fully accepted responsibility for his actions, and that he needed to apologize to the children who looked up to him. Vick and three co-defendants will still face state dog-fighting charges in Virginia.
Baldwin Boy Is A Wanted Man
On December 7th, a L.A. County Superior Court judge issued a no bail bench warrant for none other than Daniel Baldwin. Judge Scott Millington was apparently not amused that Baldwin failed to appear for a progress report hearing in connection with his arrest last year for possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence.
Baldwin was on probation, but Judge Millington also revoked his probation because Baldwin is in Canada shooting a movie. Under the terms of his probation, Baldwin could not leave the country without permission. Baldwin's probation officer did show up for the hearing and submitted a report that said he had also missed several A.A. meetings as well as a December 5 appointment with the probation officer.
Ray Liotta Cops a Plea
In February, Ray Liotta was charged with a non-alcohol DUI in Los Angeles after he crashed his car into a group of parked cars. He recently took a plea bargain in the case and pleaded no contest to a count of reckless driving. Liotta was sentenced to three years probation and fined $300. He will also be required to enroll in an alcohol education class and pay restitution to the people who own the cars he damaged.
Gary Collins Sentenced to 96 Hours
Gary Collins appeared in court on December 6 to be arraigned on a drunken driving charge. In October, Collins was involved in a multi-car crash and was arrested for DUI with a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit. One elderly man was injured in the accident and died on December 10. Collins pleaded no contest to DUI and was sentenced to 96 hours in jail. The judge indicated that Collins can do his time at any city jail in Los Angeles and that he would have to pay for the expenses. He will not be eligible for work furlough. Collins will also pay a $500 fine, be on probation for 4 years and perform 100 hours of community service. Additionally he will have to pay restitution to the victims and enroll himself in an 18-month alcohol education program. Collins has already attended 18 A.A. meetings since his arrest. He will not be charged with manslaughter.
Kiefer Sutherland Is in The Clink
Kiefer Sutherland is now an inmate at the Glendale, California City Jail. He checked himself in to serve his 48 day sentence for drunk driving on December 5. He was scheduled to begin serving his time on December 21; however, because of the writer's strike, he's got nothing better to do right now, so he checked in early. Sutherland will serve his time wearing an orange prison issue jumpsuit in a 10 x 8 cell with a toilet, washbasin and water fountain, and be treated just like any other inmate at the facility. He will serve 48 consecutive days and perform laundry and kitchen duties while behind bars.
Free Criminal Defense Case Evaluation Click Here
New Charges against Rapper Remy Ma
A judge has ordered rapper Remy Ma to face trial on gang assault and witness intimidation charges, in addition to the assault charges she already faces. Remy allegedly had some male friends smack around the boyfriend of one of the witnesses who will testify against her at her trial for assault. Remy's lawyer argued that there was insufficient evidence to indict her on the new charges, but the judge disagreed. Remy's next day in court will be on January 3.
Singer Scott Weiland DUI Arrest
Scott Weiland of the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver was arrested for a non-alcohol DUI on November 21 after he wrecked his car on a L.A. highway. Weiland reportedly failed a field sobriety test and refused to submit to a blood test. He posted $40,000 bail and was ordered to appear in court on December 13. Weiland denies that he was under the influence of anything at the time of the crash and says he is anxious to get to court to clear up this misunderstanding.
Vivica Fox Pleads No Contest
After failing to appear at her DUI hearing on December 3, the judge told the attorney for Vivica Fox that the actress would need to be booked with fingerprints and a mug shot by December 11th or he would issue a bench warrant for her arrest. On December 5th, Fox arrived at the LAPD and was formally booked for the DUI charge that she was arrested for on March 20th. On December 7th, Fox pleaded no contest to the DUI charge and was sentenced to three years probation. She will also be required to enroll in a 90-day alcohol education program and pay a fine.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for December 6, 2007
O.J. Simpson Pleads Not Guilty
We never expected anything different. While the other defendants in the case of the alleged hotel memorabilia dealer armed robbery have pleaded guilty and cut deals with the prosecution, O.J. Simpson and the two remaining co-defendants appeared in court and have pleaded not guilty to the twelve charges in connection with the alleged armed robbery. The trial will begin on April 7, 2008.
A Caged Bird
Rapper Bryan "Baby" Williams, aka "Birdman" was arrested in Kingsport, Tennessee, along with 15 other people after police pulled over an RV they were traveling in and found a pound of marijuana. The RV was stopped after it made an improper lane change and forced a tractor-trailer off the road. There were also guns and ammunition found inside the RV, but no weapons charges were filed. All of the 16 people were in some way employed by Cash Money Records, which Birdman co-founded. They were all charged with possession of over 1/2 ounce of marijuana and all posted $1,500 bond. The group will be due back in court on March 18.
What's Your Name Again?
Former Lynrd Skynrd drummer, Thomas Delmer "Artimus" Pyle, was arrested once again this week. Second verse, same as the first. He was arrested for the second time, for failing to register as a convicted sex offender. Pyle can, and apparently will, be arrested every 48 hours until he complies and registers his current address with authorities.
Kim Kardashian Robbed At JFK
While traveling from New York to Las Vegas, Kim Kardashian was reportedly robbed at JFK airport. Kardashian was reportedly carrying $50,000 worth diamond jewelry, a Cartier watch, a laptop and digital camera in her luggage when she was stopped in the airport by autograph seekers and paparazzi. While she posed for pictures with them, her stuff apparently got lifted. Delta is conducting an investigation into the theft of Kardashian's valuables.
Good Behavior from Foxy Brown?
As unbelievable as it may sound, Foxy Brown has earned her way out of the hole by being good. Brown is in prison and got put into solitary confinement for shoving another inmate and refusing to give a urine sample. She was supposed to do 76 days in solitary, but was let out after 40 for good behavior. The prison version of a "time out" must have done some good because prison officials say that she now is cooperative and compliant.
Free Criminal Defense Case Evaluation Click Here
Is Brandy Getting Off Scott Free?
R&B singer Brandy has still not been charged in connection with the fatal accident that she allegedly caused last year on December 30. Awatef Aboudihaj, the mother of two boys was killed in the crash and her husband wants to know why Brandy has not been prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter. The L.A. City Attorney has until December 30 to file charges against the singer.
No Tossing Allowed!
R&B singer Akon has been charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment because he tossed a kid off of his stage. The incident happened in June at a concert in upstate New York. During the show, apparently someone threw an object up onto the stage and Akon demanded to know who it was. When security guards lifted a 15-year-old boy up onto the stage from the audience, Akon reportedly picked him up and threw him off the stage. He landed on another person at the concert, and she says that she suffered a concussion from the incident.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for December 4, 2007
Get Real! Reality Star Punched in the Face
Reality TV star Byron Velvick was recently attacked by the woman he chose on Season Six of "The Bachelor" as the one he wanted to marry. Mary Delgado, the chosen one, allegedly punched Byron and caused his lip to bleed, according to police reports. Delgado was arrested for alleged domestic battery and the cops say that alcohol was a factor in the incident.
Guards Gone Wild, Alleges Joe Francis
Joe Francis, founder of "Girls Gone Wild," says that the prison guards at Grady County Law Enforcement Center in Oklahoma threatened to strip him naked and strap him to a chair for 48 hours and refused to give him food and blankets. Francis spent three weeks at the jail in May and June while he was being transferred from a jail in Florida to a federal prison in Reno, Nevada. He will go on trial for tax evasion in Nevada next year. Officials at Grady County Law Enforcement Center deny that Francis was treated any differently than other prisoners.
What's Your Name, Little Girl?
Thomas Delmer Pyle, aka Artimus Pyle, 59, of Asheville, North Carolina, was arrested in St. John's County, Florida because he failed to properly register as a sex offender. Pyle was the original drummer for Lynyrd Skynrd. Pyle says he failed to register because he travels a lot. He pleaded guilty in 1993 to charges of attempted capital sexual battery by an adult on a victim under the age of 12, and principal to lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 16 years old. He was on probation for eight years and is required to register as a sex offender.
Accused Rapist, by Design
Celebrity designer Anand Jon is in more trouble, and the charges against him just keep piling up. The District Attorney in Manhattan has now issued a warrant for Jon's arrest and extradition to New York. Jon is currently in jail in Los Angeles. The grand jury in New York has indicted Jon on 40 counts of criminal sexual conduct, including rape in the first degree and criminal sexual acts (forcible sodomy) as well as charges of witness intimidation. In September, Jon was indicted in California on 54 felony counts including forcible rape, sexual penetration by a foreign object, and lewd acts upon a child. He has also been indicted on similar charges in Texas and is under investigation in Massachusetts and Florida.
Vick Checks in Early
Three weeks before his formal sentencing was scheduled, Michael Vick surrendered to U.S. Marshals to begin serving his jail time. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10 for his guilty plea on the conspiracy charge in connection with dog fighting. I guess this is one way to insure that he will keep himself out of trouble and get his jail time over with as soon as possible.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for November 21, 2007
Witnesses Testify About O.J.
O.J. Simpson co-defendant Walter Alexander testified in a Las Vegas courtroom this week. Alexander testified that O.J. asked him to "pack heat" to the hotel confrontation with the memorabilia dealer. He also testified that when he asked O.J. about what would happen if someone called the police, Simpson responded, "F*ck the police!" When Simpson's lawyer cross-examined Alexander, he accused him of being a pimp and questioned his credibility as a witness. Alexander denied that he was a pimp.
Free Criminal Defense Case Evaluation Click Here
Deadly Doctor Jan Adams
Allegations and reports of prior arrests are flying after the death of Kanye West's mother after she went under the knife of Dr. Jan Adams for a tummy tuck and breast reduction surgery. In addition to numerous medical malpractice lawsuits and at least one allegation of sexual battery that have been filed against Dr. Adams, his ex-girlfriend has been to court to get a restraining order against him. She claims that when Dr. Adams is under the influence of alcohol his "Mr. Hyde" personality comes out. She claims that on one occasion he burst into her home and threatened her and has chased her with his car. Dr. Adams also apparently has been arrested several times for DUI.
Mickey Rourke Busted For DUI
After reportedly spending a couple of hours inside a bar in Palm Beach, actor Mickey Rourke and a woman he was with got on his scooter and headed south. Rourke quickly realized that they wanted to go north, did a U-turn and was pulled over by police. When the police officer told Rourke that he swerved right in from of him, Rourke reportedly responded, "No, no, dude, I'm all right." The police report says that Rourke asked the cop, "What the f*ck did I do?" and reportedly denied being drunk. He was charged with DUI and held on $1,000 bond.
Amy Winehouse's Husband Arrested
Blake Fielder-Civil, husband of singer Amy Winehouse, was arrested in London for allegedly trying to fix a trial. Fielder-Civil is scheduled to go on trial for assaulting a bartender. Apparently a London newspaper notified police after they received a tip that Fielder-Civil was trying to pay witnesses to change their version of the story. If he is convicted of the alleged conspiracy, Winehouse could be spending a lot of time alone, as he will face life in prison.
Former Assistant to Linda Stein Arrested
A personal assistant to Linda Stein, the former manager of the Ramones and "Realtor to the Stars", has been arrested in connection with her brutal murder. Stein was found bludgeoned to death in her New York apartment. Nativia Lowery has reportedly made statements implicating herself in the murder.
More Legal Trouble for Boy George
Boy George, formerly of Culture Club fame, has been arrested in London after being accused of false imprisonment and common assault. George O'Dowd will be required to appear in court on November 22 to answer charges that he chained up a Norwegian man in his home. The man was reportedly at O'Dowd's home as a "photo model", or so he thought.
Joe Francis Calls Prosecutor a Pornographer
Joe Francis, creator of 'Girls Gone Wild' says that the top prosecutor in Florida is a pornography distributor. Francis is currently being held in jail without bail, and wants the Florida attorney general to investigate his allegations that prosecutor Steve Meadows exhibited "child pornography" to reporter Martin Bashir during a segment that was filmed for "Nightline." The "child pornography" images that Francis claims that Meadows exhibited for the news show are the same images that he is currently prosecuting Francis for creating.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for November 13, 2007
"Lost" Actor Daniel Dae Kim Arrested for Drunk Driving—Next to Go?
After a year in which actresses Michelle Rodriguez and Cynthia Watros from the television show "Lost" were arrested for drunk driving, and actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje was arrested and accused of disobeying a police officer and driving without a license, it should come as no surprise to the show's fans that another actor has been nailed for DUI. Actor Daniel Dae Kim, who plays the character Jin-Soo Kwon on the show, was arrested by Honolulu, Hawaii police on suspicion of drunk driving. Kim posted bail and was released. The actor had better hope that the same fate that followed the three previous members of the cast who have been arrested doesn't befall him: the characters of Rodriguez, Watros and Akinnuoye-Agbaje were all killed off on the show following their arrests, leaving the actors effectively fired.
TV Host Gary Collins Can't Make it "Home" with Full Tank, Arrested for DUI
Television actor Gary Collins, former Emmy-winning host of "Hour Magazine" and "The Home Show," was arrested in Sherman Oaks, California after an accident in which he was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver of the other car was knocked unconscious, and was taken to a local hospital by paramedics. When police arrived on the scene, Collins failed a field sobriety test, and refused to give a breathalyzer test. According to police accounts, Collins was visibly intoxicated and smelled strongly of alcohol. He was given a blood test at the police station, and then released on $40,000 bail. Collins was previously arrested for DUI in Mississippi in 2002, but not charged.
Free Criminal Defense Case Evaluation Click Here
Rapper T.I. Released on $3 Million Bail to House Arrest
Rapper T.I., who was arrested in Atlanta for having his bodyguard buy machine guns and silencers, was released on bail to the tune of $3 million! $2 million of the amount is cash, and $1 million is in property. Originally, the judge denied the rapper bail, believing him to be a flight risk; this belief can account for the extremely high amount of the bond. As a condition of his release, T.I. must remain under house arrest until his trial. T.I. must pay for a private monitoring company to monitor him 24 hours a day. He may be subject to drug, alcohol and weapons searches as well.
"Laguna Beach" Star Jason Wahler Gets Dose of Reality in Jail for 30 Days
Reality TV show participant Jason Wahler, who appeared on Season 2 of MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, was recently admitted to jail in Issaquah, Washington to serve 30 days for assault. Wahler was involved in a fight in a Seattle hotel in April, and was charged by police with fourth degree assault and being a minor exhibiting signs of intoxication. Wahler has reportedly undergone rehabilitation and performed community service in conjunction with these charges, as well as charges last year for cocaine possession in New York City and another assault case in Los Angeles.
Spears' Hit-and-Run Charge Dropped After Settlement
A judge dismissed the misdemeanor hit-and-run charge against Britney Spears after she settled with the driver of the car which she damaged in the August parking lot accident. Recently, Spears paid Kim Robard-Rifkin, the owner of the Mercedes station wagon that Spears knocked with her car on August 6, $1,000 to cover repair work caused by Spears' car. Spears also pleaded not guilty to a second charge, that of driving without a valid California driver's license, for which she will appear in court on November 26. Spears received a California license on October 2, but prosecutors are saying that her new license will not validate her previous actions in August. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking a probation term and a fine for the charge.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for October 30, 2007
David Copperfield's Hard Drive-a Repository for Hook-Up Info?
TMZ.com is reporting that magician David Copperfield, who is being investigated for sexual assault claims by an unidentified woman, maybe have caused the search of his warehouse by a tactic he reportedly used during shows to seduce women. According to TMZ, Copperfield would choose women from the audience by using code words to assistants, who would then be marked on a map of the MGM Grand and later taken backstage. Copperfield's assistants would interview them and take a digital photo, saying that Copperfield wanted to use them in a future show in their hometown. As TMZ explains, this could account for the seizure of Copperfield's hard drive, if it contained information and pictures of women he intended to meet.
Orlando Bloom Faces Hit and Run Charges from L.A. D.A.
The LAPD has submitted Orlando Bloom's possible hit-and-run case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, who will decide whether or not to file felony hit and run charges against Bloom. Bloom crashed a car into a parked Porsche, then walked away, leaving two passengers inside the car. One it turns out had a fractured neck. Several photographers were at the scene of the crash, and one managed to shoot video of Bloom walking away from the scene. Reportedly, Bloom was told by a few photographers that he would be in big trouble if he left. Bloom claims in his defense that an SUV driven by paparazzi caused the crash, but with so many eyewitness and video footage, any attempts to twist the truth will surely be in vain. The D.A. will decide within the next few weeks if it will prosecute.
T.I. Wants to "Get Loose," But Judge Says No to Bail
Rapper T.I. caused a stir when he missed the BET Hip Hop Awards after being arrested just hours before the show on firearm possession charges. Now, a judge has denied the musician, whose real name is Clifford Harris, any immediate release on bail. T.I.'s lawyers requested that he be released to monitored home confinement on a $2.2 million bond, and he would also surrender his passport and his right to drive, and submit to random searches of his house and random drug tests. Prosecutors have argued that T.I. is a flight risk, and his past criminal history makes him a threat to the community. With the charges that T.I. faces for having his bodyguard purchase machine guns and silencers, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
Spears Settles Civil Case, but Still Faces Charges of Driving Without a License
Britney Spears has settled the civil case with the owner of the car that she hit in a parking lot in August. The L.A. City Attorney had filed criminal hit and run charges against Spears, and in the hope that the criminal charges would be dropped, Spears peacefully complied with settlement agreements with the victim of the crash. As per the agreement reached, TMZ.com reports that Spears has agreed to pay the car owner approximately $1,000 for damage plus pay for the woman's rental while the car is being repaired. However, despite the lenience shown her for settling the civil suit, law enforcement officials may not be so lenient when it comes to her charge of driving without a license.
Rocker Doherty Released from Court Drug Supervision Early
Rock musician Pete Doherty has been released from court-ordered supervision for drug treatment six months before he was scheduled to be released. The Libertines and Babyshambles member has been under court supervision for 18 months, and was released despite drug charges made during the supervision period. However, the judge let him go, stating that Doherty would continue to follow the treatment he has been completing. Doherty will shortly be sentenced for driving while in the possession of illegal drugs, from an arrest on May 5.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for October 23, 2007
UK Singer Amy Winehouse Busted for Marijuana
British singer Amy Winehouse was recently arrested in Norway for possession of marijuana. Police in Bergen arrested Winehouse, her husband Blake Fielder-Civil and another man in her crew at their hotel, finding a quarter ounce of marijuana in the singer's room. All three were released after paying the requisite fines: Winehouse and husband each paid a 500 euro fine, while her hairpiece stylist paid 350 euro. Winehouse has been making headlines lately not only for drug-related problems, but also the postponement of a U.S. tour due to various personal and visa issues.
Cameron Douglas Corralled on Drug Charges
Cameron Douglas, the son of actor Michael Douglas and grandson of actor Kirk Douglas, has been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of a hypodermic needle. At a recent hearing, Douglas was also charged with being under the influence of a controlled substance, based on testimony by the sheriff's deputy who made the arrest. Douglas was charged with friend Christopher Lane. Both men face arraignment at court on November 16.
Free Criminal Defense Case Evaluation Click Here
Magician David Copperfield Has Warehouse Searched by FBI
Celebrity magician David Copperfield has been under scrutiny lately as reports indicate that the FBI raided his prop warehouse, allegedly seizing a computer hard drive, a digital camera system and nearly $2 million in cash. Many believe that questioning by the FBI has led to a series of shows in Indonesia being cancelled. However, Copperfield's agent would not confirm the reports. Additionally, a woman has made claims that Copperfield raped her while she was vacationing in the Bahamas this past summer. The FBI will be handling that investigation, since she waited to report it until coming home from being abroad. The fact that a rape kit was not done makes the potential prosecution very difficult.
"One Life to Live" Soap Star has Seven Charges to Face after Rampage
Nathaniel Marston, Dr. Michael McBain on the ABC soap opera "One Life to Live," reportedly went on an angry rampage in New York City, injuring three people and fighting police officers who tried to arrest him. After a heated altercation with a taxi driver, Marston allegedly started attacking people in the vicinity with a metal crate, breaking one man's leg and injuring another, as well as the taxi driver. After finally being subdued, Marston was charged with two counts each of felony assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon as well as one count of resisting arrest. The emotionally-disturbed actor has admitted to having anger issues in the past, and was arrested in October 1999 on criminal mischief charges after he punched and damaged an automated-teller machine in Manhattan.
Kid Rock in Sticky Situation with Fight at Waffle House
Singer Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, was arrested by Georgia police and charged with misdemeanor battery after he and his entourage allegedly beat up another customer at a Waffle House in Atlanta. After leaving the restaurant, Kid Rock's tour bus was stopped by police about a mile down the road and he was taken in on the battery charges. The other fight participant was charged with a felony criminal damage to property for breaking a window at the Waffle House. Rock and five others from his group spent about twelve hours in jail before being bailed out. Kid Rock was also charged for misdemeanor battery by Las Vegas police for punching Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards in September.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for October 18, 2007
Lost Actress Michelle Rodriguez Jailed 180 Days for Probation Violation
Former Lost actress and Fast and the Furious co-star Michelle Rodriguez has lived up to her name as a "bad girl" on television by finding real life trouble with the law for a probation violation. Last year, Rodriguez was arrested for DUI in Hawaii where she was filming Lost, and entered a plea of guilty to one count of DUI. Because Rodriguez was under probation for hit and run and DUI from a November 2003 arrest, the judge sentenced her to 60 days in jail. She was released after one day due to overcrowding, but still required to complete community service and alcohol treatment requirements as part of the plea. Recently, she admitted that she fabricated documents stating that she completed her requirements, when in fact she had not. Following a hearing, she was sentenced to 180 days in jail, and this time the judge stated clearly that she was not to receive an early release or release to home confinement for any reason. She starts serving her time on Christmas Eve.
Free Criminal Defense Case Evaluation Click Here
Rapper T.I. Booked for Weapons Possession, Misses BET Awards
Clifford Harris, who goes by the stage name T.I., made quite a splash when he did not appear at the BET Hip-Hop Awards on October 13, 2007-four hours earlier, police reports revealed that the award nominee had been arrested in an Atlanta parking lot on criminal charges. Harris had attempted to purchase firearms from a dealer who was cooperating in a sting with police, and after completing the transaction, was arrested for possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Despite his non-appearance at the BET awards, he won 2 awards for his music.
Idol Contestant Clark Faces One Year in Jail for Violating Restraining Order
Former American Idol contestant Corey Clark, better remembered for his alleged affair with Paula Abdul than for his singing talents, is facing a year in jail after pleading guilty to violating a court restraining order filed by his wife and trespassing on his father-in-law's property. This is not the first time Clark has been in trouble with the law, and earlier arrests that he did not disclose to producers is what led to his dismissal from American Idol. Earlier this year as well, Clark was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and an outstanding warrant for the trespassing arrest.
Country Singer Wilson Has Mid-Air Run-In with Flight Attendants
Country singer Gretchen Wilson should learn how to fly "the friendly skies"-on an American Airlines flight from Nashville to Los Angeles, Wilson was issued an in-flight citation for aggressive behavior and becoming "belligerent and verbally abusive" to airline staff. Reportedly, she refused to put her dog back in its carrier at the request of the flight attendant and shouted profanity when she was asked to discuss the situation in the back of the plane. Drinking privileges for her and those in her party were also revoked.
Britney Spears Booked Over Last Month's Hit and Run Incident
Celebrity train wreck Britney Spears was finally booked in connection with her parking lot hit and run accident that took place last month in Los Angeles. Mug shots were taken, she was fingerprinted and other information was recorded into police records. The judge in the case had ordered that she visit the police station for the booking before her court date on October 25, and, unlike in the case of the court orders for her children, this time she obeyed. During recent child custody hearings, Spears did not complete any of the requirements that the judge placed on her shoulders in order to maintain custody of her children, including using a parenting coach, counseling and other restrictions regarding drugs and substances.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for October 11, 2007
Anand Jon Faces Life in Prison for Over 100 Counts of Sexual Assault
Indian-born fashion designer Anand Jon, who is already facing more than 40 counts of sexual wrongdoing, was indicted by an L.A. County grand jury on an unbelievable 59 new counts of sexual assault. Charges against Jon were came from assaulting an alleged 20 victims, ranging in age from 14 to 27, and include rape, lewd acts against child, possession of child pornography, oral copulation by force or fear, and sodomy. Currently, Jon is being investigated in connection to other incidents in Texas, New York and Massachusetts. If Anand is convicted of all charges at his October 25 arraignment, he faces life in prison.
Nick Hogan Pleads Guilty to a Fifth Speeding Ticket in One Year
Nick Hogan, son of former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, pleaded guilty to going double the speed limit after being stopped by an officer in Pinellas Park on August 10. This incident is particularly ominous given the occurrence of an accident nearly two weeks later, when Hogan crashed into a median at high speeds and flipped his car. He and a passenger friend needed to be transported via helicopter evacuation to a St. Petersburg, Florida hospital, where the friend sustained severe facial and brain injuries. The most recent ticket is the fifth of the 17-year-old's young driving career.
Wrestler Kurt Angle Pinned with DUI Charge
Professional and Olympic wrestling star Kurt Angle was recently arrested for driving under the influence at his home in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. An eyewitness saw a Cadillac Escalade driving erratically as it left a local bar, and police traced that vehicle to Angle's home, where he admitted to driving the vehicle and having left the bar where the patron saw him. Angle appeared visibly intoxicated, according to police reports, and failed a field sobriety test administered at his home. After being arrested, Angle refused a blood test at a local hospital.
Rapper Lil Wayne Can't Escape Warrant, Arrested in Idaho
Popular rap artist Lil Wayne was arrested in Boise, Idaho, on a felony charge of being a fugitive. Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., was arrested following a concert Qwest Arena in Boise on a warrant out of Fulton County, Georgia, for a felony drug possession charge. Authorities from Idaho were working in cooperation with the sheriff's department in Fulton County. He is currently out on $10,000 bail, awaiting his arraignment in Georgia. This is not the first time this year that Wayne has found himself in trouble with the law. He was previously arrested in July on a gun charge in New York, and in 2006 he was busted in Atlanta for drug possession.
Free Criminal Defense Case Evaluation Click Here
Bollywood Star Shetty Arrested at Airport from Controversy over Kiss with Richard Gere
Bollywood starlet Shilpa Shetty was arrested at Mumbai airport in India in the continued frenzy of controversy over her public kiss with actor Richard Gere at an AIDS awareness benefit earlier this year. Indian immigration officials detained her while en-route to attend the opening of the Miss Bollywood musical in Berlin. After the incident with Gere, which drew protests from many in the Hindu nation that it violated anti-obscenity laws in place in the country, Shetty was initially banned from leaving the country. This ban was later overturned by the Indian supreme court, but the immigration officials responsible for her arrest were reportedly not aware of the recent overturning. She was released.
Celebrity Arrest Updates for October 4, 2007
Kiefer Sutherland Arrested for DUI, May Face Jail Time
Television and film actor Kiefer Sutherland, best known for his portrayal of special agent Jack Bauer in television drama"24", was arrested and charged for DUI in West Hollywood after registering a blood alcohol content of more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. This is not Sutherland's first run-in with the law for drunk driving: in November 2004, he was put under probation for five years after pleading no contest to DUI. In this case, Sutherland will face at least four days in jail, since this is his second c