Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Bail set for O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson was formally charged on 10 felony counts and one misdemeanor count in a Clark County court Wednesday, stemming from an armed robbery arrest at a casino September 13.

Simpson was charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, a misdemeanor offense, and 10 felony counts: conspiracy to commit kidnapping; conspiracy to commit robbery; first degree kidnapping with the use of a deadly weapon (two counts); burglary while in possession of a deadly weapon; robbery with the use of a deadly weapon (two counts); assault with a deadly weapon (two counts); and coercion with the use of a deadly weapon.

The charge of robbery with the use of a deadly weapon could land Simpson in jail for anywhere from three to 35 years, if convicted.

Simpson, looking worn and haggard, was led into the court room by Las Vegas Sheriff deputies and indicated he did receive a copy of the charges.

The prosecution then agreed to bail of $125,000 for Simpson, provided he surrenders his passport to his lead attorney, Yale Galanter, within 24 hours, and has no contact with any witnesses or co-defendants in the case.

The disgraced former Heisman Trophy winner was arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan police and charged in the armed robbery, which took place inside the Palace Station casino last Thursday.

Three other men -- Walter Alexander, Clarence Stewart and Michael McClinton -- have also been charged. Simpson claims he was retrieving stolen memorabilia that belonged to him from a hotel room of a patron.

The former Buffalo Bills star, actor and commercial pitchman has been a lightning rod for criticism since his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman were killed in June of 1994.

Simpson was accused of the murders but acquitted, although a jury later held him liable for the killings in a wrongful death civil lawsuit.

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