O. J. Simpson Las Vegas robbery case

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This article is about the 2008 investigation and conviction. For the 1995 trial, see O. J. Simpson murder case.
Orenthal James Simpson
Born July 9, 1947 (1947-07-09)
San Francisco, California
Motive Personal gain
Charge(s) Robbery, kidnapping, coercion, conspiracy
Conviction(s) October 3, 2008
Penalty Up to 33 years in jail, eligible for parole in nine years
Status sentenced
Occupation Actor, businessman, athlete
Spouse Nicole Brown (murdered)
Parents James and Eunice Simpson (both deceased)
Children 5

The O. J. Simpson Las Vegas robbery case is a legal matter that arose in 2007 in the U.S. state of Nevada, primarily involving the retired American football player O. J. Simpson. On the night of September 13, 2007, a group of men led by Simpson entered a room in the Palace Station hotel in Las Vegas and left with various sports memorabilia and one phone. According to Bruce Fromong, a self-described former sports memorabilia dealer and the first witness in Simpson's preliminary hearing,[1] the group of men broke into his room and stole Simpson memorabilia at gunpoint.

Three days later, on September 16, Simpson was arrested for his involvement in the robbery and held without bail.[2] He admitted taking the items, which he said had been stolen from him, but denied breaking into the room. Simpson also denied the allegation that he or the people with him carried weapons.[3][4] On October 3, 2008, Simpson was found guilty of all twelve charges, exactly 13 years to the day after he was acquitted of the murders of his wife, Nicole, and Ronald Goldman. On December 5, 2008, Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison while eligible for parole in nine years. [5]

Contents

[edit] Investigation

Investigators initially named Simpson a suspect, but questioned him the next day and released him soon after. On September 15, one of the accomplices, Walter Alexander, was arrested and charged with two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of burglary with a deadly weapon. Alexander was on his way to McCarran International Airport when he was approached by the police. Earlier in the day, two guns were recovered when the police executed a warrant at one of the mens' homes.

On September 16, Simpson was arrested by Clark County, Nevada, authorities.[6] Walter Alexander has since been released on his own recognizance.

The celebrity gossip website TMZ.com published an audio recording of the incident which shows Simpson and others shouting at the occupants of the room and demanding the return of various items.[7] On the audiotape, recorded by Thomas Riccio, Simpson is heard saying: "I'm a free man!"

“ Don't let nobody out of this room. Mother fucker, you think you can steal my shit and sell it?[8] ”

Thomas Riccio reportedly said he tipped off Simpson to go to the hotel to look for his goods, and he reportedly said he deliberately planted the recording device to prove to Simpson that Beardsley and Fromong were fencing his stuff. Riccio considers Simpson a friend and brought Simpson to the room and escorted him and the memorabilia out.[9]

The day after the incident Simpson brushed off the allegations saying:

“ I'm O.J. Simpson. How am I going to think that I'm going to rob somebody and get away with it? Besides, I thought what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas.[10] ...

[and] I just wanted to get my stuff back.[11]

 ”

When asked why he did not seek police help instead of acting on his own, Simpson said:

“ I hope the police are trying to find out the truth rather than just building a case.[12][13] ”

In an interview, Walter Alexander says he now thinks the whole ordeal was a setup to get Simpson. He doesn't "understand what the big deal is" or why Riccio would set this whole operation up, tape it and then sell the tape to the media.[14] Alexander's ex-wife gave an interview to the New York Times in which she says many people carry tape recorders with them around Simpson to try and catch him slipping so they can profit from it. The amount of money TMZ paid for the tape has not been disclosed.[15][16]

The confiscated memorabilia that was taken that night may never be returned to Simpson, since David Cook, an attorney for Fred Goldman, suggested they may seek a court order to obtain ownership of the items to help satisfy the legal judgment in the wrongful death of his son Ron Goldman.[17]

Simpson appeared in court on September 19, 2007. Represented by attorneys from Florida and Nevada, Simpson was granted a bail of $125,000. Presiding Justice of the Peace Joe M. Bonaventure Jr. stated that Simpson was not allowed to have any contact with any of the co-defendants and that he must surrender his passport. Simpson did not enter a plea.[18][19]

During police questioning Walter Alexander claims Simpson asked for guns to be carried to look tough but that the guns would not be used. He also added that McClinton impersonated a police officer and acted too rough to the surprise of the others including Simpson. He claims Simpson repeatedly told McClinton to "calm down, calm down."[20]

The trial was set to begin April 7, 2008 in the court of Nevada District Court Judge Jackie Glass but was later delayed to September 8, 2008.[21]

[edit] Trial and conviction

On October 3, 2008, Simpson was found guilty of all of the twelve charges. He was sentenced to a minimum of 9 years imprisonment for the kidnapping charge, as well as other charges and convictions that rendered concurrent prison sentences. [22]

[edit] Motion for new trial

On October 10, 2008, O. J. Simpson counsels, Yale Galanter and Gabriel Grasso, PC moved for new trial (trial de novo) on grounds of judicial errors (two jurors of the same race as Simpson were dismissed) and insufficient evidence. Galanter announced he would appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court if Judge Glass denies the motion. Simpson’s co-defendant, Clarence "C.J." Stewart's attorney, Brent Bryson would also petition for new trial, alleging Stewart should have been tried separately, and cited perceived misconduct by the jury foreman, Paul Connelly.[23][24][25][26]

[edit] Timeline

September 13, 2007
  • Simpson and a group of men at a wedding party enter a room at the Palace Station hotel to retrieve sports memorabilia they claim was stolen. This is the same day that Simpson's book about his ex-wife's and Ron Goldman's murder is published.
September 14, 2007
  • Simpson is questioned and released.
September 16, 2007
  • Simpson is arrested and charged with six felony counts as well and is held in solitary confinement without bail.
September 17, 2007
  • A hearing to determine bail is set for 7:45 a.m. Wednesday before Clark County, Nevada Judge Ann Zimmerman.
  • A third suspect, Clarence Stewart, is arrested and charged with six felony counts similar to Walter Alexander.[27]
September 18, 2007
  • Several additional charges such as first degree kidnapping and conspiracy kidnapping are filed against Simpson and the others. District Attorney filing
  • Bruce Fromong has a major heart attack and is in critical condition.[8]
  • Thomas Riccio who set up and recorded the encounter is given immunity by the District Attorney and will be a witness for the prosecution.[28]
September 19, 2007
  • Simpson is released on $125,000 bail.
  • A hearing is set for October 22, 2007.
October 15, 2007
  • One of the accomplices Charles Cashmore agrees to plead guilty to a lesser offense and testify against Simpson.[29]
  • Walter Alexander will testify against Simpson as well and is allowed to plead guilty to a reduced charge.
October 17, 2007
  • In his plea statement, Alexander says bringing guns to the room was Simpson's idea to look tough "and act like we mean business".[20]
November 8, 2007
  • Simpson attends a preliminary hearing to determine whether he should be tried for the charges.[30]
November 14, 2007
  • Justice of the Peace Joe M. Bonaventure Jr. announces that Simpson will stand trial for twelve charges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and other felony charges.
  • The trial is set for April 7, 2008.[31]
May 23, 2008
  • Court officers and attorneys announce on May 22, 2008, that long questionnaires with at least 115 queries will be given to a jury pool of 400 or more. Prosecutors and defense counsels disagree on at least three questions, and Clark County District Court Judge Jackie Glass schedule arguments on the June 20 hearing on pretrial motions.[32]
September 8, 2008
  • Jury selection begins.[33]
September 10, 2008
  • A Blogger talks to potential Jurors outside courthouse, causing a disruption to the trial [34]
September 15, 2008
October 3, 2008
October 10, 2008
November 7, 2008
December 5, 2008
Search Wikinews Wikinews has related news: O. J. Simpson sentenced to 15 years in prison
  • Simpson and Clarence Stewart were sentenced in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both will serve their sentences at the Lovelock Correctional Center in Lovelock, Nevada.[40][41]
  • Simpson was sentenced to a minimum of 9 years in prison (after which he would be eligible for parole) and a maximum of 33 years.[42] The state was seeking a minimum of 18 years in pre-sentencing report.

[edit] Charges

Both defendants, Clarence Stewart and O.J. Simpson, were convicted on Oct. 3, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada, of the following charges: (Simpson sentencing in parenthesis)

  • Count 1: Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (1 year, concurrent)
  • Count 2: Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping (12-48 months, concurrent)
  • Count 3: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (12-48, concurrent)
  • Count 4: Burglary while in Possession of a Deadly Weapon (26-120 months, concurrent)
  • Count 5: 1st Degree Kidnapping with Use of a Deadly Weapon (Bruce Fromong) (15 years, possibility of parole in 5, concurrent, with 12-72 months consecutively)
  • Count 6: 1st Degree Kidnapping with Use of a Deadly Weapon (Alfred Beardsley) (15 years, possibility of parole in 5, concurrent, with 12-72 months consecutively)
  • Count 7: Robbery with Use of a Deadly Weapon (Bruce Fromong) (60-180 months concurrent with 12-72 months consecutive)
  • Count 8: Robbery with Use of a Deadly Weapon (Alfred Beardsley) (60-180 months concurrent with 12-72 months consecutive)
  • Count 9: Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Bruce Fromong) (18-72 months consecutive with count 8)
  • Count 10: Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Alfred Beardsley) (18-72 months consecutive with count 9)

Counts 1-8 run concurrently and allow parole after a minimum of 60+12=72 months, 6 years, or are fully served after a maximum of 180+72=252 months, 21 years. Adding up consecutive counts 9 and 10, his first eligibility for parole is 9 years with a maximum time served of 33 years.

[edit] Sentencing

Simpson was sentenced on December 5, 2008 to the following[43]:

  • Minimum 9 years (until 2017) in Lovelock Correctional Center.
  • Maximum 33 years (until 2041) in the Lovelock Correctional Center, after which he would be 94 years old.
  • Eligible for parole in 2017 at age 70.

[edit] People involved

  • O.J. Simpson: ringleader
  • Walter Alexander: accomplice of Simpson.
  • Clarence "C.J." Stewart: accomplice of Simpson.
  • Charles Cashmore: accomplice of Simpson.
  • Charles Ehrlich: accomplice of Simpson
  • Tom Scotto: friend of Simpson - would have been an accomplice but had a time conflict.
  • Michael McClinton: accomplice of Simpson.
  • Bruce Fromong: memorabilia dealer.
  • Alfred Beardsley: memorabilia dealer.
  • Thomas Riccio: auction owner who informed Simpson about the stolen goods and subsequently taped the whole event on a recorder.
  • David Roger: Clark County District Attorney handling the case.
  • Chris Owens: Prosecution attorney assisting David Roger.
  • Yale Galanter: Attorney for O.J. Simpson.
  • Gabriel Grasso: Local Attorney for O.J. Simpson.
  • Judge Jackie Glass: Judge overseeing the case.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ O.J. part of 'military-style invasion' of hotel room, witness says - CNN.com
  2. ^ O.J. Simpson held without bail - Crime & courts - MSNBC.com
  3. ^ "Police: Simpson cooperating in armed robbery probe". CNN. September 14, 2007. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/09/14/simpson/index.html. Retrieved on September 19, 2007. 
  4. ^ "O.J. Simpson a Suspect in Casino 'Armed Robbery'". FOX News. September 14, 2007. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296758,00.html. Retrieved on September 19, 2007. 
  5. ^ "O.J. Simpson sentenced to at least nine years in prison". TSN. December 5, 2008. http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=258540&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main. Retrieved on December 5, 2008. 
  6. ^ "Apparent tape released of O.J. in Vegas". Yahoo News. September 17, 2007. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070917/ap_on_re_us/simpson_questioned. Retrieved on September 19, 2007. 
  7. ^ "O.J.'s Alleged Robbery -- Caught on Tape!". TMZ.com. September 17, 2007. http://www.tmz.com/2007/09/17/o-j-confrontation-caught-on-tape/. Retrieved on September 19, 2007. 
  8. ^ a b CNN.com, "Simpson could be charged 'in next few days'", September 17, 2007.
  9. ^ Recording amplifies the drama - Los Angeles Times
  10. ^ Scott Glover, Los Angeles Times, "O.J. on Las Vegas hotel incident: 'I've done nothing wrong'", September 16, 2007.
  11. ^ CNN.com.
  12. ^ http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070917/ap_on_re_us/simpson_questioned
  13. ^ Miguel Bustillo, Ashley Powers and Scott Glover, Los Angeles Times, "Recording amplifies the drama", September 18, 2007.
  14. ^ [1][dead link]
  15. ^ The O.J. Tape: More Than Luck? - The Lede - Breaking News - New York Times Blog
  16. ^ As Simpson Awaits Bail Hearing, Audio of Events Is Posted - New York Times
  17. ^ Associated Press (September 18, 2007). "Goldmans to Seek Simpson Memorabilia". Guardian Unlimited. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,,-6930645,00.html. Retrieved on September 18, 2007. 
  18. ^ "Judge sets $125K bail for O.J. Simpson". Houston Chronicle. September 19, 2007. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/5148051.html. Retrieved on September 19, 2007. 
  19. ^ "Simpson's Bail Set at $125,000". Forbes. September 19, 2007. http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/09/19/ap4135181.html. Retrieved on September 19, 2007. 
  20. ^ a b Simpson co-defendant: Guns were O.J.'s idea - CNN.com
  21. ^ O.J. Simpson's trial postponed until September | Entertainment | Reuters
  22. ^ O.J. Simpson convicted of robbery and kidnapping International Herald Tribune By Steve Friess Published: October 4, 2008
  23. ^ nytimes.com, Nevada: Simpson Appeals
  24. ^ news.yahoo.com, J Simpson seeks new robbery trial in Las Vegas
  25. ^ a b cnn.com, O.J. Simpson's lawyers request another trial
  26. ^ google.com, OJ Simpson seeks new robbery trial in Las Vegas
  27. ^ http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5142990.html
  28. ^ http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/09/18/oj.simpson/index.html.
  29. ^ Second co-defendant agrees to testify against Simpson - CNN.com
  30. ^ O.J. Simpson returns to court. L.A. Times. Accessed on November 8, 2007.
  31. ^ O.J. Simpson pleads not guilty to 12 felony charges - CNN.com
  32. ^ Afp.google.com, 400 jurors could be screened for O.J. Simpson trial
  33. ^ a b "Timeline of major events in OJ Simpson cases", The Associated Press, 'International Herald Tribune, October 4, 2008.
  34. ^ Las Vegas Review Journal, "Naked Boy Blogger"
  35. ^ edition.cnn.com, O.J. Simpson guilty of armed robbery, kidnapping
  36. ^ afp.google.com, afp.google.com, O.J Simpson guilty in robbery, kidnap trial.
  37. ^ online.wsj.com, Simpson Found Guilty in Robbery Case
  38. ^ ukpress.google.com, OJ Simpson guilty of armed robbery.
  39. ^ O.J. Simpson denied a new trial
  40. ^ Las Vegas Sun, O.J. Simpson found guilty on all counts.
  41. ^ Lawyer: OJ and Co-Defendant Face 18 Years
  42. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/06/us/06simpson.html?ref=us
  43. ^ http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-na-oj-sentencing6-2008dec06,0,3919620.story O.J. Simpson sentenced to lengthy prison term.
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