Anna Nicole's Lover, Psychiatrist Convicted in Drug Conspiracy Case

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The following was released today by legal expert and media commentator Matt Semino:

Today, a Los Angeles jury reached a verdict on the Anna Nicole Smith Drug trial. After two weeks of deliberations, the jury found Howard K. Stern guilty on two of nine criminal charges. The jury convicted Stern on two felony conspiracy charges and may now face jail time pending sentencing from Judge Robert Perry.  The jury also convicted psychiatrist Dr. Kristine Eroshevich on four charges related to conspiracy and "supplying and furnishing" Anna Nicole with illegal prescriptions.  The jury was deadlocked on charges of "providing controlled substances to a known addict" and "conspiracy to provide illegal prescriptions" to Anna Nicole in regards to "non-lethal" drugs.  Dr. Sandeep Kapoor was acquitted of all six charges.

In his recent Examiner Column, legal expert and media commentator Matt Semino described Howard K. Stern as a "master puppeteer who not only manipulated Smith's drug addiction but also countless areas of the U.S. legal system."

In addition to his criminal convictions, Stern still faces other court battles which stem from his relationship with the late model and reality-tv star. Stern serves as the executor of Smith's estate which has been tied up in a 15 year legal battle. The case will be heard by the Supreme Court early next year.

Master Manipulator of Anna Nicole Must Account for His Actions

After weeks of testimony from prosecution, a surprising decision by the defense to call no witnesses and extensive speeches and instruction from Judge Robert Perry, twelve jurors are now deliberating behind closed doors, deciding the fate of Anna Nicole Smith's lawyer, lover, companion, and one-time alleged father of Smith's daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead.  Howard K. Stern, along with Drs. Sandeep Kapoor and Khristine Eroshevich, stands accused of criminal charges for drug facilitation for providing Smith with powerful prescription medications, enabling an addiction that eventually led to her overdose and death in 2007.

From the very beginning of his relationship with the former Playboy model, Stern took advantage of his role in Smith's life to manipulate her weaknesses and enjoy both her money and her fame.  As testimony given in his criminal trial described in detail, Stern allegedly facilitated Smith's drug addiction by not only handing her hundreds of pills but also by obtaining prescriptions for her under false names.  Now, the master manipulator faces nine charges and the prosecution strongly contends that Smith's downfall and eventual death never would have happened without Stern's involvement and influence.

These criminal charges, however, aren't the only things weighing on Howard K. Stern's mind.  In the court of public opinion, Stern is accused of much, much more.  Many believe he is a master puppeteer who not only manipulated Smith's drug addiction but also countless areas of the U.S. legal system, including a Texas probate court, bankruptcy court and now the Supreme Court of the United States. (Read Full Article)

SOURCE Matt Semino