Judge dismisses charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend

Photo: www.theinsider.com --Actress Anna Nicole Smith and her attorney Howard K. Stern in 2007

In a surprise decision, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge today threw out the charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s long-time boyfriend/attorney, Howard K. Stern. Last October, a jury found Stern guilty of two conspiracy felony charges in connection with drugs prescribed for Smith — who died of an accidental overdose February 7, 2007.

Also, the judge reduced from four to one — the charges against one of Smith’s doctors — saying the evidence did not support the charges. More on the judge’s decision and the prosecution’s reaction on the People website.

Day three of Michael Jackson’s doctor’s hearing

More dramatic revelations today in the Los Angeles hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for Dr.Conrad Murray to stand trial in the death of Michael Jackson. Murray was apparently engaged in phone conversations and texting when he should have been paying attention to the medicated superstar according to records presented in court.

On June 25, 2009, paramedics rushed the singer from his rented Holmby Hills mansion to the UCLA Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Later, the Los Angeles Coroner’s office ruled the entertainer’s death a homicide — the result of an overdose of the powerful anesthetic, propofol, which was being given to him as a sleeping aid.

A report on the hearing and the testimony on the Los Angeles Times website site.

2011 People’s choice Awards

The movie blockbuster, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” snatched four top awards at the People’s Choice Awards last night at the Nokia Theatre Live L.A. in downtown Los Angeles. Among the People’s Choice awards for this “Twilight” sequel, favorite movie and favorite movie drama.

These award winners for film, television and music are selected by the fans.  A list of the winners, the nominees, photos and videos and more on the People’s Choice website.

Photo credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept./L.A. Times -- Mug shot of Bell Mayor Oscar Hernandez September 21, 2010

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is cracking down on corruption in the city of Bell. Yesterday the mayor, Oscar Hernandez, and seven other current and former Bell officials were arrested by police and D.A. investigators.

The Los Angeles Times, which broke the story, reported “…a battering ram” had to be used to break into the home of Mayor Hernandez, in order to arrest him.  Hernandez was taken into custody Tuesday morning along with city council members Teresa Jacobo, Luis Artiga and George Mirabal as well as ex-council members George Cole and Victor Bello, and ex-Assistant City Manager Angela Spaccia and ex-City Manager Robert Rizzo.

The eight defendants are charged with ripping off more than $5.5 million from the city of Bell and its citizens. They are due to appear in court later today. At a news conference yesterday, Los Angeles County District Attorney, Steve Cooley, gave a harsh assessment of their alleged crimes: ”They used the tax dollars collected from the hard-working citizens of Bell as their own piggy bank, which they then looted at will.” The Times has more on the arrests, reaction from Bell residents, and additional photos here.

A similar city government scandal is festering in Media City. I’ve been covering the scandal, on this blog, for more than a year. Elements of the scandal have been picked up by the national media as well. Right now, millions of taxpayer dollars are being used to defend the city and its police department against lawsuits and a long list of alleged crimes and misdeeds. However, the city council and some powerful city hall insiders are refusing to give the public an accounting of this money.

On last night’s city council written agenda, there was a listing of the cases discussed in the secret closed door session by council members and the city attorney. The agenda stated 8 cases involved “existing litigation” and  7 cases “anticipated litigation.” Also, the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department are conducting investigations here in Burbank.

Despite claims of fiscal responsibility and the need for budget cutbacks, the city council is approving big raises for a “select group” of employees – many already bank  six-figure salaries. Recently, the council voted to jack up utility rates, even though, Burbank Water and Power officials admit residents have reached a 20 percent reduction goal several years ahead of schedule. Something is seriously wrong in Burbank.

 A Southland lottery winner cashed in that missing $7 million SuperLotto Plus jackpot winning ticket last Monday, June 14. This is the unclaimed jackpot I posted about a few days ago. The ticket was bought in the 7-Eleven store at 3450 Overland Avenue in Los Angeles for the June 5 draw. Oh, the 7-Eleven gets a $35,000 bonus for selling that winning ticket.

 The owner of the lucky ticket wants to remain anonymous. According to lottery officials, the winner chose the annuity option and will receive increasing payments over 26 years, beginning with the first for $175,000. What are his plans?  The winner disclosed he intends to pay off some credit cards, some other bills, and take a long-awaited trip to Disney World!

Actress Demi Moore nails a $2 million book deal

Movie roles have been pretty slim for Actress, Demi Moore, lately, but she just scored a huge deal in the publishing biz. Over on Deadline.com, Mike Fleming reports Moore’s reps are working on the fine points of a book contract with HarperCollins. The word is this will not be a trip down memory lane. More here.

Screenwriting duo hook a deal to write “Monster High” musical

Alfred Gough and Miles Millar are very busy screenwriters/producers these days. And they are making a lot of dough at it. Gough and Millar are the showrunners for the TV hit, “Smallville.” Also, they wrote such male-focused films as ”Lethal Weapon 4,” “Shanghai Noon,” and “Spider-Man 2.”  For a some variety, they produced last year’s “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” which rang up $80 million at the domestic Box Office.

Now Gough and Millar are working on a monster musical about the trials and tribulations of high school — as experienced by the off-spring of Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman. “Monster High” is based on a new entertainment/toy line from Mattel. The Hollywood Reporter has a nice write up on the project. 

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — David Starr Jordan Middle School in Burbank

The 33-year-old David Starr Jordan Middle School teacher who reportedly confessed to Burbank police that she had a seven-month long sexual affair with one of her 14-year-old male students last year, entered a plea in Burbank Superior Court today.

 Amy Beck pleaded “no contest” to two counts of having sexual contact with a minor. Originally Beck faced at least four charges, but she reportedly got a plea deal. That’s no surprise. Beck’s case has had some strange twists from the get-go, which have suggested some sort of deal was in the works. On March 8, Beck turned herself in to Burbank Police. Her attorney, Michael Williamson, says she did it because, “…she was filled with guilt.” Then the ex-English and social science teacher refused to post bail, opting to stay behind bars so she could reportedly help detectives with the investigation.

KNX-1070 newsradio reported today that Beck could have faced a sentence of up to 18 years behind bars. Under the plea deal, she could get two years in state prison. One thing the deal could not change, when Beck gets out of prison she’ll have to register as a sex offender. Beck is the mother of three children and is married to a Los Angeles Police Officer.

Beck is due to be sentenced on May 7.

Photo: Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times — Michael Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, escorted into the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles 02/08/10

The late MIchael Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is out on bail today after being charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the entertainer’s death last summer. Murray pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in a courtroom near Los Angeles International Airport yesterday. The doctor faces a maximum of four years in prison.

As a condition of his $75,000 bail Murray, a licensed cardiologist, is not allowed to prescribe heavy sedatives, especially propofol.  A coroner’s report released yesterday listed propofol, routinely used in major surgery, as a key factor in the death of the King of Pop on June 25, 2009. Murray is accused of administering a fatal dose of propofol to Jackson as a sleeping aid.

In the courtroom, media from around the world as well as members of the Jackson family. Murray is due back in court April 5, to set a date for a preliminary hearing. The Los Angeles Times has more on the Murray hearing and the coroner’s report on Jackson’s death here.

Photo: Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times — La Toya Jackson, looking into the camera, is followed by her father Joe Jackson, wearing a hat, as both arrive at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles 02/08/10 

The State Department of Public Health is recommending all residents get a flu shot for the H1N1 virus as soon as possible. The so-called swine flu remains widespread in seven states, including California. Even though some indicators suggest H1N1 cases may be tapering off here, health officials fear another wave of the illness could hit after the first of the year.

As of December 19, 2009, that agency’s data reports 449 people have died from swine flu in California. In a story on the Los Angeles Times website, the Director of the State Department of Public Health, Dr. Mark Horton, claims California has received more than 12 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine: “We can now recommend that all individuals seek vaccination.”

Last week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health boasted of a healthy supply of H1N1 vaccine in a news release and urged anyone who hadn’t got one to get a vaccination for that type of influenza. It will be interesting to see if some of this vast supply of H1N1 vaccine, being touted by health officials, will make its way to the Burbank area, making some of those flu shots easier to find. The reality is that in recent days, flu shots have been very hard to score in some parts of Burbank.

 Are Zhu Zhu pets safe?

Zhu Zhu pets, the robotic hamsters that talk and move, are at the top of a lot of wish lists this holiday season. Recently, a California-based consumer watchdog group’s website reportedly sparked a controversy when it claimed there is a potentially harmful level of metal in the Mr. Squiggles model.

Now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has weighed in on the controversy, declaring Zhu Zhu pets are in line with toy standards. The latest on the story here.

Providence St. Joseph Medical Center being investigated by the feds

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded an ongoing probe into suspected radiation overdose of patients to include St. Joseph.

The focus is CT brain perfusion scans. Perhaps as many as 34 patients may have received the radiation overload at the Burbank hospital. This is the third medical facility in L.A. county to be included in this probe. The complete story on the L.A. Times website.

Even in death, the late superstar, Michael Jackson, can still generate millions of dollars in ticket sales. The legendary entertainer’s behind the scenes documentary, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” thrilled enough moviegoers to become the number one film in the country this weekend. The Jackson flick debuted with an estimated $21.3 million, falling short of some expectations, but still winning the domestic Box Office derby just the same.

Jackson was in the Los Angeles area rehearsing for his “This Is It” series of London concerts when he died suddenly on June 25, 2009. Later, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office ruled the pop icon’s death was a homicide, the result of a dangerous combination of drugs.  A criminal investigation continues into the singer’s death. Jackson was only 50-years-old when he died.

In second place at the Box Office, the horror thriller, “Paranormal Activity” with about $16.5 million. This little scary movie made on a shoestring budget of less than $20,000 has earned more than $80 million in six weeks. Last weekend, “Paranormal Activity” completed a remarkable climb to the number one spot.

The revenge drama, “Law Abiding Citizen” took in an estimated $7.3 million for third place, followed by the relationship comedy, “Couples Retreat” in fourth with $6 million and rounding out the top five, the horror film, “Saw V1″ with $5.5 million.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

Most visitors to cemeteries come bearing flowers and mementos not rakes, shovels, and cleaning supplies. At Grand View Memorial Park in Glendale, there is a hardy group of visitors who regularly arrive at the struggling cemetery ready to put in several hours of serious work; from clearing weeds and debris to cleaning tombstones and grave markers.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

Grand View will be open tomorrow, Sunday, September 6, from noon to 4 p.m., and if you drop by you’ll probably see some of these dedicated visitors hard at work, no matter how hot and dry the weather conditions. Grand View, a landmark in the local Burbank/Glendale community, has been in legal limbo for several years. Most of the problems for the 125-year-old cemetery began in 2005 when a state investigator discovered thousands of human remains that had been mishandled.

The cemetery is no longer a lush green resting place with rose gardens and an abundance of shady trees. It is in desperate need of care, therefore, a crew of visitors/volunteers pitch in when and where they can.

Grand View is open only on certain days by order of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Anthony Mohr. Later this month, Grand View will be open on September 20, and next month, on October 4 and 18. Grand View is located at 1341 Glenwood Road in Glendale.

Photo: Genaro Molina/ Los Angeles Times 08/30/09 — Wildfire rages in Acton.

That Angeles National Forest wildfire continues to rampage with over 105,000 acres burned today. This killer wildfire has claimed two lives, 35-year-old Arnaldo Quinones and 47-year-old Tedmund Hall. Both Los Angeles County firefighters were fatally injured in a truck accident in the fire zone yesterday.

The temperatures are a bit cooler today, but it’s still a tough fight for fire crews. There are about 2,500 firefighters battling the flames. So far, 21 homes have been destroyed. At this time,  as many as 12,000 homes are still being threatened.  

More photos and information on this and other wildfires burning in the Southland on the Los Angeles Times website.

Photo: Irfan Khan/ Los Angeles Times —An air attack on a flank of the wildfire approaching Acton.

That stubborn wildfire menacing several foothill communities north of Los Angeles has grown into a monster blaze. Today officials estimate more than 35, 000 acres have been scorched and thousands of homes are in danger forcing residents to pack-up and leave.

Fire crews are battling in hot temperatures to save homes in a number of neighborhoods. Some folks in La Canada are being allowed to return, but the threat is not over for other areas. The wildfire is spreading in a number of directions. A flank of the fire is bearing down on the Antelope Valley enclave of Acton. Most of the residents of that town have been evacuated as fire crews prepare to face off against the rampaging wildfire. The winds reportedly are kicking up in the area as well.

 Also the landmark Mt. Wilson site, an important communication center for police, fire, and the media, is reportedly in the path of some of those fast moving flames. Fire Officials say efforts to save it continue.

Meanwhile, the air quality was pretty bad today due to this wildfire and others burning in the Southland. This morning in Burbank, the air was hazy with smoke and smelled of brushfire. By the afternoon, the air had cleared somewhat and you could see the bellowing clouds of smoke from the fire in the Angeles National Forest against the backdrop of the San Gabriel mountains.  

UPDATE 8:50 p.m.

Two Los Angeles County firefighters were killed when the truck they were riding in went off a road and rolled over near Acton. The firefighters are the first deaths reported in the Angeles National Forest wildfire. Three civilians have been injured in this fire was well. Also, 18 homes destroyed, mostly in the Big Tujunga Canyon,  and that number is expected to go higher.

The fire has now burned 42,500 acres. There will be 1,800 firefighters on the lines through the night. So far the cost for fighting that fire, $7.7 million.

Photo: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times 08/28/09 — Firefighters take a break from battling the wildfire in the hills above La Canada Flintridge.                       

A wildfire that sparked in the Angeles National Forest above La Canada Flintridge last Wednesday is now on the rampage threatening several foothill communities today. The fire went from about 5,500 acres overnight to more than 20,000 acres today. Firefighters are battling the flames in triple digit temperatures with very low humidity. At one point, those flames came dangerously close to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. More than 1,000 firefighters are on the scene.

Evacuations have been ordered in sections of Glendale, Altadena, Pasadena, La Crescenta,  Big Tujunga Canyon as well as in La Canada Flintridge. Three people reportedly injured, but so far no homes have been lost.

UPDATE: 8:30 p.m.

Three homes damaged, along with several recreational cabins in the Big Tujunga Canyon area.

It’s official. The Los Angeles County Coroner has ruled the sudden death of Superstar Michael Jackson was a homicide. In a new release today, the coroner attributed the entertainer’s death on June 25, 2009 to a deadly combination of drugs.

According to the release: “Cause of death was established as acute propofol intoxication. Other conditions contributing to death: benzodiazepine. The drugs propofol and Lorazepam were found to be the primary drugs responsible for Mr. Jackson’s death. Other drugs detected were midazolam, diazepam, lidocaine, and ephedrine.” The final and complete coroner’s report will remain sealed at the request of the Los Angeles police department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The coroner’s finding is no surprise. There have been numerous news reports over the past few days that have suggested homicide would be the coroner’s conclusion. However, in this case homicide means death at the hands of another and does not refer to a criminal charge. Jackson’s personal physician, Cardiologist Conrad Murray, was with the singer at the time of his death. Dr. Murray is now the target of a Los Angeles Police manslaughter investigation surrounding Jackson’s death. 

File photo —  03/05/09/Bob Chamberlin/Los Angeles Times

Singer Chris Brown escaped a jail term in his felony domestic violence case this afternoon, but the Los Angeles County Superior Court judge slapped him with a tough probation sentence. Judge Patricia Schnegg sentenced the popular R&B entertainer to five years of felony probation, 180 days of community labor, and 52 weeks in a domestic violence counseling program. Brown will be serving his sentence in his home state of Virginia, but must return here periodically to provide Judge Schnegg with a progress report.

In June, the 20-year-old Brown pretty much accepted these terms when he admitted he was guilty of felony assault as part of a plea deal. The singer was arrested last February and was charged with beating then pop star girlfriend, Rihanna, during an argument in a rented sports car on a residential street in Los Angeles. It’s hard to forget that photo of Rihanna’s battered face.

Earlier,  a protective order was issued for the 21-year-old victim, Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Today the judge extended that restraining order until the end of Brown’s five years of probation. That may be the toughest punishment of all for Brown. Also, the judge warned Brown that she had heard “chatter” on the airwaves, like the rest of us, about the former lovers hooking up. If that happens from here on, it’s a violation of Brown’s probation and that would send him to state prison.

Meanwhile, Brown’s career has taken a beating as well. Since his arrest, the entertainer has lost lucrative endorsements and some radio stations have stopped playing his music. Rebuilding his career and image will probably be a top priority for Brown.

Photo: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times — Fans line up to view Michael Jackson’s star and pay their last respects.

Photo: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times — a fan reaches under a barricade to touch the star of Michael Jackson in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Photo: Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times — Fans celebrate the life and music of Michael Jackson in the Leimert Park area of L.A.  

 Funeral arrangements are underway for Pop Idol, Michael Jackson. Last night at around 9:30 p.m., the Los Angeles County Coroner released Jackson’s body to a local mortuary. An autopsy was completed yesterday, but L.A. County Coroner’s Office Spokesman Craig Harvey said more tests are needed to determine the exact cause of death. Harvey stated there was no sign of trauma or ”… indication of foul play.”  Those toxicology tests will take an extra 4-to-6 weeks.

The King of Pop died suddenly on Thursday. Jackson was rushed from his rented West Los Angeles home to UCLA Medical Center by paramedics. The 50-year-old singer had apparently stop breathing. Doctors tried to revive him, but failed. Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m.

The reaction to the superstar’s death has been overwhelming. Internet websites crashed from the huge traffic, radio stations have been playing his music nonstop, and fans around the world have gathered to remember the legendary entertainer’s incredible career and body of work. Jackson reportedly sold 750 million albums worldwide, 100 million of those were for “Thriller,” considered the best-selling album of all time. The night before he died, Jackson was working on a spectacular comeback tour and rehearsing in the Los Angeles area.

Meanwhile, there continues to be speculation that prescription drugs played a part in Jackson’s death. Police are reportedly trying to reach Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson’s live-in physician. Murray was reportedly at Jackson’s home when he died. Investigators spoke with Murray on Thursday, but want to question him again. Murray’s car, which was parked at Jackson’s home, has been impounded by police because it may contain evidence that could help unravel the mystery of what killed the music icon.

More photos related to the death of Michael Jackson on the Los Angeles Times website.

Photo: Reuters/stringer —Michael Jackson performing in Latin America in 1993

The end of an era. Pop Superstar Michael Jackson died today after suffering what may have been a heart attack. There are reports that the singer was not breathing and without a pulse when paramedics arrived at his West Los Angeles home at 12:30 p.m.

The 50-year-old music legend was rushed to UCLA Medical Center where efforts to revive him failed. Some of Jackson’s family members, along with the media, converged on the hospital. Also, a large crowd of onlookers and distraught fans gathered in front of the facility. Then at 2:26 p.m. this afternoon, the pop star was pronounced dead. Now it’s up to the Los Angeles Coroner to determine the exact cause of death.  

Jackson was reportedly rehearsing for a series of 50 concerts set to kick off in London next month. After years out of the public eye, Jackson announced the series of performances on March 5, 2009 as “… the final curtain.” Thousands of fans bought tickets and were looking forward to seeing a moon-walking Jackson deliver some electrifying performances.

Michael Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958, stepped into the spotlight as an extremely talented child and lead singer of the “Jackson 5.” That group of brothers was successful, but Michael became a superstar after going solo in 1971. Some of his most popular albums are ”Off the Wall” (1979), “Thriller” (1982), and “Bad.” “Thriller” is considered the best selling album ever. The music video, “Thriller,” was a ground breaker as well. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards. Also, Jackson starred in the movie musical “The Wiz” (1978), a take-off on the classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” story.

Michael Jackson’s career had its ups and down, and so did his personal life, which included bizarre behavior, strange changes in his appearance, the 2005 trial for child molestation in which he was acquitted, and two marriages and two divorces. One of his ex-wives is Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie. Jackson leaves behind three children, millions of fans, and a phenomenal music legacy.   

File Photo: TV Guide/Frank Micelotta/Getty Image–Rihanna & Chris Brown

Shortly before a preliminary hearing was set to get underway in a Downtown Los Angeles courtroom this afternoon, singer Chris Brown accepted a plea deal in his domestic violence case. Brown is accused of beating up long time girlfriend/singer/model, Rihanna, in a sports car on a Los Angeles street, following a pre-Grammy Awards party February 8, 2009.

Today Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury. The plea agreement calls for the 20-year-old entertainer to be sentenced to 180 days of community labor, which means it has to be something like trash clean-up or graffiti removal not handing out cookies to needy kids. Brown will be on probation for five years and must complete a year-long domestic violence program as well. The singer will be formally sentenced in August.

Apparently Rihanna’s appearance at the court and readiness to take the stand to detail the vicious attack, prompted Brown to take the deal. Also, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg ordered Brown to stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna, unless it’s at a public event and then it’s 10 yards.

The question being asked by a lot of folks now is will this couple get back together as so many others involved in domestic violence do? There’s been an incredible amount of publicity and attention focused on this incident, complete with publicized photos of 21-year-old Rihanna’s bloody and bruised face. Still, the statistics show that domestic violence victims frequently forgive their attackers and go back to them again and again. Rihanna has received a ton of advice from fans, experts, and even Oprah to dump Brown and move on. It’s her decision to make. We will have to wait and see what she decides.

Los Angeles County has its first H1N1 flu related death. Today L.A. County Health Official Dr. Jonathan Fielding announced a middle-aged woman with respiratory problems had died of the so-called swine flu last week. At this point, they don’t know how the woman contracted this new strain of the flu.

Dr. Fielding says there are other cases of H1N1 in the county: “…to date we have 102 confirmed … and 19 probable cases…” A few of the victims are sick enough to be hospitalized. This type of influenza popped up last April and has spread to a number of countries. There are more than 10,000 reported cases and at least 17 deaths from the HIN1 flu in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. 

A Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge threw the book at convicted murderer and music legend, Phil Spector, today. Judge Larry Paul Fidler sentenced the 69-year-old Spector to 19 years-to-life, the maximum term. Last month, a jury convicted the eccentric music producer of second-degree murder in the death of 40-year-old Lana Clarkson.

The B-Movie actress of such films as “Barbarian Queen” (1985) was found shot to death in the foyer of Spector’s Alhambra mansion in 2003. Spector’s first trial ended in a mistrial when the jurors were not able to reach a verdict, after deadlocking 10-to-2 in favor of conviction.

Spector will not be eligible for parole until age 88. During today’s hearing, Spector’s lawyers reportedly gave Clarkson’s mother a check for $17,000 to pay for the actress’ funeral, which was part of the sentence. A sad end for all concerned. Clarkson’s life was cut short by an act of senseless violence; Spector’s fame and image forever tarnished by the crime.

Back in the 1960s, Spector created the landmark recording technique of layering multi-instrumental tracks to produce what has come to be known as the ”wall of sound” effect. Spector used it on such rock hits as “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes and “You’ve Lost that Loving Feelin’” by the Righteous Brothers. Spector was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Photo:  starstories.astrology.com

Howard K. Stern, Anna Nicole Smith’s lawyer and companion, and two of the actress’ physicians were arraigned in a Downtown Los Angeles court today. The three defendants pleaded not guilty to charges they were involved in a conspiracy to provide the late actress with thousands of prescription pills and other drugs during the final years of her life.

Smith died in Florida in February of 2007, after being discovered unresponsive in a hotel room. Later, it was determined the 39-year-old former Playboy model died from a fatal drug overdose. The other two defendants in the case are 40-year-old Sandeep Kapoor and 61-year-old Khristine Eroshevich. State Attorney General Jerry Brown has accused 40-year-old Stern of being “the principal enabler” in an alleged scheme that involved prescriptions written using phony names.

Today, Commissioner Kristi Lousteau ordered Stern and the two doctors to give handwriting samples to investigators. Each defendant is free on $20,000 bond. The trio is due back in court on June 8, 2009 to set a date for a preliminary hearing.