O. J. Simpson Las Vegas robbery case
Encyclopedia
The O. J. Simpson robbery case (officially called the State of Nevada v. Orenthal James Simpson, et al.) was a criminal case prosecuted in 2007-2008 in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...

 of Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...

, primarily involving the retired American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...

 player O. J. Simpson
O. J. Simpson
Orenthal James "O. J." Simpson , nicknamed "The Juice", is a retired American collegiate and professional football player, football broadcaster, and actor...

.

On the night of September 13, 2007, a group of men led by Simpson entered a room in the Palace Station
Palace Station
Palace Station is a hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a locals casino that is owned and operated by Station Casinos and has 1,028 rooms...

 hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bruce Fromong, a sports memorabilia dealer, testified that the group of men broke into his hotel room and stole various sports memorabilia
Sports memorabilia
The term sports memorabilia usually refers to anything that can be directly connected to a sports event or personality. These items are generally gathered by the fans of the particular sport, athlete or team that the item signifies or by collectors who find value in the rarity time-value of these...

 at gunpoint. Three days later, on September 16, 2007, Simpson was arrested for his involvement in the robbery and held without bail. 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.

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
O. J. Simpson murder case
The O. J. Simpson murder case was a criminal trial held in Los Angeles County, California Superior Court from January 29 to October 3, 1995. Former American football star and actor O. J...

 of his wife, Nicole, and Ronald Goldman. On December 5, 2008, Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison with eligibility for parole in nine years.

Investigation and trial

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
Robbery
Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force or by putting the victim in fear. At common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear....

 with a deadly weapon, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault
Assault
In law, assault is a crime causing a victim to fear violence. The term is often confused with battery, which involves physical contact. The specific meaning of assault varies between countries, but can refer to an act that causes another to apprehend immediate and personal violence, or in the more...

 with a deadly weapon, and one count of burglary
Burglary
Burglary is a crime, the essence of which is illicit entry into a building for the purposes of committing an offense. Usually that offense will be theft, but most jurisdictions specify others which fall within the ambit of burglary...

 with a deadly weapon. Alexander was on his way to McCarran International Airport
McCarran International Airport
McCarran International Airport is the principal commercial airport serving Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada, United States. The airport is located five miles south of the central business district of Las Vegas, in the unincorporated area of Paradise in Clark County. It covers an area of and...

 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 men's homes. The individuals involved in the case were:
  • O.J. Simpson: suspected 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 who would have been an accomplice but had a timing 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.


On September 16, Simpson was arrested by Clark County, Nevada
Clark County, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...

, authorities. The celebrity gossip website TMZ.com
TMZ.com
TMZ.com is a celebrity news website that debuted on November 8, 2005. It was a collaboration between America Online and Telepictures Productions, a division of Warner Bros., until Time Warner divested AOL in 2009. However, it is still affiliated with AOL News and has the AOL News logo affixed in...

 published an audio recording of the incident which indicated Simpson and others shouted at the occupants of the room and demanded the return of various items. On the audiotape, recorded by Thomas Riccio, Simpson is heard saying: "Don't let nobody out of this room. Motherfucker, you think you can steal my shit and sell it?" 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.

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

In an interview, Walter Alexander said he thought 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. 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. During police questioning Alexander said 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."

Simpson appeared in court
Court
A court is a form of tribunal, often a governmental institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with the rule of law...

 on September 19, 2007. Represented by attorneys from Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...

 and Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...

, Simpson was granted a bail of $125,000. Presiding Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace
A justice of the peace is a puisne judicial officer elected or appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace. Depending on the jurisdiction, they might dispense summary justice or merely deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions...

 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. Both defendants, Clarence Stewart and O.J. Simpson, were charged with:
  • Count 1: Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
  • Count 2: Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping
  • Count 3: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery
  • Count 4: Burglary while in Possession of a Deadly Weapon
  • Count 5: 1st Degree Kidnapping with Use of a Deadly Weapon (for Bruce Fromong)
  • Count 6: 1st Degree Kidnapping with Use of a Deadly Weapon (for Alfred Beardsley)
  • Count 7: Robbery with Use of a Deadly Weapon (for Bruce Fromong)
  • Count 8: Robbery with Use of a Deadly Weapon (for Alfred Beardsley)
  • Count 9: Assault with a Deadly Weapon (for Bruce Fromong)
  • Count 10: Assault with a Deadly Weapon (for Alfred Beardsley)


The trial began on September 8, 2008 in the court of Nevada District Court
Nevada District Courts
The Nevada District Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in the Nevada state court system.In the District Courts "criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters are generally resolved through arbitration, mediation, and bench or jury trials."...

 Judge Jackie. On October 3, 2008, Simpson was found guilty of all charges. On October 10, 2008, Simpson's attorneys, Yale Galanter
Yale Galanter
Yale Galanter is an American criminal defense attorney based in Miami, Florida best known for representing O. J. Simpson since 2000.-Biography:Galanter was born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to Robert and Beverly Galanter...

 and Gabriel Grasso, PC moved for new trial
New trial
A new trial or retrial is a recurrence of a court case. Depending on the rules of the jurisdiction, a new trial may occur if:*a jury is unable to reach a verdict ;...

 (trial de novo
Trial de novo
In law, the expression trial de novo means a "new trial" by a different tribunal...

) on grounds of judicial errors (two jurors of the same race as Simpson were dismissed) and insufficient evidence. Simpson’s co-defendant, Clarence "C.J." Stewart's attorney, E.Brent Bryson
E. Brent Bryson
E. Brent Bryson is a criminal defense attorney based out of Las Vegas Nevada, most recently known for his involvement in the O.J. Simpson Las Vegas robbery case, where he defended co-defendant Clarence "C.J" Stewart. In 2008 Clarence "C.J." Stewart received a 7 1/2 – 27–year sentence for his...

 also petitioned for new trial, alleging Stewart should have been tried separately, and cited perceived misconduct
Misconduct
A misconduct is a legal term meaning a wrongful, improper, or unlawful conduct motivated by premeditated or intentional purpose or by obstinate indifference to the consequences of one's acts....

 by the jury
Jury
A jury is a sworn body of people convened to render an impartial verdict officially submitted to them by a court, or to set a penalty or judgment. Modern juries tend to be found in courts to ascertain the guilt, or lack thereof, in a crime. In Anglophone jurisdictions, the verdict may be guilty,...

 foreman, Paul Connelly. Galanter and Stewart later appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court after Judge Glass denied their motions, and the defendants were found guilty. In October 2010, the Nevada Supreme Court affirmed Simpson's convictions while Stewart's appeal was accepted. Stewart was released in January 2011 after entering an Alford plea
Alford plea
An Alford plea in United States law is a guilty plea in criminal court, where the defendant does not admit the act and asserts innocence...

 and being sentenced to 9 months house arrest and 3 years probation. Galanter motioned for a rehearing of the Simpson appeal in November 2010, which was denied by the Nevada Supreme Court in February 2011.

Simpson was sentenced on December 5, 2008. The judge ordered eight of the ten counts to run concurrently, with a maximum sentence of 33 years (until 2041) with parole possible after nine years in 2017 when Simpson becomes eligible at age 70. Simpson was incarcerated in the Lovelock Correctional Center.

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
Clark County, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...

 Judge Ann Zimmerman. A third suspect, Clarence Stewart, is arrested and charged with six felony counts similar to Walter Alexander.

September 18, 2007 — Several additional charges such as first degree kidnapping
Kidnapping
In criminal law, kidnapping is the taking away or transportation of a person against that person's will, usually to hold the person in false imprisonment, a confinement without legal authority...

 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. Thomas Riccio who set up and recorded the encounter is given immunity by the District Attorney and will be a witness for the prosecution.

September 19, 2007 — Simpson is released on $125,000 bail
Bail
Traditionally, bail is some form of property deposited or pledged to a court to persuade it to release a suspect from jail, on the understanding that the suspect will return for trial or forfeit the 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. 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".

November 8, 2007 — Simpson attends a preliminary hearing to determine whether he should be tried for the charges.

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 first set for April 7, 2008.

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
Jury
A jury is a sworn body of people convened to render an impartial verdict officially submitted to them by a court, or to set a penalty or judgment. Modern juries tend to be found in courts to ascertain the guilt, or lack thereof, in a crime. In Anglophone jurisdictions, the verdict may be guilty,...

 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.

September 8, 2008 — Jury selection begins.

September 10, 2008 — Blogger J.Son Dinant
J.Son Dinant
Jason "J.Son" Dinant is an American comedian, actor and Reality TV personality best known for his appearances on MTV's Fear and A&E's Inked as well as his online series "Naked Boy News".-Early life and education:...

 disrupts pre-trial hearings when he accidentally talks to potential jurors.

September 15, 2008 — Trial begins.

October 3, 2008 — The jury
Jury
A jury is a sworn body of people convened to render an impartial verdict officially submitted to them by a court, or to set a penalty or judgment. Modern juries tend to be found in courts to ascertain the guilt, or lack thereof, in a crime. In Anglophone jurisdictions, the verdict may be guilty,...

 unanimously finds Simpson guilty on all 12 counts against him, including robbery
Robbery
Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force or by putting the victim in fear. At common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear....

 and kidnapping
Kidnapping
In criminal law, kidnapping is the taking away or transportation of a person against that person's will, usually to hold the person in false imprisonment, a confinement without legal authority...

 charges. After the verdicts are read by courtroom clerk Sandra Jeter 11:00 pm local time (0600 GMT), Clark County
Clark County, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...

 District Court Judge Jackie Glass denies Simpson's bail
Bail
Traditionally, bail is some form of property deposited or pledged to a court to persuade it to release a suspect from jail, on the understanding that the suspect will return for trial or forfeit the bail...

 petition and he is removed in handcuffs
Handcuffs
Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists close together. They comprise two parts, linked together by a chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each half has a rotating arm which engages with a ratchet that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person's wrist...

, facing life imprisonment
Life imprisonment
Life imprisonment is a sentence of imprisonment for a serious crime under which the convicted person is to remain in jail for the rest of his or her life...

.

October 10, 2008 — Simpson files a motion for new trial
New trial
A new trial or retrial is a recurrence of a court case. Depending on the rules of the jurisdiction, a new trial may occur if:*a jury is unable to reach a verdict ;...

.

November 7, 2008 — Simpson's motion for a new trial is denied
Denied
"Denied" is a song by the San Diego-based rock band Unwritten Law, produced by Greg Graffin and released as the second single from the band's 1996 album Oz Factor.-Band:*Scott Russo - vocals*Steve Morris - guitar, backing vocals*Rob Brewer - guitar...

.
December 5, 2008 — Simpson and Clarence Stewart were sentenced in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both will serve their sentences at the Lovelock Correctional Center
Lovelock Correctional Center
Lovelock Correctional Center is a Nevada Department of Corrections prison in unincorporated Pershing County, Nevada, near Lovelock.-History:Lovelock is located in Pershing County and is the seventh major institution of the Nevada Department of Corrections. It was constructed and opened in two...

 in Lovelock, Nevada
Lovelock, Nevada
Lovelock is a city in western Nevada that is the county seat of Pershing County, the location of a prison, and the namesake of the area's Cold War gunnery range...

. 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. The state was seeking a minimum of 18 years in pre-sentencing report.

May 5, 2009 — Simpson appeals his conviction to the Nevada Supreme Court.

August 3, 2009 — A three-judge panel of the Nevada Supreme Court grants a rare "after-the-fact" bail hearing.

October 22, 2010 — The Nevada Supreme Court affirms Simpson's convictions.

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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