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Former 'Idol' Contestant Could Face 11 Years

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By Josh Poltilove and Carlos Moncada of the Tampa Tribune

Published: December 2, 2007

Previous Coverage | Court Video
Link To Sierra's American Idol performance on AOL

TAMPA - Former "American Idol" contestant Jessica Sierra was denied bail this morning, and a judge told her she could face up to 11 years and 60 days in prison if convicted of violating her probation.

Tampa police arrested Sierra in Ybor City about 2 a.m. Saturday morning after she created a disturbance inside the Full Moon Saloon, 1612 E., a criminal report affidavit said. She faces charges of disorderly intoxication, resisting arrest without violence and violating probation, according to Tampa police.

"Obviously the bar scene isn't working out so well for you," the judge told her today. "I would suggest that you find another form of entertainment."

About two weeks ago, the 22-year-old singer pleaded no contest to charges of cocaine possession and felony battery for hitting a man with a glass at a bar in April.

Sierra remains in Orient Road Jail. A jail official said Sierra declined The Tampa Tribune's request for an interview.

The affidavit says she was escorted from the club and walked across the street, then began fighting with a friend. Sierra walked away, then began pushing people who were walking on the sidewalk in front of the club, yelling and screaming at them, the affidavit states.

She was arrested after pushing away a police officer who tried to restrain her. The affidavit said Sierra had a strong smell of alcohol on her breath, was unsteady and had glassy eyes.

On April 29, Sierra was arrested at Hyde Park Cafe, where she was accused of picking up a glass and striking Wisam Hadad above the eye. Hadad said he had never met the singer. She claimed he spat on her but later said she may have mistaken Hadad for someone else.

Circuit Judge Gregory Holder sentenced Sierra Nov. 19 to 12 months' probation and random drug screening. She was to complete a drug-rehabilitation after-care program and follow up with a second component to that program.

A top-10 contestant on the talent show "American Idol" in 2005, Sierra entered a California rehab facility in July. Her outcome was to be documented on VH1's reality show "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" early next year.

Follow crime throughout the day at TBO.com, Keyword: Crime Blog

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Reporter Carlos Moncada can be reached at cmoncada@tampatrib.com or (727) 385-5687.

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