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Sierra Pleads Not Guilty
Julie Busch/Tribune photo
Sierra is being held without bail on the probation violation allegation.
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Published: December 6, 2007
Updated: 12/06/2007 01:21 pm
AUDIO: Phone Call From Jail
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TAMPA - Fallen "American Idol" star Jessica Sierra stood in a courtroom this morning, trying in vain to cover the worried look on her face with her long brown hair.
Jessica Sierra
Her attorney, John Fitzgibbons, told Circuit Judge Daniel Perry that he wasn't ready to directly address the charges against Sierra but would enter a not guilty plea on her behalf to the misdemeanor charges of disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer without violence.
The charges stem from a run-in she had with three officers early Saturday outside an Ybor City nightclub.
Fitzgibbons also said that for now he would deny that Sierra, 22, violated probation. He said he predicts that ultimately Sierra will not protest the charges.
Perry set a hearing for Dec. 20. Sierra will remain in jail at least until that hearing. She is being held without bail on the probation violation allegation.
Outside the courthouse, Fitzgibbons said Sierra has "talents" but also "demons."
He said he is trying to put together plans with doctors for a comprehensive drug and alcohol program.
"Ultimately I think the criminal justice system wants people to get help," Fitzgibbons said.
Asked whether he would request bail for Sierra at the hearing Dec. 20, Fitzgibbons shrugged.
"It depends on what the experts tell me," he said.
According to police reports, Sierra was kicked out of Full Moon Saloon in Ybor City. Outside the club, Sierra continued to cause a disturbance by trying to get back in and harassing patrons on the street, authorities said. When police intervened, she became combative, they said.
In a police car, reports state, she vomited, cursed and offered a sexual favor to an officer if he would release her. She used a racial slur against the officer, a word sometimes aimed at blacks. The officer is white.
In a recorded phone conversation Sierra made from jail, released by prosecutors Thursday, she sounds irritated but sober. The call was recorded at 9:19 a.m. Saturday, about seven hours after she was booked.
Sierra speaks loudly but does not slur her words as she talks to a woman she calls Aunt Sheila. Public records show a Sheila Baxter living at the home owned by Sierra's grandparents.
Sierra asks whether anyone has spoken to her father.
"He's livid," the woman says.
Sierra seems shocked, says she doesn't care about the charges and several times says she didn't do anything wrong.
"Well, that's not necessarily what really happened," says the exasperated woman. She says Sierra fought with a friend.
"I didn't fight nobody but the police," Sierra says, calling them "stupid" and "Crackers."
Sierra says police are alleging disorderly intoxication but "everybody's intoxicated in Ybor."
"You're not supposed to be," the woman says.
Sierra, who grew up in Tampa, was a 2005 Top 10 finalist on "American Idol." After a felony battery arrest in April at a Hyde Park nightclub, she was placed on probation. Her attorney said she had completed a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in California that was filmed and is scheduled to be aired on VH1 in January as a reality show: "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew."
After her previous arrest, she pleaded no contest to felony battery. Police said used a bar glass to hit a man. Sierra at first claimed the man had spit on her. She later said she might have mistaken him for someone else.
On the Web site for "American Idol," Sierra has a personal page where she says in a video interview that she did not meet her mother until she was 13 years old. She was raised by her grandparents.
In August 2004, just weeks before Sierra auditioned for "American Idol," her mother died of a drug overdose.
Her mother, Christine Sierra, had arrests and convictions for prostitution and drug charges dating to 1990.
In a questionnaire on the Web site, Sierra lists her grandmother as her inspiration and hero.
She also writes that people would be surprised to know that she is not as strong as she comes off.
"I have a lot of disappointment in my past that I have always tried to overcome on my own using music as my only release," she writes.
Getting past her mother's death, she writes, has been her greatest obstacle in life.
Asked about her definition of an "American Idol," Sierra writes that it is someone blessedwith the opportunity to share music with the world.
"They are also a role model to those who have their own hopes and dreams of becoming an American Idol," Sierra writes, "whether it be singing or any of other various talents."
Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( Desmo ) on December 6, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I hate to be mean, but they're making this woman out to be some big star or something, she's not. She didn't win AI, doesn't have any real talent other than messing her life up and isn't a big star. Get over it, she's a person who was on a reality show who now has a pretty severe drug and alcohol problem, that's it. Quit making her out to be something she's not because she's just really one of many hundreds of thousands with an addiction who can't function in society.
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Posted by ( InMyOpinion ) on December 6, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maybe she is acting out because she didnt win... You know like throwing a temper tantrum
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Posted by ( NEDLY ) on December 6, 2007 at 9:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What I don't get is they have her on tape and you can still plead not guilty.What a crock of crap.
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Posted by ( cavedog ) on December 6, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
NEDLY, that whole due process thing is a real pain, aint it?
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Posted by ( RobKay ) on December 6, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh GREAT! She figured out how to get more attention for herself only this time we'll have to pay for it. The greatest punishment for this bimbo would be total annonimity.
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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on December 6, 2007 at 9:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If she's not protesting the charges, shouldn't she have pleaded no contest?
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Posted by ( Janice ) on December 6, 2007 at 9:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She had an attitude on American Idol. I did not think she was all that good on there but apparently she feels that if she cannot get the attention she wants by singing, this is another way to do it. Stop giving her all this publicity!!
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Posted by ( crowbarlip ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
A no conntest plea is still an admission. A denial of a VOP is commonly done even when a defendant will ultimately admit wrongdoing so that a defense attorney can have some time to put together a sentencing strategy, try to have a mentally ill defendant evaluated by doctors, etc. Anything less, in certain circumstances, would be malpractice. It looks like this defendant's case is proceeding like most other defendants in similar positions.
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Posted by ( beth ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with one of the previous posters - the thing that would punish this girl the most is to simply ignore her! I think that for whatever reason she's just looking for attention. Hopefully some jail time will make her get her act together.
So much for her "celebrity" rehab front.. we won't need to watch the show to see how that turned out!
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
In other words, the defense wants to find a treatment program instead of her just landing in prison. She's already been through rehab once. Maybe a rehab NOT on tv will be of more help to her. The whole rehab on VH1 was probably just another way of trying to become famous. So she needs to focus on getting herself clean and forget trying to become a celebrity.
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Posted by ( pea ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:41 a.m.
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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I wonder if VH1 is going to add the footage of this recent debacle to the rehab show?
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Posted by ( reto ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
i still love her. i still support her. and all you haters suck! sorry....have YOU ever been in such a situation? it's time to help her, not bashing her folks!
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Posted by ( azzhole ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jessica Sierra who?
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Posted by ( NEDLY ) on December 6, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
can't say i have been in that situation either. anyone who can still love a courtney love wanna be with puke on her face is just not right, ate up just like trailer trash.
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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on December 6, 2007 at 11:27 a.m.
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Posted by ( GONASA ) on December 6, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Nice racial slurs, vomit-laced offers for oral sex, cocaine and a relative that refers to police as crackers oh and by the way her mom is a prostitute? Sounds to me like she should be the poster-child for this current ghetto-generation.
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Posted by ( Libbie ) on December 6, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think that she's just like so many of us out here with problems. Unfortunately, she has some small level of "celebrity" that has caused her actions to be plastered on all the news programs. I would hate for my life to be played out for all to see...but that's a price people pay to be "famous" (or infamous, as the case may be). Maybe she can get some help now. It sounds like her attorney is working towards that goal.
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Posted by ( DennyCrane ) on December 6, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The problem with the Sierra case is you have to WANT to be in rehab for it to do any good. The success of rehab for people who truely want help is only about 30%. The success rate for people who are court ordered into rehab or go into rehab as a show is only about 5%. Even if she goes into rehab she will need extensive counseling and anger management counseling. She is a wreck and cannot be saved unless she truely wants to save herself and that doesn't look like it is true at this stage of her life.
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Posted by ( JRain ) on December 6, 2007 at 11:42 a.m.
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Posted by ( midnight ) on December 6, 2007 at 11:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Isn't she Barts sister.
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Posted by ( mystic ) on December 6, 2007 at 11:56 a.m.
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Posted by ( Longball ) on December 6, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She is going to enter a DACCO treatment program for 18 months for first time probation offenders. If she stays clean for that time she will stay out of jail, however if she messes up. She will be writing songs about jail life
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Posted by ( devilschild335 ) on December 6, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Vomit, then give head?, That's new on American "Kinky" Idol, but it sounds like fun
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Posted by ( robertj1954 ) on December 6, 2007 at 12:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Let her get treatment, serious rehabilitation, not Hollywood fantasy. If she wakes ups and gets control then perhaps she can turn her life around.
She is out of control but young enough to learn from her serious mistakes that lead to her current situation. I hope it's not too late for her.
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Posted by ( Yankee ) on December 6, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mystic, I'm with you. The girl needs a lot of prayer not condemnation. Yes she has made poor choices and no she's not perfect. Then again, who is? The girl obviously is carrying a lot of pain and is due some serious counseling, preferably Godly counsel. I cannot imagine losing my mom at such an early age especially the way she died. We all handle things differently. Your problems can either make you a better person or just bitter. Jessica, I will definitely be praying for you.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on December 6, 2007 at 12:54 p.m.
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Posted by ( therockofages ) on December 6, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Men go to jail, women go to rehab. What is up with this sexist judicial system?
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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on December 6, 2007 at 1:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yankee, it's a little late for prayer.
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Posted by ( savagenation ) on December 6, 2007 at 1:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
100% quality
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Posted by ( Roberto ) on December 6, 2007 at 1:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
So here’s a recap of the past three months of media coverage.
“Now batting for Nick Bollea…Jessica Sierra, Sierra, Sierra….”
“Now batting for Jessica Sierra…Debra Lafave, Lafave, Lafave…”
“Now batting for Debra Lafave…Jessica Sierra, Sierra, Sierra….”
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Posted by ( DeadCenter ) on December 6, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Several years ago another person used the "fighting internal demons" approach to distance himself from the problem and describe why he had several extramarital relations ...President Clinton...It worked for him, maybe it'll work for Sierra....
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Posted by ( Yankee ) on December 6, 2007 at 2:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It's never too late for prayer. This is when it's the best time to pray.
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Posted by ( bmckeen ) on December 6, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
RunVapid- Maybe one of the funniest posts I have ever read--very witty
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Posted by ( sparkle24 ) on December 6, 2007 at 2:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't really see why this is such a big deal. There are several men and women that are arrested in Ybor, Channelside etc. every weekend due to these types of behaviors. The girl has issues... its times for her to suffer the consequences for her actions be it rehab, jail or other. But like previously stated you have to want to get better for rehab to work. I'm just glad they picked her up before she got into a car and killed someone.
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Posted by ( soco3267 ) on December 6, 2007 at 3:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
What is prayer going to do? I have relatives that keep saying the same thing about their son "pray for him" unfortunately he continues to do the drugs, alcohol and recently got his 15 year old girlfriend pregnant. The solution is to take responsibility for your actions and you can work to improve or continue down the path you are going which will lead you to an early death or jail. Sorry people, prayer isn't the answer.
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Posted by ( brianw73 ) on December 6, 2007 at 4 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She looks pretty good in orange.
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Posted by ( tapanga ) on December 6, 2007 at 4:17 p.m.
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Posted by ( life4takin ) on December 6, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She has some problems but we are all works in progress, I will wait until someone gets into ther 50s before I start calling them losers, I sure had some troubles in my youth. For all of you perfect people out there, I have allways found you to be rather boring.
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Posted by ( mr_mangina ) on December 6, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Life4atakin,
Gotta love your logic! Here was a pre-50 year old that based on your logic was a "work-in-progress" (All this prior to his 50th birthday):
Couey has an extensive criminal record that includes 24 arrests for burglary, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and indecent exposure. In 1991, he was arrested in Kissimmee on a charge of fondling a 5 year old child. During a house burglary in 1978, Couey was accused of grabbing a girl in her bedroom, placing his hand over her mouth and kissing her. Couey was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was paroled in 1980.
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Posted by ( life4takin ) on December 6, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mr_mangina
I don't see Couey and this chick at all the same, I would say that if we lock up all the youngsters with subsance abuse issues and throw away the key as to costly and of my friends in there 50s and myself none of us get high anymore.
When it comes to sex crimes I give no second chances yes then you trully are a LOSER and life in prison is fine.
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Posted by ( TonyD ) on December 6, 2007 at 5:12 p.m.
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Posted by ( Semperfi ) on December 6, 2007 at 5:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why has the public allowed her so much attention when in reality is she any different than any other addicted person out of control?? If she broke the law...let her do her time just like anyone else. I just don't understand what makes her any different or better because she was on American Idol! A druggie is a druggie and a criminal is just that...A CRIMINAL!!!
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Posted by ( xavia ) on December 6, 2007 at 5:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I would say her guide to being a starlet by Lindsay Lohan is going well. She even changed her hair color to match!
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on December 6, 2007 at 5:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This young lady has absolutely no control over what is happening to her right now. If you have a problem with the media, attack them! I agree with tapanga, sitting in jail for 2 weeks is harsh, cruel and unusual. Law enforcement gone wild.
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Posted by ( reptaddict ) on December 6, 2007 at 6 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"I didn't fight nobody but the police." Well all right then, let her out. She didn't do anything bad. And to think I felt sorry for her at first. Silly me.
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Posted by ( Chances_Are ) on December 6, 2007 at 6:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She's the cracker... Gotta love that phone conversation...
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Posted by ( bellesbabygirl72 ) on December 6, 2007 at 6:33 p.m.
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Posted by ( captseaweed ) on December 6, 2007 at 9:55 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh My God...can you belive just because I heaved in a PD car I can't get out of jail...instead of oral sex...Oh My God I should have soung the cop a lullaby...
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Posted by ( mystic ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Mysteryman, yes I do know a bit about this case and yes she was in a 3 week rehab for a TV show called Celebrity rehab, paid for by VH1 not the taxpayers.
It will air on Jan 10th if you care at all about her, then please watch it you will understand more of what she went through. I don't think she took it as seriously, as I think she would now, not to mention her attorney is looking into long term 18-24 months of locked down rehab as opposed to spending that same time rotting in a Florida Jail cell.
I think everyone is forgetting she is a 22 year old with a serious drug addition and that her Mom also died from drug overdose only 3 years ago and Jessica is unfortunately following too closely in her footsteps.
I am hoping for people to at least get an understanding of addiction and realize only prayers can really help her now.
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on December 6, 2007 at 10:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It is also OBSCENE that her telephone conversations were taped and made public. Also later this evening, I found out that the video of her arrest is "online" also. May as well move to a communist country. I'm disgusted with this country.
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Posted by ( BackWaterAngler ) on December 7, 2007 at 4:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
LOSER! Why are we wasting our breath on this AMERICAN IDIOT? She's had plenty of opportunities. She should've known better, I'm sure a condition of her probation was not to frequent night clubs... I mean, come on... She's cruisin' fer a bruisin'...
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Posted by ( jman50 ) on December 7, 2007 at 5:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Let her practice singing in jail, then maybe she will sing a different tune when she gets out.
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Posted by ( denmar ) on December 7, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Like mother, like daughter.
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Posted by ( jaydog713 ) on December 7, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Fitzgibbons said Sierra has "talents" too bad they don,t include singing. Understand there is a porn tape ready for release.
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Posted by ( Peacenharmony ) on December 7, 2007 at 10:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Based on the amount of posts, she is having lots more than her 15 minutes of fame. Stories such as these will always bring strong reactions-it's what sells. Don't we all love to read about other peoples downfalls?
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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on December 7, 2007 at 10:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Have you heard the latest? She's gone the way of Paris Hilton and there will be a sex tape out soon. Way to go, girl.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on December 7, 2007 at 12:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey, jagaka2 - Why don't you move to a communist country? Have a nice life in China, dumb-a**, we won't miss you.
p.s. - take Alec Baldwin with you, he ruined everything when he backed out on his promise to move to France in 2004...... Liberals.
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Posted by ( Felix ) on December 7, 2007 at 1:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mjmorningshow.com has a preview pic of her sex tape. It shows her doped up, sitting naked in a bathtub holding a cigarette with no bar of soap in site. She's destined to be just like her deceased mother because that's all she knows, drugs and prostitution. Wait until she gets winds of everything being said about her, they'll put her on suicide watch for sure. It will be hard for her to crawl out of this hole she dug for herself!
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Posted by ( Less1 ) on December 7, 2007 at 1:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yea, that girl is bad news...but what a voice. I had and still have a huge crush on her!
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Posted by ( mystic ) on December 9, 2007 at 1:35 p.m.
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