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'Idol' Finalist Sierra Pleads No Contest To Battery Charge

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By THOMAS W.  KRAUSE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2007

Updated: 11/19/2007 01:07 pm

TAMPA - During a brief stay home after completing taping for her drug-rehab reality show, "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra pleaded no contest today to charges of felony battery and possession of cocaine.

   Jessica Sierra (File)

Circuit Judge Gregory Holder sentenced Sierra to 12 months probation and random drug screening. She must complete her current drug-rehab after-care program and must follow up with a second component to that program. Assistant State Attorney Felix Vega said he did not know whether the second portion of her rehabilitation would be televised.

Sierra, 22, must also pay restitution to the person she struck with a bar glass and must ask permission from her probation officer before traveling.

Sierra had hoped to enter a first-time offender pretrial diversion program, where the charges would be dropped after completion of her sentence. The victim of the battery, however, objected. When a victim objects, a diversion program is not allowed, Vega said.

Instead, Holder said he would withhold a finding of guilt. Therefore, the criminal charges will remain on Sierra's record, but she will not be deemed a convicted felon, assuming she completes her sentence without incident, Vega said.

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 and later said she may have mistaken Hadad for someone else.

A civil lawsuit is pending.

VH1 has announced the reality show "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" will premiere Jan. 10, consisting of eight one-hour episodes. Sierra is one of nine participants, including former female professional wrestler Chyna (Joanie Laurer) and actors Tom Sizemore and Andy Dick. The show will be hosted by celebrity addictions specialist and physician Drew Pinsky.

John Fitzgibbons, Sierra's attorney, said Sierra has done very well in rehab. In court, he produced two letters from officials who commented on her dedication to sobriety.

Sierra's current after-care program is in California, and follow-up taping of "Celebrity Rehab" continues from time to time.

Sierra is scheduled to sing at a Washington, D.C., concert for disabled veterans in December. Probation officials have indicated that the travel will most likely be approved, Fitzgibbons said.

Sierra, he said, is glad to have the charges behind her.

"This was very fair resolution of the case," Fitzgibbons said. "It's a very typical resolution for a first time offender with no criminal history. It will help her to get the help she has been getting and to further her career."

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.

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