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Simpson Posts Bail; Attorney Says He Will Plead Not Guilty

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By KEN RITTER, The Associated Press

Published: September 20, 2007

LAS VEGAS - O.J. Simpson was released from jail Wednesday after posting bail in connection with the armed robbery of sports memorabilia collectors at a Las Vegas hotel.

Wearing a light blue sport coat and dark blue pants, Simpson carried a black bag as he strolled to a sedan with his attorney and left the Clark County Detention Center.

He did not speak to reporters or to at least one bystander who cheered.

Another spectator shouted, 'Justice for Nicole, justice for Ron,' as Simpson walked to the car, a reference to Simpson's acquittal in the slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend Ron Goldman.

Simpson's attorney has said he expected the former football star to return to his Florida home.

Simpson, who spent three nights in the Las Vegas jail, was freed about two hours after appearing in court, where a justice of the peace set his bail at $125,000.

Also Wednesday, a key witness in the case was arrested in Las Vegas on a parole violation.

Alfred Beardsley, 46, was arrested by a fugitive task force at the Luxor hotel and casino, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

Beardsley is one of the two sports memorabilia collectors accusing Simpson and other men of barging into a hotel room and stealing autographed footballs.

Authorities said Beardsley was wanted on a California warrant for a parole violation. He was jailed pending extradition to California.

Earlier in court, Simpson did not enter a plea but said he understood the charges against him, including first-degree kidnapping, which carries the possibility of life in prison with parole.

He answered quietly in a hoarse voice and nodded as Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure Jr. laid out restrictions for his release.

Attorney Yale Galanter said Simpson would plead not guilty.

Simpson posted bail through the 'You Ring We Spring Bail Bonds' company, said bondsman Miguel Pereira, who drove Simpson's relatives and girlfriend to and from the courthouse in a black SUV.

Pereira said he wasn't nervous about accepting the bond. The company is responsible for ensuring Simpson attends court hearings.

'He's not a flight risk. I have a gut feeling and I'm good at my job,' Pereira said.

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