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Former 'American Idol' Sierra cleared to talk to media

Tribune file photo by JULIE BUSCH

Jessica Sierra appears with her attorney John Fitzgibbons outside of the Courthouse Annex in March 2008.

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By TOM BRENNAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 15, 2009

Updated: 04/15/2009 02:38 pm

TAMPA - Former "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra is free to pursue her singing and acting career after a judge today lifted a ban on her being in front of cameras and microphones.

Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Gregory Holder erased another judge's order keeping Sierra at least 100 yards away from the media.

"I could have totally run over and kissed the guy," Sierra said of Holder.

She said she wants to return to the studio and record a "bluesy, kinda rock" CD about her life on drugs and her rehabilitation.

Sierra, who volunteers with a youth anti-drug program in California, also wants to make a reality show of her life to inspire others.

"I tell the kids my story and how drugs affected my life," she said.

Holder's ruling came over prosecutors' objections.

Assistant State Attorney Felix Vega said one of Sierra's counselors previously spoke in favor of the restrictions.

"He said she needed to be out of the spotlight to help her recovery," Vega said. "She is not to make a career out of her addiction and the crimes she committed."

Sierra's attorney, Stephen Iglesias, told Holder his client completed an in-patient treatment program and has tested drug free for the past 18 months.

"So far she's been doing great," he said.

Sierra said the clean drug tests probably swayed Holder.

"I think he was surprised I stayed sober," she said.

Sierra made a similar request in June in order to participate on the VH1 reality show "Celebrity Rehab II," although the request later was withdrawn.

Sierra was ordered into drug and alcohol treatment after an arrest in Ybor City in 2007. She was charged with misdemeanor disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer without violence.

The incident violated Sierra's probation from a felony charge for throwing a glass at a customer at a Hyde Park nightclub. While being booked on that charge, jailers found cocaine in Sierra's purse.

Circuit Judge Daniel Perry was handling Sierra's violation of probation case in January 2008 when he scolded her for speaking to the media and imposed the 100-yard order. He also placed her on 36 months of probation.

"You are not a celebrity; you are a drug addict," Perry told her.

Holder reminded Sierra that if she violates any condition of her probation she will go to prison for 10 years.

Betty Sierra said she's proud of her granddaughter's progress.

"I am confident she will continue to make these strides," she said.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 259-7698.

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