Fallen "American Idol" star Jessica Sierra stood in a courtroom Thursday morning, trying in vain to cover the worried look on her face with her long brown hair. ...more

December 7, 2007

TAMPA - Fallen "American Idol" star Jessica Sierra stood in the courtroom this morning, her long brown hair covering the worried look on her face. 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 plea of not guilty on her behalf to charges of disorderly intoxication and misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence. ...more

December 6, 2007

Private conversations with an underage female co-worker landed Debra Lafave in jail Tuesday afternoon, just days before she was expected to request early release from house arrest. ...more

December 5, 2007

Debra Lafave, the former Greco Middle School teacher currently serving house arrest for having sex with a 14-year-old student, was arrested about 12:30 p.m. today for a probation violation, according to jail records. ...more

December 4, 2007

Former "American Idol" contestant Jessica Sierra was facing new charges Saturday after Tampa police arrested her in Ybor City. ...more

December 2, 2007

Former American Idol contestant Jessica Sierra is facing more charges today after Tampa police arrested her in Ybor City early this morning. ...more

December 1, 2007

Two years ago, two Hillsborough County teachers made headlines for crimes against children. ...more

December 1, 2007

TAMPA - Two years ago, two Hillsborough County teachers made headlines for crimes against children. Their controversial sentences – house arrest rather than prison – drew the ire and protests of many in the community. Although prosecutors at the time said house arrest is not easy and violations are common, both Jennifer Porter and Debra Lafave have completed two years of house arrest with no violations – an unusual feat, local lawyers say. ...more

November 30, 2007

During a brief stay home after taping her drug-rehab reality show, "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra was sentenced Monday for throwing a glass at a bar patron and cocaine possession. ...more

November 20, 2007

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. ...more

November 19, 2007