VENTURA : Lawyer Faces Charge of Giving Minor LSD

A Ventura attorney accused of having an LSD party in his office in May faces an additional charge of furnishing LSD to a minor.

Douglas A. Palaschak, 42, pleaded not guilty to the charge Tuesday in Ventura County Municipal Court. He had already pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of LSD and conspiracy to possess LSD.

In a June interview, Palaschak acknowledged buying LSD from his secretary and having an impromptu party in his office May 9.

His attorney, Steve Pell, has declined to comment, but Palaschak said his arrest was illegal.

He also defended the use of LSD in some social settings.

His former secretary, 18-year-old Jessica Jobin, pleaded not guilty to LSD possession charges.

During their appearance Tuesday, Jobin sat on the opposite side of the courtroom from Palaschak, who was accompanied by a woman he identified as his new secretary.

The new charge against Palaschak involves another former office worker, a 17-year-old girl who left the party and summoned police.

She told investigators that Palaschak offered her LSD, but that she declined.

Judge Kenneth W. Riley rescheduled Palaschak’s preliminary hearing for Sept. 6.

He remains free on a promise to appear in court.