TV Actor’s Hearing Halted by Judge
A Van Nuys municipal judge on Thursday halted a preliminary hearing for television actor Adam Rich, who is charged with burglary, when prosecutors became suspicious that the former “Eight is Enough” star was under the influence of drugs.
However, shortly after being taken into custody in the courtroom, Rich, 22, was released by Los Angeles police when his attorney convinced them that the actor was feeling the effects of a prescription drug.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Teri M. Hutchison said Rich still could be charged depending upon urinalysis results.
Defense attorney Floyd Siegal acknowledged that Rich appeared pale and listless in court but said it was the “combined effect of sleeplessness and the painkillers. He’s under a lot of stress.”
Rich is charged with burglary in an April 6 break-in at the Medallion Prescription Pharmacy in West Hills.
Police said he broke two windows and entered the store to obtain drugs but left without them.
Judge Robert L. Swasey ordered the hearing, which had barely gotten under way, to resume Oct. 2.
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